A metric in 3 weeks

[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!