I need Karma, advice, something

[DDH]

I am going to ride by myself in an organized ride tomorrow for the first time. That's not a problem but since I will be by myself and can take my time, I want to try to ride the 50 miles instead of just the 25 like I had planned. My problem is this, I have not been able to get over letting the 50 defeat me 2 years ago, and haven't gone more than 30 miles since.
I feel like I don't progress and I don't know if I don't let myself, or if I'm just not physically able.

I can go 25 miles fairly easily and thats with quite a few good hills thrown in, so what do you girls and or guys think, should I try it again?

All advice and pushing is welcome.

[HoosierGiant]

We are always capable of sooo much more than we think we are. Absolutely, you can do it! If you can do 25-30, you can do 50. Yes, you can! Concentrate on enjoying yourself; focus on the natural beauty around you and the sometimes humorous behavior of other riders you'll see along the way; stay hydrated; stay fueled; and have fun, fun, fun!!

Without a doubt, crossing the finish line is a grand accomplishment, but it's the journey that teaches us the life lessons. I keep the following quote on my cycling bulletin board:

Out here
the only decisions
really are
where to stop
where to rest
how to take your lessons home.
~~ Lizzie Wann, "Freeway"

Here's to a successful 50 miles and the lessons you'll learn about yourself along the way! You go, girl!!

[Blueberry]

DDH-

I think you CAN do the 50. I've had some mental blocks - and I did an 80 mile ride last year, with my longest ride being 40. I believed I could do it, and I rested, ate and paced myself as I needed to. I finished, and finished strong.

So...my vote is go for it!!!

[wackyjacky1]

Ditto on the above! Relax and have fun. I love the quote that HoosierGiant posted, it's good advice to keep in mind.

Back when I used to ride a lot, I did long, organized rides all the time. I realized that I usually finished near the back of the pack (with the old folks and little kids ) but I found that it didn't bother me because I just really enjoyed being out there on my bike.

You can do it!

[uforgot]

and be sure and give us a full report after the ride!

[kat_h]

You could try my strategy and stop for a bowl of soup 2/3 of the way through.

[Flybye]

Think of it as 2 - 25 mile rides. If you are feeling like quitting, make sure you let yourself rest for at least half an hour and have something to eat at the start of the half hour rest.
I really think you will surprise yourself!

[HoosierGiant]

I'd done imperial centuries the year before, but my longest ride prior to last year's 160-mile RAIN (Ride Across INdiana) was 80 miles. I was having soooo much fun that the miles just flew by!! The mind is truly an awesome thing. Partner it with grit, will, and determination, and anything can happen!

[Zen]

Read this and have no doubt.
http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/con...oy-of-Failure/

Credit bouncybouncy for the original post, it really stuck with me.

[cycle]

If you can do 25 miles with no problem you can do 50 with no problem! You are fighting a mental battle, like a previous poster suggested, break it up into two 25 mile rides with a lunch stop in the middle. You can do it and you will feel so good afterwards.

I always find that my biggest challenges are mental not physical and that I have to play mental games with myself when I am having a rough time. A few years ago I did Pedal the Peaks out west a couple times which is a week of climbing, all.day.long., about 600 miles for the week. I would just have to say, ok just make to that tree and then you can stop, then I would make it to the tree and I would say ok make it to the pole and then you can stop, I would do that for hours. Sounds fun huh? It was the best actually.

You can do it, sending riding Karma your way!

[DDH]

I like that article. I failed 2 years ago, one reason because I did not eat breakfast. Now I know better than to try to go out there and ride with out eating something first, for any distance anyway.

That article is sooo true, but I never thought of it that way. To fail is to know I am trying.

Okay, so I won't worry about not finishing and just try. I've been so worried that I wouldn't be able to do it once again, that I haven't even tried.
How wasteful of me.

Thanks girls for all the advice and support. I'm going to turn my bike to the 50 miler.

[Zen]

We can always do more than we think we can.

Use mental imagery.
Picture yourself pedaling along.
Picture yourself stopping for a break.

Picture yourself crossing the finish line.

[Mr. Bloom]

You'll do great.

Stay fed, hydrated, take your time, pace yourself, and have fun.

When you hit a wall, say "just five more miles"...and then repeat it in 5 miles blocks.

I look forward to readin gyour report too!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey Donna,
Look at it this way....
The 25 mile ride you already know you can do, so it would not be a challenge. But look, you don't 'have' to finish the 50 mile ride- just do as much as you feel able to! It will likely wind up being more than 25 and maybe less than 50....and so what? Just get out there and enjoy the ride and ride until you get pooped out. The actual mileage will not be nearly as important as the effort you put out in doing the ride. Remember, you will also be inspiring others who are struggling to do the 25 mile ride and maybe can't do that yet. They look up to people like you.
Be proud about whatever mileage you can manage- what matters is that you are DOING it and are trying your best.
Be sure to eat a good breakfast- oatmeal, fruit? and yes stop midway and eat some energy food and carbs and drink lots of water all the way along.
Go for it and don't beat yourself up about the actual number of miles. Have fun!

[cosc]

Yes, I think you can go the distance. Like other have said, go your own pace, drink a lot if it is a warm Texas day, take breaks as needed, but not too long.
I wish I was visiting my family farm, close to Lampasas so I could ride with you.
Have a great time.