First century

mudcow007
mudcow007 Posts: 3,861
edited February 2013 in Training, fitness and health
morning all

rode bikes all my life but fully committed to cycling every day few years ago - i do between 3000 an 4000 miles per year

i have just signed up for a charity century in June

only problem is the furthest ride i have done is 50 - 60 an was basically dead by the end of it

to be honest the "dying" bit could have been i didn't eat nothing all day, i cant seem to stomach food when i'm riding an gels just don't seem right

anyone got any tips on how to survive

(it the Help the Hero's sportive im doing)
Keeping it classy since '83

Comments

  • sadlybiggins
    sadlybiggins Posts: 158
    You should be able to do a century easily with the mileage you put in. I think you've basically answered your question though. I couldn't ride anywhere near that distance on an empty stomach. Make sure you've had a decent meal the night before, a good breakfast well in advance and then eat a little and often from about 45 minutes in, plus ensure you take on fluid regularly even if you don't think you're thirsty. If you don't like gels that's fine; take something you do like, e.g. malt loaf, Nutella sandwiches, flapjacks etc, and practice eating regularly on the bike. I much prefer real food and only keep gels for emergencies. Not sure what else I can say if you really can't eat on a ride. My other key is pacing: decide on a realistic pace for the entire ride and stick with it, at least at the beginning. If you're feeling good in the latter part and can speed up then do so.
  • mudcow007
    mudcow007 Posts: 3,861
    cheers...

    im really bad at pacing too, thats a good point actually

    im riding with someone i work with so fingers crossed we can set a pace an stick to it

    is it true you need to mix the fluids you are taking in, so don't just take two bottles of energy stuff, rather take one an take a water?

    thanks for the info...i feel a bit better now
    Keeping it classy since '83
  • sadlybiggins
    sadlybiggins Posts: 158
    I tend to take two bottles with me and alternate between one with a carb-type tablet in it and one with just squash. Seems to work for me on longer rides. I'm sure others have other recommendations though.
  • chill123
    chill123 Posts: 210
    as above you got to eat (or drink) carbs. try experimenting until you find something you can stomach.
    Garmin 800 Review
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    Try Clif Shot Bloks if you can't face gels. Power Bar do similar jelly sweets called Gel Shots. Some High 5 2:1 in both bottles will help too.

    But yip, eating every 20 mins after the first hour should see you through.

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