A metric in 3 weeks

Yen · 10-23-2009, 10:45 AM

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 · 10-23-2009, 04:14 PM

Is there any reason not to shoot for it?

The worst that could happen is.....

Yen · 10-23-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malkin

Is there any reason not to shoot for it?

The worst that could happen is.....

Hmmm.... I'm still thinking.

redrhodie · 10-24-2009, 05:37 AM

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 · 10-24-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

+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 · 10-24-2009, 06:40 PM

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 · 10-25-2009, 02:38 PM

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.

10-23-2009, 10:45 AM	#1
Yen Surly Girly Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 83	A metric in 3 weeks 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. Last edited by Yen : 10-23-2009 at 10:47 AM.

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10-23-2009, 04:14 PM	#2
malkin Randomeuse Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 802	Is there any reason not to shoot for it? The worst that could happen is.....

10-24-2009, 05:37 AM	#4
redrhodie Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Newport, RI Posts: 1,690	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.

10-24-2009, 06:40 PM	#6
Yen Surly Girly Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 83	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!

10-25-2009, 02:38 PM	#7
malkin Randomeuse Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 802	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.