Should I do the Metric, or the whole thing?

[Starfish]

Some of you have been helping me in the thread: Distance Climbing Question in the Tips/Tricks forum.

A new question. In 1-1/2 weeks, there is a local ride with two options I would consider:
- Metric Century with 3000 feet climbing.
- 112 mile ride with 6500 feet climbing.

I have been planning to do the metric as a training ride toward my larger goal event (Shasta Summit Century) in August.

Right now, my longest ride this year is 50 miles with 3430 feet climbing. Those 3430 feet included two harder grades that come at the end of the whole 112 mile ride coming up. I've been assuming I should do the metric as a training ride. But, now I am wondering if I should just try the whole 112 mile ride and see what happens?

I know the routes. The first 60 miles is easier than the last 52 miles. Am I crazy to consider the whole ride? I don't want to so totally toast myself that I spend 3 weeks recovering instead of training. But, I would love to know I finished the whole thing.

Thanks for any thoughts!

[maillotpois]

What distance ride do you have planned for this week?

[Starfish]

Sarah, I was thinking of 3000-4000 in a total of about 25 miles.

I intend to do a shorter ride, but up the mountain road, which is a steady 7-10% for about 5 miles, then 3-5% for a few miles, then kicks back up for about 5 more miles.

I don't think I will attempt the whole 5000 feet (in 19 miles), although I thought I would go prepared to do it if I got up there and felt great. I was thinking of 3000-4000 in a total of about 25 miles.

If the weather changes and the mountain is all socked in, then I would change plans...to what, I'm not sure. I was going to do a relative recovery week after this weekend, going into the organized ride rested next weekend.

[maillotpois]

Well, at what point do you have to decide on the distance for the ride next week?

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by maillotpois

Well, at what point do you have to decide on the distance for the ride next week?

Have to...day of ride...they are taking registrations even that morning.

In order to pick up my packet the day before (which I would like to do...especially if I do the 112 mile option, so that I can start the ride around 5am instead of their start time of 7am...which I'm told is OK to do)...then they want registrations by this Saturday 5/12.

[maillotpois]

Can you register for the long ride, see how you feel this week/weekend and then change your mind? My instinct is to go for it, but I am not always the smartest tool in the shed when it comes to progressive training.

If your long ride has been 50 miles - less than half the distance of the ride - then ask yourself: How did you feel (really) in that 50 miler? Could you have gone another 50 - 60 miles? What was your pace? COuld you have spent all day out there on the bike if necessary? How long ago was the 50 miler?

You are trying to progress in a linear fashion toward the ride in August. It's not always linear, so you don't necessarily have to say no to the longer ride. But only you know in your gut whether you'll be ready for the century next weeekend or if it is just too much too soon.

[Fredwina]

How much of the route do they share? could you make the decision later on. I realize that this may cost you more money if you decide to bail on the 112, but it is an option

[Starfish]

Thanks, you guys, er, girls. The additional cost is really small for the longer ride, so not a worry there.

I am local, so it would be easy for me to know where I could bail to shorten the route or avoid a couple harder climbs (not that I would be smart enough to do that).

I was pretty toasty last weekend on the 50 mile ride, but I did the two hardest climbs...the first 60 miles of next weekend doesn't have the hardest climbing, so I'm thinking my legs won't be toasted.

But, deep down, I suspect I would be wise to just do as planned, use the metric as a training ride, and then use the whole 112 mile ride alone, later, for training. It just bums me out, I guess, that I didn't get ready in time for this years' whole thing. And, a part of me knows I could finish if I had to. Not the best reason to do it!

[maillotpois]

Well, you had a lot going on this year. Don't beat yourself up for not being "ready" for this whole ride. You'll be ready for the one you're actually planning for.

[smilingcat]

Originally Posted by Starfish

I was pretty toasty last weekend on the 50 mile ride, but I did the two hardest climbs...the first 60 miles of next weekend doesn't have the hardest climbing, so I'm thinking my legs won't be toasted.

If you can bail out of the ride (take a short cut or switch over to the metric), think about the 112 mile. Or if you can SAG and they don't mind too much, think about the 112mile.

Otherwise, stay with the metric and enjoy the ride.

[SadieKate]

Starfish, don't feel bad about choosing the shorter route. Emotional and mental stress work on the body the same way physical stress does. Yours has been ongoing with recent major events. Just do what you can now so you don't jeopardize the later goal. See how you feel the day of the ride and make your decision then. You can always do the shorter ride at a bit higher intensity. You'll still get benefit from that.

When I think about the way my body reacts to major life events, I'm empathizing with you. I've been there. Just do what you can but don't beat yourself up for changing your plans as you go.

[Starfish]

Sarah, thanks. That really is true. I'm a little angry at myself for coping with eating rather than workouts for awhile there last winter , but it is the past, and you're right...I will do what is wise, and I will have a GREAT ride in August!

And, I plan to use the 112 mile route as a training ride, probably in mid-June, late-June, early-mid-July. There will be time.

What's the saying...discretion being the better part of valor?

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by smilingcat

Or if you can SAG and they don't mind too much, think about the 112mile.

LOL, they wouldn't mind, but I have never been smart enough for this.

Anyhow, you're right. It's a free country, and I'm a local, so I could decide on the fly and do the whole thing if I feel great.

SadieKate: Thanks for the reinforcement. It is true about the stressors. I even have more gray hair now! I've been telling friends I think I'm aging in dog years! LOL

[teigyr]

I'd say, if you're like me, you'd feel worse about half-heartedly going for the 112 then opting to SAG than to wholeheartedly take the metric.

Unfortunately, the 112 doesn't fit in right now and it might be better to go with your long-range plans.

I've felt bad about taking shorter options (am doing it in two weeks, as a matter of fact!) but sometimes things are what they are.

Good luck though, sounds brutal though your training sounds equally brutal!

[Veronica]

Lots of good advice here. I think stick with the metric and finish it strong.

Set a date for doing the 112 on your own. It can be a mid range goal.

V.