The 4 hour barrier

[CR400]

Remember time in the saddle is ultimately dependent on how far you want to go and how long it will take you. If it only takes you 4 hours to do the 70 miles then great. Jump your training rides up to 80 or 90 to get the extra time. Oh and by the way if you can ride 80 miles you should go out and try the 112 somewhere. That is only 32 miles more then the 80. All you need is to be able to do 3/4 of the distance comfortably to be ready for the whole thing. My first year cycling I did a ride that was 60 miles long and then turned around the next week and did a century. Untill then my longest ride was a 50 miler, a few weeks before.

[Wahine]

Those are really good points CR400. I'm pretty sure I can do the 112 right now. I just gotta make myself do it. The tough part is that I want to do it several times before I race, and then some. So I know I can get off the bike and run my marathon with a fair amount in the tank. That's where I'm having trouble. I'm not worried about finishing anymore, so I tend to be less disciplined. It's easier to blow off workouts when you're not faced with the threat of not finishing. But at the same time, if I want to PR, I need to put the time in like you said.

But all these responses are going to help me get through the next long ride.

[Alex]

Wahine,

Which IM are you training for?

Alex

[Veronica]

Next time you want to stop early imagine me telling you, "Don't be a wuss! If I can be on the saddle for 16 hours, you can do 5 or 6! Now PEDAL Gosh Darn It!"

Okay so I don't get off the bike and run a marathon... but you get my point.

So how far away is the Columbia River Gorge? Do I need to come ride with you?

V.

[Starfish]

So how far away is the Columbia River Gorge? Do I need to come ride with you?
V.

Aaah...Veronica, Wahine is about 4.5-5.0 hours away from me! You should both come up and do the 112 mile loop up here!

Wahine: I know you're not traveling just now, but when you are, it so happens that there is a perfect route for you here...112 miles, 7000' climbing. You can see the route and elevation gain at: http://www.olympiccyclingclassic.com

And, you had your chance to ride with wussy old me. Now Veronica is talking about coming up here to ride with you...now you're REALLLLLLY in trouble!

[Wahine]

Alex - I'm training for IM Canada on August 26th. I still have lots of time, but I'd like to get as many long rides in as I can.

Veronica - You rock. I can already hear your voice in my head. It's about a 12 hour drive up here. You can make it for my next long ride (not this weekend but the next), can't you?

Starfish - You're right, now I've got V on my azz. That ride looks amazing. I am definitely getting it together to come up sometime this summer.

[Veronica]

If you're free, come do the Tour de Blast with us, June 23.

V.

[Starfish]

If you're free, come do the Tour de Blast with us, June 23. V.

Quick thread hijack...Veronica, get out! Are you coming up for this?

[Wahine]

If you're free, come do the Tour de Blast with us, June 23.

V.

Dang!! I would love to do that. Alas, it's the same weekend as the Pacific Crest Half Ironman in Sunriver OR (close to bend).

But, the Mt. Adams Country Bicylcing Tour is the following weekend - 100 miles, lots of climbing and fantastic scenery if anyone is interested.

http://www.troutlake.org/biketour/20...ation_Form.pdf

It's about 1.5 hours away from the Longview ride you're doing.

I'll be doing that one for sure. Any takers, Starfish? V. will you still be around?

[Veronica]

We'll be down in Oregon then - mountain biking.

V.

[Starfish]

I'll be doing that one for sure. Any takers, Starfish? V. will you still be around?

I doubt that I would come back down for that just a week after Tour de Blast. It sounds like a great ride, though! Dang!

[Andrea]

I'd like to add that you should try to take in ~100 calories every 30 minutes. Most people wait 45-60 minutes between snacks, and I've found that every 30 keeps me going much longer.

Caffiene helps a LOT, too. Just get used to taking it slowly, because a full 200mg dose of the stuff can tear your stomach to shreds if you're not a regular user. I'd say start with a 50mg dose every couple of hours. The fatigue-eliminating and fat-burning effects of caffeine are dose-response in nature, meaning that the higher the dose you can tolerate, the better response you will get with your workout.