First 200k Report

[Blueberry]

Nanci-

No ideas on the training - but I just had to say WOW! You're one amazing woman! And yes, I would bet that the wind was a very significant part of your fatigue. I can't imagine riding that kind of distance, much less in that kind of headwind.

CA

[Nanci]

Carrie, here's the thing. The 200k is just the beginning of the series- it goes 200k, 300k, 400k, 600k! The 200k must be like a little training ride for most people. How do you get there?? Rhetorical question. I remember hearing about Century rides, how that seemed unimagineable, but now, to me, it's no longer a scary distance- I'm familiar with it. I have to find out how to take the next step- but it's a big one! 62 more miles- that's another four hours of riding for me, on a good day! How do you train for 372 miles? Do you get to sleep???

I have a book, long distance cycling, which has been very helpful, but for training, there are just a lot of charts- so many miles each day- I get along better with formulas than charts. I need flexibility- I never know if I will be able to ride after work, if I will get out in time. Luckily the brevet season is over before triathlon season (BF) gets really kicked off.

Just babbling in my tiredness...

Nanci

[pkq]

That was a real test! Congratulations on completing it.

I've found the chemical warmers need to be "regenerated" occasionally. Just take them out of your shoes and loosen up the stuff inside a bit. I guess compressing them cuts off too much oxygen. Just a guess......

When I lived in Lake Charles, LA, we rode into the wind as much as possible because it is relentless. At least with hills, you get a break.

[Veronica]

Good job Nanci! Have you checked out the RUSA site?

V.

[jobob]

wow. What a great report. Nanci, you are my hero!

I wonder why I felt so crappy at the end, yesterday. I'm sure I was trained enough. I never felt anywhere near that sore in a Century. Could it have just been battling the wind for so many hours?

It must have been all that wind. Wind can really sap energy, and be downright demoralizing. And to be in such a strong wind, for so long, well, heck! I'm so impressed with you.

Riding time- just under nine hours. 14 mph average speed.

That's great! I'd be lucky if I could do that under the best of conditions (assuming I could even make it up to 200K at the rate I'm going, grumble grumble whine )

I'm attending a randonneuring seminar this afternoon, if I pick up any useful training tips I'll pass them on.

- Jo.

[Nanci]

Veronica- Yes, thank you. I've also been doing a lot of reading on the Ultra Marathon Cycling site.

Jo- You are so lucky! I wish there was something like that here.

Now I'm reading about a 12-hour race next month. I wonder if that would be fun. It starts with three 3.7 mile loops in a stadium, then an 89 mile long loop, then 11 mile repeats of a short loop till time is up. I think I could do that.

I kind of wish I had a buddy to ride with, though.

Nanci

[Running Mommy]

Great job! It was DEFINTELY the wind!!
I think the key for those longer distances is having a solid nutrition plan(you do), learning to pace yourself and spin easy early (you do), and just plain getting used to spending HOURS on the bike! OY! You can do it. I have no doubt. I think it's prolly more mentally daunting than anything.
Again- FABULOUS JOB! Don't forget to get back on that bike and spin super easy to help those legs recover. Also- one other thing I do after a long effort is find a way to ice down my legs. Right now it's to jump in my 55 degree pool. But if I go to a race I make sure my hubby has bags of ice on hand at the finish line. I really feel it in poor recovery if I don't ice after a race or long ride/run. I think that is key for us long distance gals.

[Surlygirl]

Hey Nanci
You are amazing. I can't even imagine doing what you did.
At REI they have foot warmers, like the toe warmers that go in your shoes that are for your whole foot. They are called Heat Treat Foot warmers and are about 4.00 for a pair. Maybe bring a couple pair with you. Worth a shot and cheaper than new shoes.

[SnappyPix]

Nanci,

Firstly, congratulations on completing the 200km against such relentless winds. Wind has to be the worst thing of all - it's merciless, it's unpredictable and it's like cycling into a brick wall.
To have covered such long distances on your own, with no-one to draft, or take turns drafting with, is truly admirable - good planning revising the route beforehand - that was one factor you didn't need to worry about at least, especially as you were riding alone.
It was a fantastic report - I always wonder about other peoples' experiences of long-distance events and as I'm just a mere beginner dabbling with centuries at the minute - it's really helpful to know what you ate, what you wore, how you coped psychologically with the distance, etc. I have the greatest admiration for you.
I can't even begin to fathom how people cope with 600km distances, or ironmen triathlons - it's beyond my comprehension; but then, I guess it's always a gradual thing and it's all just a journey where you suddenly find yourself further down the road than you'd ever thought you'd get (metaphorically and physically!). Always something to be aiming for.
Thanks so much for sharing - and congratulations again.

[Bike Goddess]

Great job! I would say that wind was a factor in your MPH. As we all know, wind makes us strong! And tired!

Like you say, 100 miles doesn't sound so far anymore, now it's 125 miles! As you go beyond the miles you've done before, it does seem to break down the mental barriers. I agree, how much time do you want to spend in the saddle?

Look forward to your next adventure. I have a lot of respect for the randonneurs- Doing the kinds of rides you do is so different from the organized rides most of us do. Like you said, doing your homework was a vital part to your success! Lots different from just getting a map and following the arrows and other cyclists!