A metric in 3 weeks

[Yen]

I really want to do an organized metric in 3 weeks (Nov. 14). I'm 53 years old and have just recovered from a cold which set back my training by at least 2 weeks. Now it's time to regain my strength and start training again.

Background: I have ridden 62 miles and 67 miles, the latter as recent as Aug. 31. However, the first half of the 67 mile ride was slow-and-go (scenic with lots of stopping to take pictures) at high altitude; the second half was a fast pace with a head wind. Three weeks ago, I rode 54 miles which included a tough hill. Then, I got sick and was off the bike for a couple of weeks. I've ridden two short rides since then, and a couple of treadmill walks w/ hills and intervals, and I do a lot of walking and stairs at work.

The organized metric has over 3000' elevation gain and includes a steep climb at the 40-mile point; that's the final and most difficult climb.

I have done all the hills at least once in the past, but not all on the same day and not during a 62-mile ride. My typical "long" weekend ride is 40 miles with the group but it is not hilly. I did a short (<20 mile) ride last weekend and my legs felt weak after being sick and off the bike for almost 2 weeks.

I really want to do this ride but I wonder if it is realistic for me. I work full time and leave for work at 5:30, so early-morning training is out of the question. I get home after 5:00 and really have to PUSH myself to go out. However, I think if I set a goal with specific training to accomplish each day (including rest), I believe I can do this. My husband believes I could do it today, even if I have to walk part way up the steepest climb.

Given my recent riding history, is it realistic to train for a metric in 3 weeks with my schedule? Or, should I just work on re-building my aerobic and strength base and aim for the next one instead? If it is realistic, where should I concentrate my efforts in the next 3 weeks for the biggest payoff so I don't finish the ride totally exhausted?

I live within short to moderate riding distance of most of the hills (one of them is less than a mile from our house) and we live in a hilly community --- so there is no shortage of hill-climbing opportunities. I will take a moderate ride today, and a longer one tomorrow (which includes a short but steep hill) and I will include the steep hill near our house at the end to see how I do. After tomorrow, I'll have a better idea of my current ability.

[malkin]

Is there any reason not to shoot for it?

The worst that could happen is.....

[Yen]

Is there any reason not to shoot for it?

The worst that could happen is.....

Hmmm.... I'm still thinking.

[redrhodie]

Go for it. You'll be fine. Worst case is you'll have to walk a couple of hills, and there's no harm in that.

[shootingstar]

Go for it. You'll be fine. Worst case is you'll have to walk a couple of hills, and there's no harm in that.

+1. Yen, you will feel good to have at least tried cycling the whole route. No one else will care about you walking the hill if you have to since they will be focused on getting up it themselves.

[Yen]

OK, I've decided to register for the metric and train my best to do my best. I know I can finish the 62 miles and most of the hills. At most, I may need to stop and briefly rest on the last hill (the most challenging one, a steep ~2-mile climb) but I'll get to the top, and the ride down will be ecstasy!

[malkin]

Way to go!

I think the worst that could happen is that you might not "make it" which is certainly the outcome if you don't go for it.

[Yen]

UPDATE: I had to cancel last year's participation due to the unexpected death of a close family friend. Actually got a full refund on my registration... the event is sponsored by a neighboring city. However, it was OK (for me, ride-wise) because I wasn't as ready as I'd like to be.

However, I am registered again for this year's event on Nov. 13 and much more ready than last year! I'm very comfortable with the mileage, so I'll be working on the hills on the next 2 weekends (if the unexpected new knee pain completely recovers).

I'm excited, nervous, excited.... and did I say nervous!! ... about my first organized metric century. I'll be riding with (or at least starting out with) some of my fellow group riders and I hope to ride with at least one of them the whole distance to keep my mind off the HILLS.

[Catrin]

Good for you, this sounds like fun! Don't over stress about the hills, there is no shame if you need to walk a few of them and you already have your mileage base. Just pay attention to your knee and go have fun!

[marni]

and remember, the top of the hill will still be there when you get there whether sooner or later.

[Yen]

Thanks everyone.

I'm ready! My knee pain is gone. I have done a metric or more every weekend for the past month, except yesterday when I rode 50 miles but completed 87% of the climbing on the actual metric event route. What's more exciting is that the two tough hills seem flatter! Yesterday I was able to chat on most of the biggest hill (which has 10-11% grades in some parts) and felt good at the top, and my HR isn't as high on those hills as it was a few weeks ago.

I'm ready! I'm 54 years old and just started riding again 3-1/2 years ago. Progress is slower as we age (and, losing it much faster!), but perseverance pays off. Nights going to the spin class after work (when I really wanted to stay home), getting up before 6:00 on my days off to ride... making the right food choices... it is very exciting to see the results from weeks of hard work.

I'm ready!

[Catrin]

Congratulations on getting through the knee pain! Is your metric next weekend? Have fun!