I bought a training plan by Joe Friel at www.trainingpeaks.com to prepare to ride in Cycle Oregon, a week long 400+ mile tour. I've followed it for 20 weeks & have come so far! Following the plan gave me a sort of life preserver when I felt overwhelmed or daunted by the challenge of my big goal. Every step of the way, I could do what was on my plan that week, and that helped me to believe that come September, I'd be ready for the big enchilada.

Surprisingly (to me), my plan required mostly easy, flat rides at first. I had to wear my HR monitor to make myself go slower then I felt that I could go. Sounds backwards, doesn't it? My DH & his cycling buddies were somewhat skeptical in the beginning that I wasn't doing any climbing, but when the climbing rides were added in later on, I was so ready for it. I am sold completely on base building now. And on training with a plan.