Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Just signed on for a Century

I'm 6'1" 225. One of my goals this year is to ride a century. I figured it wouldn't happen unless I did something about it so I signed up for this one Aug. 24. I can do a 38 mile ride without trouble so I figure 5 weeks should be enough to train. Any suggestions for someone doing their 1st century?

Thanks

Here it is: http://www.suburbancyclists.org/lakenock.asp

Great move to sign up for a supported century if this will be your first. Keep upping your long distance ride length gradually every week and you'll be in good shape to do the ride. Practice your fueling strategy as the rides let longer and you'll know what works best for you during the century. Good luck!

I'm 6'1" 225. One of my goals this year is to ride a century. I figured it wouldn't happen unless I did something about it so I signed up for this one Aug. 24. I can do a 38 mile ride without trouble so I figure 5 weeks should be enough to train. Any suggestions for someone doing their 1st century?

Thanks

Here it is: http://www.suburbancyclists.org/lakenock.asp

The "Nock" is considered a well-run and well-supported ride, but keep in mind it's hilly. Lake Nockamixon is very pretty, however, so it's worth seeing.

Wow, and I thought we had some strange place names out here. Nockamixon? Does that mean something?

As far as the century is concerned, I assume you're not going for the "intensive climbing unit" option, right?

Don't overthink this and don't psych yourself out. Yes, it's a long ride, but there's nothing that says you have to ride it at record speeds or even stop only at SAG points. Ride at a pace you can maintain for a long time and enjoy yourself.

Ride longer and longer during the time remaining. Learn what your pace is for 50, 60, 70 mile rides. Become one with your bike :)

Wow, and I thought we had some strange place names out here. Nockamixon? Does that mean something?


I don't know. I'll try to think of what it means next time I ride the Perkiomen Trail to the Schuylkill Trail to Conshohocken and Manayunk. Or north to the Manatawny Creek. :)

It means "Place of Soft Soil", according to this site:

http://www.pbase.com/reflectionsbyruth/nockamixon

I think five weeks is actually a pretty short time to go from riding 38 miles to doing a century.

The general rule of thumb is to increase your weekly mileage and longest ride by no more than 10 percent each week. This helps avoid injuries during training that would prevent you from finishing the century. You'll be well over 10 percent if you try to get in an 80 miler prior to the century.

That being said you've already signed up for the century so why not try adding 10 miles to your long ride for each of the next five weeks. That should get you up to 78 prior to the century.

The long rides will teach you plenty about bike fit and nutrition.

Ride at your own speed. Do not go out too fast in the beginning. Do not try to hang onto a faster group. Eat a nice breakfast 2 hours before the ride and eat small bits and pieces during the ride. Keep yourself hydrated by sipping from your bottle every 15 min. or so. Make sure you have enough water bottles to get from one rest stop to the other. Dehydration leads to suffering.

I'm almost the same size as you are and I also considered it, but it's the same day as the Philly LiveStrong Ride, so I'll do that instead (probably not the century). One thing to remember, in addition to the hills that the others mentioned...it's August and will likely be very hot and humid. You may not be able to do quite what you would on a more comfortable day. Anyway, good luck.

I don't care what it is called i would trade you in a heart beat for the ride we are doing which is the hotter n' hell hundred...it is flat...flat...did i say flat...

Thanks for the info.

Steve

Update: Did a Metric+ training today. 70 miles!!!! I don't know if I'll be able to kick out a full Century but having a goal has gotten me on the bike. I finished an hour ago and think I have at least 20 more slow miles in me. 3 months ago 238# this week 217#!!!! Clyde graduation is the year end goal.

Update: Did a Metric+ training today. 70 miles!!!! I don't know if I'll be able to kick out a full Century but having a goal has gotten me on the bike. I finished an hour ago and think I have at least 20 more slow miles in me. 3 months ago 238# this week 217#!!!! Clyde graduation is the year end goal.

Pace yourself, and I think you'll be OK. I made my jump from metric to 82 miles, then from 82 to full century. My next distance jumps after that were century to 200km, then 200km to 200 miler. Now, it's not the same for everyone, but I feel that once you get over the 5 hour mark, as long as you pace yourself and stay fed/hydrated, it's all the same until you hit 10 hours.

Update: Did a Metric+ training today. 70 miles!!!! I don't know if I'll be able to kick out a full Century but having a goal has gotten me on the bike. I finished an hour ago and think I have at least 20 more slow miles in me. 3 months ago 238# this week 217#!!!! Clyde graduation is the year end goal.

You can do it. Just be prepared, somewhere between mile 80 and 90 my body really starts to protest and I have heard others say the same thing. Fighting through it is mostly a mental game and once I get past mile 90 it seems to get better. Last couple of centuries I have finshed feeling pretty good. Have fun!