Fifty Plus (50+) - Second Century, trained a little different

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tabriz
05-12-12, 07:30 PM
Hi,

I'm doing my second Century next weekend, The Santa Fe Century, http://www.nmts.org/rides/santaFeCentury.htmwhich

My longest ride getting ready for this was a few weeks ago, 78 miles. The past few weeks I haven't done any long rides, over 40 miles, but I've climbed the local mountain, which is 13 miles up and about 3900 elevation gain. I've been riding 100-125 miles/week.

I'm a little concerned that I will crash and burn on this ride, because I have been concentrating more on climbing than miles. I'm a 50 year old woman.

Do you think that climbing this mountain instead of riding longer miles will work?

Tabriz

cyclinfool
05-12-12, 07:35 PM
Sounds like you will be fine. A 3900' climb is a lot of climbing and that builds endurance as well as strength.
Dudelsack
05-12-12, 08:10 PM
Yes. I think you will do fine. Try to take pics if you can.

StanSeven
05-12-12, 08:51 PM
A 78 mile, even in the last three months, is good for a century. As long as you haven't slacked off since, you are good and 100-125 miles weekly with climbing is enough.
berner
05-12-12, 08:53 PM
I think you will be fine also. I have read where trainers recommend, when time is limited, substituting some intensity for time in the saddle. Climbing long hills sure qualifies for intensity. Last year, because I was so bad at climbing, I made it a point to climb everything in sight, including standing to climb. While the Olympics or le Tour is not in my future, I'm much faster. In your situation, by dialing back effort from that required for climbing, you should be able to go longer.

I'm barely knowledgeable about training so you should check out the free info on the web. Also, get "Cycling Past 50" by Friel.
stapfam
05-12-12, 10:43 PM
Why do 100 mile training rides in preparation for a 100 miler? You will have done it.

The way you have done this preparation is good eenough by keeping distance sensible and doing hard work on a mountain climb. Unless you expect to do the century in 4 hours in which case you have done it all wrong.

Good luck on the ride and a report and pics will be required.