Training for my first Century this August

[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!