My first Century is Saturday - Terrified with Questions ...

[andtckrtoo]

Thanks guys - I LOVE LOVE hearing stories of your first Centuries/Rides.

Team in Training has been incredible except that the MA Chapter is extremely experienced. Except for 4 other people the entire team has done at least 2 or 3 TNT Centuries. They're a very tight-knit group and so its been a challenge to sort of 'break in' on the team. I have a few people that I'm friendly with but really, because I'm so slow and new, I only ride with my coach or one of the mentors. Out of a team of over 20 only four of us have sagged all Summer (one of which was a mentor). The whole team is usually gone by the time I finish my rides. Its been alot of fun at times but far more difficult than I ever imagined. I think I've written that I've never been an athlete - never participated in any sports - I'm about 50 lbs. overweight - so this was a super stretch for me this summer. And for some reason its hard for me to see what I've achieved. Even that I've gotten this far.

My stomach is in total knots - I feel sick and can't eat. And I've really learned that my obsessive personality doesn't mix well with this sort of undertaking. I get myself so worried and worked up about training rides and now about the ride itself its just silly.

But I'm trying to drink alot of water - get as much sleep as I can this week (which isn't much - I have major sleep issues) - ride an easy 10 or 15 miles tonight - carb load Thursday and Friday. And then just get ready - stock up on my GU20 - other supplies and try to relax. But its very hard for me.

I don't know if I'll keep it up to be honest. I love riding my bike - but training has been super intense and hard for me.

Anyway - keep the stories coming ...

At the age of 32 I decided to quit smoking and do something. That something ended up being Mountain biking which morphed to road biking when I move to Maryland. At 32 I was 70 pound overweight and could barely walk up the steps to my apartment. I was not in shape or athletic by any stretch of the imagination. At 44, my friends will dsmiss my accomplishments with a wave by saying, "Oh, but you're sooo athletic...." Those comments still make me stop and wonder who the heck they are talking about? Me?! The one EVERYONE picked last for sports? The one who could not even run 1/4 mile at 16?! It's amazing how simply making choices, like choosing to train and ride a century ride, can influence the rest of our lives so much. Seriously, if I can do it, you can. I'll be here in California cheering you on!

I've done two Centuries and both times I trained alone and started off riding alone. But, I'll tell ya, you will meet some interesting people. On my first, I "picked" up a pack of men (all about 20 years older than me) who were riding my speed. We all got along great and we really enjoyed riding together. I ended up going on other rides with them as well. On my second I met another bunch of people and ended up with some good cycling friends. Just smile and be friendly and know there will be people who are going your speed. There always are. You won't have to worry about keeping up. You'll do fine.

I'm sorry your chapter is as friendly and inclusive as some, but don't let it color your century experience. You've done 78 miles so you can absolutely ride 100. Sit back and enjoy the ride, literally. You've already done what most people cannot. I think you'll do fabulous!

I cannot wait to read your ride report!!!

[maillotpois]

At 44, my friends will dsmiss my accomplishments with a wave by saying, "Oh, but you're sooo athletic...." Those comments still make me stop and wonder who the heck they are talking about? Me?! The one EVERYONE picked last for sports? The one who could not even run 1/4 mile at 16?! It's amazing how simply making choices, like choosing to train and ride a century ride, can influence the rest of our lives so much. Seriously, if I can do it, you can. I'll be here in California cheering you on!

That comment really hit a chord with me. I was put into REMEDIAL PE in elementary school. (That's back when California could actually fund such programs). I dreaded the Presidential Physical Fitness tests - especially the 1/4 mile. By high school I was going to the nurse's office instead of going to PE at all. I generally didn't even give people an opportunity to pick me last. I just didn't show up.

In the past 8 years, I've done 4 marathons, 9 double centuries, a 600k, countless 200ks and centuries and am now head coach for TNT's North Bay Death Ride team, having ridden and/or coached the Death Ride 5 times. All of that started with a challenge to a coworker to do a marathon with TNT.

Good luck. Don't sweat it. You'll be great!

[Grog]

I can't find it anymore, but there was an interesting article in the Globe & Mail (big Canadian newspaper) about the many athletes who were definitely NOT sporty in their younger years.

So some of us who were not jocks in high school might end up at the Olympics someday!!

[Je Suis Sam]

Ive been looking for a book with meal ideas for cyclist....what book have you been using?

[Norse]

Good luck and have fun!

I have been training for my 1st century as well - 2 weeks from this Saturday! I have done 80 miles several times, but never that last 20. Another rider recently told me it's all mental, not physical. At mile 80, your brain starts saying "I want to be done now," and then your legs, butt, arms, hands, back, all chime in and try to tell you that you're getting tired and sore. Ignore your brain, I am told. I am assuming you will have rest stops (you have to answer the call of nature anyway!) so just tell yourself, "It is only 20 miles to the next stop; I can do a lousy 20 miles."

I am a little nervous too, but think it will be fun! I am sticking with the meal/beverage plan that has proven over time to provide the best fuel with the least risk of tummy upset for me: pasta dish the night before, oatmeal and coffee for breakfast, 2 water bottles on the bike - one for water and one for gatorade, and peanut butter, bananas, a bite or two of fruit if they have any and sweet/salty energy bar type snacks at the pit stops. If the ride was not supported, I would depend on GU, Power Bars gel, a granola or fig bar and actual figs for food.

[ninerfan]

I'll join the chorus in what has already been said. I felt the same apprehension before my first (and so far only) century 2.5 months ago, also with TNT. Our last training ride was 72 miles and I barely survived the last 6. It took every ounce of my being to refuse to SAG. You can imagine the shot that my confidence took- I immediately figured if 72 gave me a hard time, how would I finish 100?

But doing the actual century is an entirely different animal. You'll be amazed at how much your mental state can effect your abilities on that day. I remember how energized I was just by the sight of so many other people attempting to do the same thing as I was. If you have done the training, you can do it. Its merely a mind game at this point. There were moments on that day (most specifically the climb on mile 85!) that were pretty rough for me, but I never doubted whether I would finish. It was an absolute.

I know that will be the case for you. Don't be so worried about finishing that you don't take the time to enjoy what you are doing! Taking those moments will provide additional energy to you. Good luck!

[Dogmama]

Adrenaline is a great source of power.

When I can't sleep, I lay there & think, "oh well, at least my body is resting" and before I know it...ZZZZzzzzzzz

BE SURE to give a ride report!!!

You'll be great! A biking diva!