Training for my first Century this August

[LizzyBee]

Thank you Marni, that helps!!
Liz

[makbike]

Liz,

Congrats on the weight loss that is tremendous!

If you have a chance pick up the April 2010 issue of Bicycling an look on page 35. The American Diabetes Association has published some training guidelines for their upcoming "Tour De Cure" rides this season. The plan they have posted is labeled a "high intensity plan" but don't let that scare you. Simply use it as a guideline for how much time you should be logging on a weekly basis. If you don't like it or don't think it will work for you try bumping your mileage up by at least 10% each week. A couple of weeks prior to your century try back to back long rides (60 - 70) miles.

You shared that if you ride two days in a row you are sore - is this a muscle soreness or is it due to your bike? Did you have you take your bike and sit through a bike fitting (typically take a couple of hours). Is your saddle the proper size? Are you wearing cycling shorts? Having a bike that fits and the proper gear will make each ride a lot more enjoyable.

You are off to a good start, keep riding and have fun! Keep us posted on your progress.

[LizzyBee]

Thanks for the additional info Marcie but I think it's just muscle soreness. I'm riding farther and longer and I'm using clipless pedals for the first time. Seems like with the clipless pedals, I'm using different muscles in my legs. My bike is pretty comfortable. Thanks again!

Liz

[TrekTheKaty]

I've found cycling is like running. The long, slow rides improve your speed on shorter rides. I forget the name for it, but running books talk about it all the time. My first year I rode 10-12 and after a couple summers, I'm up to 14. Your pace will improve with experience. If you have a GPS, try making one of your shorter rides a "Pace" ride--riding faster for a shorter distance (riding with a faster friend is also good for this--my husband is my training buddy. I'll never be able to keep up, but I can try). Or spending one day a week riding a hillier route will improve your leg strength and make you faster on flat roads.

My first century took 8 hours--there's nothing wrong with that.

Getting in your long mileage is the most important.

[LizzyBee]

Marcie,
Is this the article in Bicycling you were talking about?
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6...9050-1,00.html

Thanks!
Liz

[makbike]

Liz,

That is the chart that is found on the page I posted. Also along with the chart there was several suggestions for fueling starting 48 hour before the ride, 24 hours, breakfast, snacks, etc.

Hope it helps!