Quote Originally Posted by Muirenn View Post
Focus on not thinking about the ride itself and how you will do. Just don't let your mind go there. Subsitute calming thoughts. (Different for everyone). A few hours in the saddle that day will cure this.
I did an easy ride with dh last night in the neighborhood. Part of my nervousness is the fact that rider services shut down at 3. Dh is going to provide back-up SAG in case I don't make it to the last stop before it shuts down, but that number is still looming in my head, KWIM?

I'm trying to do what CG suggested - think about the fun. I *know* I can complete it, and it shouldn't matter if I'm bringing up the rear.

And when I was up in that territory (same area as the ride) last week, I ran into someone who used to cycle a lot, and her comment was, "Wow - I've heard [that ride] is HARD!" Gee, thanks! I was all in my happy place after a good ride that morning, 45 miles that felt really easy (I think I found the only 3 hours in North Texas with no wind). Followed that afternoon (not cycling at that point) by wind that would knock you over.

I'll have fun, and I'm doing this for dh and my mom (the bike is named after her). Once I get going, it'll be fine.

Quote Originally Posted by Muirenn View Post
Keeping busy with the prep, sleeping, eating, and drinking a lot of water for the interim should get you through it.

What did you decide to do about food and hydration?
I tried the diluted smoothie, but I don't think I got the mix quite right, so I'll go back to my Powerade, as I know I do well with it. I'll pack the Jelly Bellies into the top tube pack, and I'll have water in my hydration pack. It'll work!

I did want to say, though, that I LOVED the Bolthouse protein smoothie for a recovery drink!! The chocolate one was yummerly!

I'm ready and I'll have fun!