Century training plan

[indysteel]

Thanks for the input! The ultra cycling website has some very useful information which I haven't seen before.
Muirenn - I guess maybe to explain my beginner status a little more: I've done two summers of some road biking, just not long distances (typically my rides were between 15 and 20 miles). I finally upgraded my bike the end of last summer, so I think a bike with a proper fit will make a big difference. (I upgraded from an 80's trek with down tube shifters to a bottom line Madone)
I've also done some spinning, etc at the gym. I think within the first week of riding, I'll easily be doing 20 miles, including hills, etc.
So by beginner, I'm not just figuring out how to bike, clip in, etc, I have been doing that for a while, I just haven't done the distance yet.
Does this give you a little more hope for me? Just want some input on whether this goal of mine is really that out of reach, or something that is possible as long as I'm willing to put in the time...
Thanks!

Based on this, I'd just reiterate my previous post. I think Catrin raises some good points, but I still think the MS ride is doable if you train smart. I had fewer problems with aches and pains my first few years of riding than I've had since; our bodies are dynamic so we always need to pay close attention to what they're telling us. But that caveat aside, I tend to think that a 160-mile two day ride is a doable goal for a motivated recreational cyclist, especially if you're not intent on setting a speed record. Certainly making sure your bike fit is spot on and that you stay on top of rest, recovery, hydration and nutrition are all important.

[indysteel]

Lordy, it's a wonder any of us get past hour long rides for as many perils that could befall us.

I do understand what you and Catrin are getting out, Muirenn, but honestly, I know far more people have have successfully completed pretty long and/or challenging rides than have gotten disabling overuse injuries from riding a bike. You wouldn't see so many charity centuries and multi-day tours if they were truly THAT hard. I mean how many people complete a ride like RAGBRAI every year?

I'm not saying it'll be easy, but I doubt it'll be a recipe for abject disaster either. It would seem the OP has ridden a bike before now and has some concept of what she's getting herself into. So long as she's smart about it and stays on top of any pain, injury of persistent fatigue, my guess is that she'll be fine, or she'll figure out she doesn't have enough time to train for it and will scale down her ambitions. Either way, it'll likely be okay. She can always get advice here if she starts to encounter any roadblocks.

Certainly, I'm not advocating that she train through pain, injury or persistent fatigue. But if she sets herself up right and doesn't get any glaring warning signs as she trains, then why not just go for it? Again, the biggest caveat I offer is that a half marathon training plan on top of this is an awful lot of stress, but in saying that, I gotta keep in mind that many of the ladies here on TE do tris, so again, it IS doable. You just gotta be smart about it.

[jennyrc]

Thank you so much everyone for all the advice and encouragement!

One thing I really like about this MS ride is the flexibility they have this year (previously it was 60 miles each day, no options). My goal will be 110, but I'm not going to push myself to the point where I can't walk or need surgery, etc. (I'm committed to this ride, but I will not have a problem if I have to tell people down the road that instead of the 110 I did 50 (or even just 25) - no one's going to care, their money will still go to a good cause)

As far as the running, I should clarify a little more - I plan on doing a half marathon if I'm able to train the amount I feel is necessary. After all, we all need cross training to go with our biking! The half marathon half an hour from where I llive, and on a flat course, so I won't have any travel plans, etc, invested in this and I plan on making biking the priority for the summer. The run is supposed to be an easy half marathon, no intense Equinox (one of the more intense Alaskan marathons), so I don't think it will be a problem.

Thanks again for the encouragement. I'm excited to get this started

[Catrin]

Jenny - it all sounds great and I think you will have an awesome time! I wasn't trying to pull you back, just trying to say how important it is to listen to our bodies. They can do amazing things

I am shooting for a century in September myself, and am also learning how to mountain bike this summer so we can cheer each other on!