Couch(ish)-to-Century in 5 weeks?

rinko

So I've got this really stupid idea about doing the Cheshire Cat century ride this year. The biggest problem is my Power-to-Weight is not going to be good as I'm about 18 stone (I was 19 stone on Jan 1st), and I've not ridden much in 2012.

I was following an 8 week century program from the start of the year, but between work and ill children (one of which required a hospital stay for a few days), I've not really been able to follow it as accurately as I had hoped.

Consequently I am starting to think that I might be biting off more than I can chew. It's now 5 weeks out and I don't know if it's enough time to get to a level of fitness to complete?

As a point of reference, I did a solo 35 mile ride a couple of weeks ago (averaging 14mph due to the wind), and apart from some shoulder/neck pain (possibly from the backpack, complete with D-lock etc, that I was carrying), I didn't feel exhausted.

With the help of another BR member, I've got my turbo set up with TrainerRoad - so no excuses for not getting some miles in. I'm looking at the century plans on there, but they are 11 weeks long - and I can't decide whether to follow them from week 6 (and assume my base fitness is high enough to start), or start at week 1 and hope for the best?

I'm not entirely sure what I'm hoping for by way of responses, but any advice/suggestions/words of encouragement would be gratefully received!

rinko

Hmm, 44 views - no replies ... not sure if that's ominous or that my thread lacks a call to action?

How about some specific questions:

Has anyone else ever done anything so silly with such a short lead time - did it end badly?

Do people think road riding/turbo only or a combination of the two are the best preparation (given my limited time)? I can "get more miles" into my legs on the turbo - but is the mileage comparable with road riding?

Has anyone followed the TR century plans (which I think are based on the time crunched cyclist plans) with good results? Any advice on whether I can jump into the middle of the plan and see worthwhile results (speculation welcome)?

Does anyone have any other training or event specific advice for this predicament?

imposter2.0

it's certainly possible to ride 100m with that level of fitness. Just don't expect to ride it particularly quickly. Why not go for the 62m instead ?

rinko

Imposter wrote:

it's certainly possible to ride 100m with that level of fitness. Just don't expect to ride it particularly quickly. Why not go for the 62m instead ?

I'd consider finishing to be a good enough time to be honest, although from my posteriors point of view, the quicker I finish the better!

I'd passed on the idea of doing the 62, as having aimed for the century, it would seem (in my brain at least) like a cop out (excuse the pun). Plus having done 35 miles, pretty much on a whim, it doesn't seem like as much of a challenge.

I think perhaps my brain just isn't wired correctly!

imposter2.0

Rinko wrote:

Imposter wrote:

it's certainly possible to ride 100m with that level of fitness. Just don't expect to ride it particularly quickly. Why not go for the 62m instead ?

I'd consider finishing to be a good enough time to be honest, although from my posteriors point of view, the quicker I finish the better!

I'd passed on the idea of doing the 62, as having aimed for the century, it would seem (in my brain at least) like a cop out (excuse the pun). Plus having done 35 miles, pretty much on a whim, it doesn't seem like as much of a challenge.

I think perhaps my brain just isn't wired correctly!

At the level you are at, aiming to complete the 62 miler strongly would make more sense than finishing the 100 miler on your knees - or worse, not at all. You've got all year to hit 100.

Not Another Hill

How much riding did you do pre-2012?

I think it's very ambitious. Whilst not being the hilliest sportive out there, it's still a challenge. I don't think being able to do 35 miles comfortably is a great indicator for a long 100 mile ride. Realistically you would need to build your longest ride distance by about 10 miles a week to get near 100 distance. If you can ride 85 miles by week 5, you'll manage the 100.

What's the longest you've ridden in the past?

I'm coming back from a 2 year layoff after spending 9 years riding and racing and Whilst I can manage 45 - 50 miles rides after 4 weeks back on the bike, I know my level of fitness, endurance, strength etc would not be up to a 100 mile ride within the next 5 weeks.

Muffintop

I've never done a centuary. And me in your position with my heart set on doing the 100 - I'd start spending a lot of time in the saddle. Chances are, you can finish it, just not in the time you'd like, and you'll need to know how hard it can be in order to have your mind set on the day.

It's one thing thinking that you can do 30 odd miles in a decent time, it's another knowing that you can spend 6-7-8 hours in the saddle, bonking, and knowing you can still at least keep your legs peddling, al be it slowly.

Mx

rinko

I think the responses from you all are accurate - although not what I wanted to hear.

I got my bike through C2W in 2009 and throughout 2009-2010 I was commuting and riding regularly (albeit not mega distances) and completed a sprint distance triathlon. Laterly we've had somewhat of an instant family (3 kids now), and that's hampered my time and enthusiasm to cycle.

The 35 mile comment was included, not as an indication that I can ride 100 miles - but as a point of reference (one of few that I have) regarding how I felt covering a "reasonable" distance in the saddle. That said, I know it's a world of difference spending a couple of hours riding 35 to 6-7-8 hours for 100.

I think perhaps I check the final entry dates for the 100, train as if I'm going to do the 100 - and then perhaps have a test ride in 3-4 weeks (maybe aim for 60-70 miles?) to see how I feel, and decide on a distance to ride based on that?

NUFCrichard

I am sure you can do it, I don't think you will enjoy it on the day though.
Obviously ride all you can before the event, but if finishing is the goal, the main thing is that you need to eat and drink enough during the event. If you bonk on top of being exhausted it will really not be fun for you!

danlikesbikes

Rinko wrote:

With the help of another BR member, I've got my turbo set up with TrainerRoad - so no excuses for not getting some miles in. I'm looking at the century plans on there, but they are 11 weeks long - and I can't decide whether to follow them from week 6 (and assume my base fitness is high enough to start), or start at week 1 and hope for the best?

I'm not entirely sure what I'm hoping for by way of responses, but any advice/suggestions/words of encouragement would be gratefully received!

Well I'll put my opinion in & its a bit different from others but only as you seem determined to give it go and see it through.

Stick with the trainer road if you want, but there is nothing wrong with starting the 11 week plan from a later stage. You might find it easy if your fitness allows or it might be a bit harder but with some structured riding and good trainer road sessions you should be able to finish OK.

As others have said you may not complete it in as fast a time as you want to, but that might be down to weather or how your feeling on the day. However you might find with the increase in fitness over your training & a change to your diet your base fitness increases enough to get you through in a decent time.

Like I said I'm not saying I'm right but you've certainly got the right attitude if your determined to stick to the 100 miler.

Good luck with your ride.

poynedexter

why not go out this weekend and ride your bike. plan for a distance you could achieve at a push. eg 70 miles. see how it feels with some discomfort thrown in. can you live with this. eat properly before and have a 10 minute food break at 35 miles (dont eat crap, homemade?). drink plenty of water and eat a small snack (healthy) once an hr after this. plan your 10 minstop so you can buy your food/snack/water if you need so you dont have to carry it all. you wont bonk if you eat sensibly.

repeat this process when time allows and ride ride ride

of course you can do 100miles. just take your time and dont race it.

Bokoshoko

On the TR point. The century plans are all 8 weeks, the final 3 are just maintenance to retain "form".

Muffintop

Yeh, forgot to say - good luck!

Mx

Wrath Rob

Well, its certainly possible to do a century with little training. Last year a few of us did London-Brighton-London for charity. The route ended up being 120 miles and one of our number did pretty much zero training and was/is definitely not a regular cyclist and is not fantastically fit (he smokes too). OK, so he did average around 12mph for the ride and had to be nursed through the last 10 miles but he did it. I wouldn't advise this as a course of action though

I think the bigger challenge, as alluded to above, is going to be the experience of doing a longer ride and ensuring you're prepared for it. Things like eating correctly are learn't with experience, and experiencing bonk on a charity 10om ride is not the best place for it! Definitely try and get some experience of 4+ hour rides before the big day. Do some research on here about eating strategy and try it.

Personally, I'd suggest that after the first hour, take on a little food often (e.g. every 10 miles). Your body is not like a car, once its empty you can't magically fill up and continue, you need to continually keep something in your tank. In other words, you should be eating before you're hungry as hunger is a warning sign that you're starting to get into trouble. At least on a sportive with feed stations, you know that you can stock up at a feed station, just make sure you can get to each one!

rinko

Thanks for taking the time to comment everyone!

I've been hitting turbo after giving my bike some tlc and de-gunking my drivetrain. Feeling good so far and mixing in some swimming and some weights (toning, not building I might add) in my "off" days.

I'm still in two minds as to whether to do a long ride outside (without the aid of cadence and hr feedback), or stick to the turbo and TR for a structured session. I'm err'ing towards the latter, at least for this weekend and may do one of each next weekend depending upon how I feel - I might even treat myself to a new cycle computer!

Wrath Rob

Do a long ride outside. You're doing training for your body, think of the long outdoors ride as training for your mind. My first sportive, a 72 miler, was a massive learning experience as while I paced myself well I didn't eat right and suffered before the 1st feed stop, before the 2nd feed stop and the last 8 miles were a serious drag. I also learnt that my saddle wasn't very comfortable after 2 hours and that I needed a bike fit to stop the sore lower back and neck. None of these you will learn from a turbo.

cheaterkiller

Rinko wrote:

Imposter wrote:

it's certainly possible to ride 100m with that level of fitness. Just don't expect to ride it particularly quickly. Why not go for the 62m instead ?

I'd consider finishing to be a good enough time to be honest, although from my posteriors point of view, the quicker I finish the better!

I'd passed on the idea of doing the 62, as having aimed for the century, it would seem (in my brain at least) like a cop out (excuse the pun). Plus having done 35 miles, pretty much on a whim, it doesn't seem like as much of a challenge.

I think perhaps my brain just isn't wired correctly!

What pun? I didnt see any pun in your post.

rinko

Wrath Rob wrote:

Do a long ride outside. You're doing training for your body, think of the long outdoors ride as training for your mind. My first sportive, a 72 miler, was a massive learning experience as while I paced myself well I didn't eat right and suffered before the 1st feed stop, before the 2nd feed stop and the last 8 miles were a serious drag. I also learnt that my saddle wasn't very comfortable after 2 hours and that I needed a bike fit to stop the sore lower back and neck. None of these you will learn from a turbo.

Yep - going for a bike fit ASAP. Mine was done initially when I bought it, but given my physique has altered since then, I think I will benefit from a change. I also need to change saddle as after 1.5 hours on the turbo it starts to get uncomfortable - although I've never had the same on the road (possibly due to changing position more often?).

cheaterkiller wrote:

What pun? I didnt see any pun in your post.

Sorry - sort of a "in" joke if you are familiar with the Cheshire Cat route as it takes in the "killer mile" at Mow Cop, featuring a 20-25% gradient.

rinko

Contacted one of my LBS and I'm trying to get in for a fit ASAP (probably this weekend).

I think my saddle pain on the turbo was position related (I was sat too far back/upright). I did 2.5 hours on it the other night adopting a more normal position on the hoods, and only really suffered in the last 30 minutes. However I think it's fairly normal to encounter some discomfort on a turbo as you are far more static (position wise, on the bike).

Managed 6.5 hours on the bike last week and have planned a long'ish ride for Saturday and two more turbo sessions tonight and tomorrow. Might also re-do the TR test as I want to see if my FTP could increase.

Wrath Rob

Rinko wrote:

Contacted one of my LBS and I'm trying to get in for a fit ASAP (probably this weekend).

I think my saddle pain on the turbo was position related (I was sat too far back/upright). I did 2.5 hours on it the other night adopting a more normal position on the hoods, and only really suffered in the last 30 minutes. However I think it's fairly normal to encounter some discomfort on a turbo as you are far more static (position wise, on the bike).

Managed 6.5 hours on the bike last week and have planned a long'ish ride for Saturday and two more turbo sessions tonight and tomorrow. Might also re-do the TR test as I want to see if my FTP could increase.

Great work getting the longer rides in, though 2.5 hours on the turbo is enough to give anyone saddle pain! I find I have to get out of the saddle for a minute every 20-25 mins to regain some comfort.

Keep it up, if you're up to 6.5 hours already then you're making fantastic progress towards that century.

Muffintop

+1 on the saddle pain during turbo. I was a bit worried about saddle pain but on a recent 3+ hr jaunt I didn't have anything - we must not move much during turbo so the 'area' doesn't get to 'circulate' .

Mx