Quote Originally Posted by Alex View Post
Congratulations!

How did you train for the event?

Alex
I ride a LOT!!! But I think what helped the most is the fact that during late winter (Jan-March) I regularly ride with a group that goes out for very rough 30 mile rides (mountainous terrain with lots and lots of climbing!) the rides usually take 6 - 8 hours...these rides are typically one every weekend. We also road ride quite a bit with consistent pedaling for over 1-2 hours (Blue Ridge Parkway)

This year in the early winter months I also did weight training, swimming, running and again consistent riding. I could have done more but with a hubby in a foot cast I slacked a bit so I could spend time with him...he is my favorite riding partner!!!

This was my 2nd ever 12 hour race...I learned a ton from the first one. The first 12 hour I went out to learn...not to race. I merely wanted to be out there for the entire 12 hours, not overdo it and blow up so I went at a steady pace and took long (15 minute) breaks in between each lap.

This race I went out to race! I never sat down in between laps...had grab-and-go food (uncrustables, prepackaged crackers, Hammer Perpetuem, Gus, chicken noodle soup {yep, straight from the can...works wonders and is better than pickle juice!}, and chocolate milk!) My feed zone was at the bottom of a 2-3 mile gravel climb so I would grab some munchies and consume them on my way up...I always had a flask of HammerGel in my pocket and had a mild mixture of electrolytes in my camelbak (which I had 2 so I could swap them and hubby would have a fresh one on the next round)

Also...this is icky, but, I would normally take the time to swap shorts but I did not because my competitor was too close...I changed jerseys right about sunset so I had a dry one on to stay warmer (these mtn nights can get chilly fast!)

I just bought Joe Friel's Mountain Bike Training Bible and hoping that will make a difference next year...and if we can keep injuries at bay hubby and I will be able to train more together! He is faster so that would help me a ton!

***side note about hubby: since his injury he has slowed down so I am whipping his butt!!!! I know it won't last long but it is fun for now...hehehhehe!!!! and I really do think he enjoys seeing me ride off in the distance...I did it at the race! Life is good!