Quote Originally Posted by alpinerabbit View Post
don't obsess.

you've done 70, you can do a 100 if you just grit your teeth and bear some pain (and keep fuelled)
Quote Originally Posted by Geonz View Post
Is this a race, where you need to be at your peak to meet your personal expectations? And somebody who knows you and racing has designed this plan?
Recipes are formulas -- and humans don't always fit 'em. If you're following a chart, could be it's more designed for folks who haven't actually gotten fit enough for it to be your natural state of being, who are trying to do a century wiht *less* riding.
Now, if what "feels good" and what you feel like you're drawn to is cycling 'til it hurts and then 20 more miles hard (i.e., you're craving punishment) and you're empty and too dang tired to move, much less eat what you'd otherwise crave... welp, that's a different issue and I'd say yea, stick to the formula then.
I ride best on distance things if I do cut back the *week* before ... more like four days... and I'm feeling that chomping-at-the-bit thing and I'm pretty wired -- I think there are "body types" for this and if you're geared for endurance, then you don't need to taper as much.
That is a really interesting perspective! I feel like I don't need to go out and crank out 70mi again. Had the wind been a bit less, I think I could have cranked out the last 30mi that day. Weather obviously we can't control. I've trained even up to 40mi in the steady rain. BUT... I'm just not sure I need two full weeks to taper either. I know this is noted as a big downfall-- failure to taper properly etc. But, I think a good solid week will do it. Weather is suppose to be beautiful this coming week. Think I won't over-do it "like I gotta train xyz *hard*", but just enjoy my favorite routes w/miles that feel good. Appreciate the input.