After a good talking with my coworker/coach/mentor (Hi Christa!), I feel like I’m ready to do a century. My last ride of 72 miles really took it out of me. I had high doubts about hitting a 100, but I realized it was 90 degrees (I didn’t start till 9am), I was riding solo and it was actually a windy day.
I also got a boost in confidence when I was going through my desk today and found the article with me being featured in the A/E section of the SJ-R and low and behold what I said: “Something my colleagues don’t know about me: I have a goal to bike a Century this summer, and some of my colleagues don’t know about my blog.”
Well, almost everybody at work knows about this ol’ blog (and possibly a rather embarrassing karaoke video that will not be linked here); now, I’ve just got to complete the century.
Nerd Stats (Miles Biked):
- May - 45 miles
- June - 103 miles
- July - 298 miles
- August - 245 miles
Total: 691 miles
This week to let my body recoop, I also went jet skiing the day after my ride (not wise), I am staying off my bike except for some casual riding, and (the best part) I am going to carb up on Friday and Saturday. I even have some Italian places picked out already.
I am not usually one that will quit on a project, maybe postpone - hello overdue landscaping and wiring. I feel like I’ve got enough miles under my belt/spandex to do this!
You do too abandon projects…the electric work ring a bell?
Awesome! Can’t wait to hear how it went, or ride with you for some of the ride possibly. I am still unsure how many miles I’m aiming for. But when the day hits, I know I’ll WANT to do 100, no matter what. Before the last time I did the full century, my longest ride was only 50 miles, and I had very few other long mileage rides. Also I had been sick for the days leading up to the century and almost didn’t go because I wasn’t all better. But I made it.
My right knee was the thing that almost stopped me. Around miles 70 - 80, my knee was pretty sore and I felt myself pushing harder with my left leg, which eventually started to make my left knee sore too. Good times!
One piece of advice - stop at every food stop (even the first one at the covered bridge, when you won’t be tired yet) and take a break. Also make sure you remember your water bottle(s). I actually forgot mine last year (when I only rode 40 miles) and had to borrow a sports bottle that smelled like tea and could only hold a small amount of water. Sweet!