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!!!