100 mile mntn bike race--who's done one?

[limewave]

The schedule is from a coach. They work with endurance athletes (cyclists, triathletes, ultra-marathoners), some of the best in the midwest. But, their training routine does go against the grain. Their philosophy is less than more. It is tough to follow because it goes against what everyone else is doing.

But here's the thing, I can't train more. My schedule and my commitments don't allow for it. I talked to them about this the possibility of doing the 100 mile event thinking that it was something I would have to put off for a few years, but they convinced me it was possible!

The strength training is designed to develop muscle endurance specific to mountain biking. I do think it is beneficial. I've been doing some of it already.

So . . . I'm going for it! I do agree that fuel/nutrition is going to be a challenge and something I'm going to have to practice.

Butt cream is a definite MUST! In fact, I had a race last weekend and we didn't have cream because my 2yo son had gotten into it and smeared it all over himself and the windows! It was a mess.

I went to three different stores in the wee hours before the race and, fortunately, the last one carried Bag Balm. Phew!

Must haves:
1) Butt Cream
2) Electrolytes
3) Extra water
4) Bananas (otherwise I get cramps)
5) Extra clothes
6) Chain tool

[Anelia]

Oh, you already raced Cool! How was it?
My first race is on 8th of April, the next is on the 22nd and the big one is on 28th, followed by another one 60 km just on the next day So I have to save my energy not only to finish the first day but also to have some more for the second day. I know it is going to be tough and that's why I train hard now.
limewave, when is your long race? Do they have a website of the race?

[Wahine]

Their philosophy is less than more. It is tough to follow because it goes against what everyone else is doing.

This is not actually true. There is really good research out there to support the less is more philosophy and a lot of people are starting to do it. Unless you are a professional athlete with infinite time to train, it's usually better to focus on less, but better quality and throwing in sport specific weight training. The yoga is also important, mostly from an injury prevention/muscle balance stand point.

[Anelia]

Hi there, endurance racers!
Today I did a major rehearsal for my race at the end of April. I wanted to check my pacing, nutrition, water consumption or any other issues I might have on a longer race. I rode alone, offroad, I did two circuits of our local race track. My computer stopped working at 72nd km (low battery) but the statistics is about 85 km, 6 hours and 5 minutes, about 14km/h, 2000 m climbing. I did no longer breaks than to pee (once) or to wait for a passing car when I crossed a road. My average pulse was 138 which is not bad for a training but on the race I expect it to be higher.
What I rode today is 2/3 of the distance for the race. Do you think I should ride the whole distance 120 km offroad or the equal hours on road next week?
I did ok with pacing, nutrition and water, I did not bonk. Only my hamstrings hurt a lot but I rode through the pain. My butt was perfect, I am so glad about it
And one more thing to add to the must have list is CHAIN OIL.

[limewave]

I NEED to get in a long ride this week. My plan is to ride 20 miles from my house to some singletracks trails. Do an 11-mile loop on the trail system and then ride 20 miles home. I'm nervous about it. I wish I had someone to ride with!

My guess is it will take 1:20 to do 20 miles, another 1:10-1:15 on the trail and then another 1:20 home for a total of almost 4 hours of riding

This will be my first chance to test nutrition for something over 2 hours.

[Catrin]

No advice, the longest I've been on the bike since my whiplash injury in October was 90 minutes and that was on the road. I do, however, want to wish you good luck and have fun while training!

I found that, for me, when riding longer than two hours was to have liquid nutrition in the form of Accelerade and something like a broken up Cliff bar or two and some shot blocs ready for me to consume. That was for very long road rides though, mountain biking uses more energy...

[Anelia]

limewave, it's good to have company for the longer rides but if there's nobody, we have a saying in Bulgarian: "The only soldier is still a soldier". So, don't worry about it and hit the road and trails. Two weekends ago I did a 6-hour ride only on trails alone, too.
This weekend I did a looong ride on road. It was a 130-mile brevet and it took me about 10 hours and 8 of them were on the saddle. Here I am . I did them on my bike with 1,9" tires. There was a strong head wind in the last 50 miles but we had to get back anyway. The last 5 miles I had issues with my gears and I was really upset because I had a XC race on Sunday and I didn't know what the problem was. Happily, my husband found out a crooked part in my chain and removed it. So I was ready for the Sunday's race.
On Sunday I was OK. The race was XCO and it was only 5 miles. I sprinted them in less than 30 min. I am happy with my training this week.

[limewave]

Anelia, you will be my new inspiration. 6 hours alone on the trail--I'm impressed! I need to get over it and get out there as well.

I'm building up to the long trail-only rides. Right now I'm doing about 1/2 on the road and 1/2 on the trail. In two weeks I'll be doing a 50-60 mile completely on single track. Fortunately, DH is coming along for the day

Last night someone from the club came up to me and was a little sarcastic and undermining, saying something along the lines of "oh, you're doing that 100 mile race, huh. Well, let's just all hope that you're able to accomplish something I wasn't." Little does he know, he just sealed the deal for me. I don't respond to nay-sayers. I'll be finishing this race now no matter what the cost