Pre-Assault on Mt. Mitchell funk
A week from tomorrow is the Assault on Mount Mitchell. I’m concerned. I hope I will be ready.
It seems that my efforts recently have taken a lot out of me. It isn’t even that I have put in big efforts. I just end up feeling pretty rough after a few days of riding. Yesterday was one of the longest rides I’ve had in a while – 40 miles.
The feeling is just tired legs and lethargy. It typically goes away once I’m on the bike, but I could tell towards the end of yesterday’s effort that I was wearing down. How am I going to feel next week by the time I reach Tom Johnson camp ground?
My rides this spring have all been pretty short. I have focused much more on racing this year. Not to mention that this has been a very busy spring and I’ve been snatching time on the bike whenever and for however long I can get.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not worried that I won’t be able to complete the ride. I’m just concerned about my objective of finishing the ride in around six hours.
Maybe a couple days rest is all I need. What would you do at this point if you were me?
One reason I don’t do Mitchell anymore is because it is hard to train for a 100+ mile climbing ride and train to race. I doubt I could do Mitchell right now without hurting alot.
How often do you take a rest week or even a few days? That makes a big difference to me. Last year I didn’t take many rest days and I can tell the difference this year.
The way you are riding this year, you will do fine on Mitchell. Ride smart, eat and drink often and stay out of the wind.
Usually a few days off/light riding will show a nice upward trend in your TSB and you’ll feel much fresher. Nothing you do training wise in this last week is going to make any difference for Mitchell, the best thing you can do is taper and be well rested.
Good advice Paul. I’m with you-can’t race the shorter crits and road races we have here effectively if I try to train for such a long and hilly ride.
Rest is so important, especially once you hit 40 (as I am finding out this year!). You won’t gain anything in the next week by training harder, but you’ll definitely benefit from resting up for the big ride.
Good luck!
I did Mitchell last year and gave too much effort from Spartanburg to Marion. Remember to save some energy for the last 30 miles. We all look forward to hearing about your success!