Train for faster or longer?

[indysteel]

The training plan that I just finished would mix it up. If you have time to ride on both weekend days, I would do speed intervals on Saturday, then do a long somewhat easier ride the next day. Do them in that order, so you have plenty of strength for the intervals.

I've always heard to add no more than 10% per week. So, start with your 50 mile rides, next week do 55, then 60.5, etc.

I think you can work on both at the same time. I use my weekday training rides, which are 24 miles or so, to work on speed. You can do intervals or just try ot keep up with a group that's a bit faster than you. During the weekend, I do longer, somewhat slower rides. Of course, the Type A in me usually wants to ride faster on the weekend than I probably should, but that's another story!

Good luck with the century!