Training & Nutrition - Accelerated weight loss and last minute training

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wrxrider
09-06-07, 01:32 PM
I'm doing a 3-day, 225 mile charity ride in three weeks. Terrain will be reasonably hilly (Herhsey, PA to NYC).

Unfortunately, my training plans turned out to be pretty much a bust. Recent leg injuries kept me off the bike for most of the last seven weeks. And I will miss training rides both this weekend and next with out of town commitments. I'll likely get 6-8 rides in before the ride and some work on the trainer.

I'm 49 and somewhat overweight. I'm a decent rider but am not feeling prepared for the task at hand. I know I'd enjoy the ride more if I could drop pounds now. I'm contemplating a 7-day super diet (cabbage soup perhaps) from September 17-23. Ride starts on the 28th.

Any feedback would be appreciated. I'm feeling a bit behind the eight ball. Thanks.

UmneyDurak
09-06-07, 01:41 PM
I wouldn't do it. Starving yourself will have a more negative impact on your performance then staying at your current weight and riding. If you want to loose weight make it a medium/long term goal not a short one. It will be healthier in a long run. I think you have to just accept your condition, not much you can do in the next three weeks to drastically improve your performance. Spent time riding your bike as you normally would, don't over do it, dial in your nutrition needs, and get plenty of rest.
ed073
09-06-07, 04:44 PM
Pull out.

You're in for a world of hurt.

Pinyon
09-06-07, 05:07 PM
You will lose muscle too, if you try to lose that much that fast. Endurance sports are not like scholastic wrestling or boxing. You can't just strip off the pounds fast to compete, and pay the price AFTER the event. If you lose even 5-7 lbs over a week, your performance will suffer. It will make the ride worse.

I don't know about pulling out of the ride, though. Just go slower, draft when you can, etc. You will suffer, but it should not kill you, and will be a big reminder next time to show you what happens when you don't keep up with your training. I'm not talking about punishing yourself for not training, either. I just don't think that you have to cancel if you don't want to.