Training for my first Metric Century-62 miles

[KatzPajamas]

We rented a little place called Cycler's Rest...http://www.flipkey.com/leipers-fork-...ntals/p304735/ We've spent years raising kids and are looking forward to having some fun for just the two of us. (Again why I am so frustrated with my level of riding) I will definitely still be making the trip to Franklin and checking out the Natchez Trace!

[indysteel]

How cute. There's some great cycling in that area. Perhaps you and your partner could get some additional rides in during your stay. So, rather than blow yourself up on just one ride, you could do a series of shorter rides. There's a guidebook that most bike shops in the area sell on cycling in Middle Tennessee. I think it's available via Amazon, too. Perhaps it'll give you some food for thought.

[Suze]

Hi KatzPajamas,

In my experience, it wouldn't be menopause but more likely general exhaustion, stress and lack of time. Are you following a training plan and how long have you been at it? I've done some extended solo touring (started riding for earnest at age 60) and did my first metric centuries this year. I've been using Gale Bernhardt's book this year, for training.

Your ride's web site shows 44 and 20 mile route options. I didn't see a time limit to successfully finish, but it does say there is lunch at the end of the ride. So it might be looking at a 6- hour ride? How much climbing is there? It sounds like more fun to be successful at the 20, or maybe 44 if you have a productive next few weeks than to feel like a failure a the 60. Don't forget that most training guides say the week before the event should be a taper week.

I always try to do the hardest thing I have a shot at succeeding at while having some fun. Both parts count to me. Only other thing I'd add is to try to ride your own ride and not live up to someone else's goals.

[KatzPajamas]

Suze, I did have a training program, but haven't really been able to keep up with it due to limited time, but mostly energy. I will check out the book that you mention. My husband and I were both very competitive in our younger years, then I sank my life into the kids. He started cycling 8 years ago at 49, and I think he has every faith in me that I can kick it in gear now and catch up with him. It's just not happening tho. Knowing that you began at 60 gives me hope! I was doing very well last fall after my first summer of cycling and started out light years ahead this spring than where I was last spring at this time. Thanks

[Owlie]

+1 to what the others have said. There's always next year. Enjoy the shorter route rather than trying to suffer through the metric.

[Miranda]

You have received great advice thus far.

Here's something else for you to consider in the big picture...

What do you love / enjoy about riding your bike?

If the whole "training for an event" thing isn't working for you now, with the rest of your life stress, find some other things to ride that are not stressful, but enjoyable, what you look forward to after work, vs dread.

Personally I've had to switch up what I'm used to doing with some medical/health stuff. I was starting to think that my cycling soul might die. But, now with some changes in different types of riding, the love affair has begun all over again. Fwiw.

Good Luck.