Quote Originally Posted by free2b7429
That was my initial plan was to complete a metric next year with a full century the following one. I just want to make sure that I'll actually be able to complete the metric. I wasn't sure that just riding longer and longer distances would actually get me there. I keep reading all this stuff about how you have a plan etc and I haven't really had one. I've just been riding and trying to go a little farther each time. Maybe that actually is a plan?
If you've got two years, and you're already up to 26.27 miles, I think you'll definitely be able to do a century by the time you're 40. I agree with everyone who said 'just listen to your body', and esp. 'don't overtrain'.

As someone said they were doing above, this summer could just be about increasing your base fitness. Don't get too competitive with yourself (as in always trying to go further than last time) but as you feel ready, increase your mileage. I usually have one day a week that I go for a longer ride, but most of the rest of the week I'm usually just riding whatever distance I can currently do in an hour or 90 mins. (depending on how late for work I want to be.)

I've also been working on losing some weight, and have found www.sparkpeople.com helpful - mostly I use the food/nutrient and exercise trackers - it's a free site and stresses a healthy approach to weight management (good nutrition, good exercise and drinking lots of water.)

Good luck!