Training for Century, need to know how to use HR Manitor

[Blueberry]

The other thing I forgot to mention is: what is the climbing like? Is it mostly rollers and short climbs, or is it long, sustained climbs. Familiarize yourself with the route profile and train for that as well.

Those rides sound like a good challenge. Good luck with the job thing. I know that makes things tough.

Thanks - I'll let you ladies know how it goes Choices right now are stay in NC or move to DC. Should be interesting

Good point - the rides have lots of long and steep climbs (they're in the blue ridge mountains). So...what's the best way to train for those when you only have "little" hills?? Just ride lots of repeats, or ?????

[maillotpois]

If it is long steep climbs and all you have are short hills, do repeats. I like to do drills where you time yourself on the first repeat and try to keep the time the same for subsequent repeats. This is harder than it seems, and requires you dial it back a bit on the first ones. I'd suggest hill repeats 2 times a week (not on consecutive days) and try to go one more repeat further each time than the time before.

[Nanci]

You should probably move to Florida- the biking opportunities make up for the low salaries!

Nanci

[Blueberry]

You should probably move to Florida- the biking opportunities make up for the low salaries!

Nanci

Hee hee -

I'd consider it, except that it would mean taking another bar exam - YUCK!!!!!

...DC is kind enough to let you waive in, which is why it's in the running...

Would be nice to truly be able to bike year round - would get rid of the problems associated with the fun rides being too early in the training season Guess I just need more warm biking clothes

As an aside - my last job assured me I would be paid in "sand and surf" if not $ - the week before I left, they told me they expected 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Um....not a hard decision to leave!

[Bella]

You will want to limit your anerobic workouts. Your recovery from these take twice as long but you won't feel it until nearly 48hrs later. If you are not recovering properly, you'll drag yourself down in time, get sick and not be able to train at all.

It is important to get some muscular endurance built into your training that isn't so cardio intense - like weight training at a gym if possible. There are other gym free methods too - so whatever works for you.

If you want to challenge yourself HR-wise, do activities on off days that are not on a bike - like aerobics or swimming or running. This is the best way to challenge your muscular system and HR because it doesn't build the monotony that only biking will do.

For a century ride, you are going to need strength in your legs - as well as in your lower back and stronger abs. You can work on these in an isolated manner that will all benefit your riding.

Don't rely on your HR monitor alone. It will not tell you that your legs are giving out.