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07-29-09, 06:03 PM
Let me preface this by saying I have never ridden over 35 miles before. My rides are usually 20-25 mile loops through hilly terrain—my aim is usually to keep my average speed and cadence up.
I have wanted to ride a century for a while, so, I decided to give a metric a try. I picked out a nearly-flat route around Princeton NJ. My legs gave out after 20 miles :lol:. I pushed through and finished, though.
The final numbers were: 74.43 miles, average speed 13.3 mph. I was shooting for over 15mph, but, the route I had planned was supposed to top out at 61. Oops.
I learned a bit about nutrition, too. Completely hit the wall. Unfortunately, I was riding through cornfield after cornfield. I didn't see so much a store or downtown area from mile 13-30. Finally I chanced upon a CVS (I have never been so glad to see a CVS in my life!) picked up a gatorade, a bottle of water, some trail mix and a Snickers. That gave me enough to push though, but, I'll definitely pack some energy bars/gels next time. The ol' tank was empty for sure.
I ran into a bit of joint pain about 50 miles in. Interior knee pain on both (though, predominantly on my left knee) and some minor elbow pain. I plan on dropping by my LBS and seeing if there are any fit problems. That said, I've yet to run into any problems before this. Any ideas? My knee is still a bit sore but my legs feel completely fine! Go figure. :rolleyes:
I have wanted to ride a century for a while, so, I decided to give a metric a try. I picked out a nearly-flat route around Princeton NJ. My legs gave out after 20 miles :lol:. I pushed through and finished, though.
The final numbers were: 74.43 miles, average speed 13.3 mph. I was shooting for over 15mph, but, the route I had planned was supposed to top out at 61. Oops.
I learned a bit about nutrition, too. Completely hit the wall. Unfortunately, I was riding through cornfield after cornfield. I didn't see so much a store or downtown area from mile 13-30. Finally I chanced upon a CVS (I have never been so glad to see a CVS in my life!) picked up a gatorade, a bottle of water, some trail mix and a Snickers. That gave me enough to push though, but, I'll definitely pack some energy bars/gels next time. The ol' tank was empty for sure.
I ran into a bit of joint pain about 50 miles in. Interior knee pain on both (though, predominantly on my left knee) and some minor elbow pain. I plan on dropping by my LBS and seeing if there are any fit problems. That said, I've yet to run into any problems before this. Any ideas? My knee is still a bit sore but my legs feel completely fine! Go figure. :rolleyes: