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Is 26 days enough to train for a century?

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Is 26 days enough to train for a century?

Old 08-11-02, 06:21 PM
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Is 26 days enough to train for a century?

The NYC century is Sept 8 and i really wanna try it. I just started biking about a Month and a half ago. I also usually Mountain Bike. My farthest ride to date was about 26 miles on the trails. I also still had some energy to go farther. They have 4 different distances 35, 55, 75, 100 miles. I am definately going for the 75 but would really like to go for 100. Do yoiu guys think it is possible for the 100 or even the 75, or should i go for the 55? I will also be doing this race with my mountain bike. Also what do i need to bring with me on the race?
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Old 08-11-02, 06:44 PM
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Originally posted by Mambwe
The NYC century is Sept 8 and i really wanna try it. I just started biking about a Month and a half ago. I also usually Mountain Bike. My farthest ride to date was about 26 miles on the trails. I also still had some energy to go farther. They have 4 different distances 35, 55, 75, 100 miles. I am definately going for the 75 but would really like to go for 100. Do yoiu guys think it is possible for the 100 or even the 75, or should i go for the 55? I will also be doing this race with my mountain bike. Also what do i need to bring with me on the race?
Hi!!

The first thing to remember is THIS IS NOT A RACE, DESPITE WHAT YOU SAID IN YOUR MESSAGE. That is a real important concept. This is an EVENT.

What kind of condition are you in generally??

Are you a young whippersnapper or an old guy (like me)?

I think it is quite possible. There are a number of web pages on how to train for a century - I don't have them on this computer, but do a search. Bicycling Magazine has several, as shouls www.sheldonbrown.com

If you have knobbies, replace them with 1.25 x 26 or at the most 1.5 x 26 slicks. This is real important, as you will go about 25% further.

Build yourself up gradually, give your body time to rest, gradually increasing your distances. Do long rides then short rides. If you can get to about 70 miles on your practice, you should be able to do a century easily. Be sure to rest at least the day before the event, and, preferably two days before - easy relaxing rides. Let your body recover and get ready.

And, remember, this is NOT a race. You may take all the time you need to finish. Just finishing is the goal. Don't start out trying to keep up with the guys who ride centuries all the time - you need to set your own slower pace, keep yourself well hydrated and nourished, and, most of all HAVE FUN!!
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Old 08-11-02, 06:59 PM
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I am 21 years old in decent shape, I am also currently training for a small riding(10 miles off-road), running(4 mile) biathlon. This will be after the century. Any tips on what to do before the event will be appreciated also.
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Old 08-11-02, 09:23 PM
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Once again, the Fox has hit the nail right on the head.
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Old 08-11-02, 11:48 PM
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Use slick tyres
Wear CLEAN padded bike shorts for training as well as the ride.
Wear helmet and gloves.
Use toe-clips on platform pedals or a clipless pedal system if you have it.
Drink lots of water and keep eating small amounts of food every hour.
Ride in a gear which permits you to spin the pedals easily at a fairly high cadence. Pushing big gears and doing sprints early on will blow you out for a long ride.

For someone as fit as you, the main problem will be staying on the saddle for several hours, so get as much saddle time as you can.
Generally you can extend your max range on the day. If youy want to ride a 100, at the least, you should have ridden a 70miler before. A couple of 50s should be no sweat for you right now.
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Old 08-12-02, 03:18 PM
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A word of caution: There will be a lot of other young riders who will try to do the 100 miles in 4 to 4-1/2 hours or so. They will also bypass most of the rest stops.
Don't do this! You need fuel. So eat and drink at each rest stop and drink while you are riding.
You aren't trying to set a speed record. This is your first century so just pace yourself so you can complete it.
Also eat a high carb meal the night before (like pasta) and have a good breakfast at least 2 hours before the ride begins.
Until then just ride - the more miles the better. You have to get your backside used to sitting for 100 miles.
Good luck.
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Last edited by RonH; 08-12-02 at 03:23 PM.
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Old 08-13-02, 11:12 AM
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Listen to Dnvrfox.

I had to train for a 500 mile, 7 day trip, averaging 70 miles a day.
I had not ridden any distance in years. I rode for 2 weeks straight prior to the ride, with a 50 and 30 miler the weekend before the ride. I was able to ride the whole week. Although I had some tired legs in the beginning, by mid-week my legs (and behind) came in and I was fine.

Best of luck!

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