Thanks to all for the feedback. I have been working on my upper body strength and concentrating on getting my bike comfortable (in addition to putting on some miles). Now here's a new problem: winter. OK, it's not winter but it's 45º and raining and it's going to be like this until it is 30 below and snowing. I have a trainer but I haven't used one before. Do I need a special tire for my bike? The LBS says I should get one that's tough and dissipates heat. I think I would do well with training videos. Are there any that people can recommend? Most of the training schedules I have looked at online just say to ride 15 miles this day and 40 miles that day but does all that still work when you're on a trainer?

The ride doesn't start until March but I'm getting a little nervous here. My goal is to ride every mile of the 3,115 mile journey (but I know things happen - anything over 3000 miles would keep me happy). Any help is greatly appreciated.