Are you up for the 100 miles challenge!

This post is addressed to those of you who want to take on the 100 mile challenge!  In my last post, I tried to ease the concern of those of you who may shy away from the 2009 Ride to Empower because of the fear of not being able to ride the full 100 miles. As I wrote in that post, you only have to do as many miles as you want. However, if you do want to try riding the full 100 miles then I want to  encourage you to give it a try. With some time and effort, you should definitely be able to reach this goal.

The reason why I wanted to try riding the full 100 miles in the 2008 Ride to Empower is because I've always liked to challenge myself physically. In my younger years, I was quite competitive. If you asked my sister about me she would be quick to point out that I was the one who always wanted to finish first, and she was the one who could care less. On vacation a few years ago, we went on an informal bike tour, and it was funny that even in our 50's, I was the one riding at the front of the bike group, and she was the one riding at the back. However, ever since I had breast cancer, I've changed a lot in this regard. Rather than focusing on the finish line, I've tried to slow down and enjoy life more. I have a strong desire to appreciate life and value those things that make life meaningful. It's the journey and not the outcome that most intrigues me these days.

 So, although I trained seriously for the 2008 Ride last year, I knew that when I went to Solvang I wanted to enjoy the experience and not become too obsessed about riding the 100 miles. In order to take the pressure off of myself in Solvang, I actually rode 100 miles in Chicago early last Ocober in order to prove to myself that I could accomplish my goal after training all summer. ( I can hear my sister laughing at me for having rode the 100 miles twice.) Anyway, as I've mentioned before, I had a wonderful, amazing time in Solvang and it was the experience rather than achieving my goal of riding 100 miles that I will remember the most. 

 We all have different personalities that influence the goals we choose for ourselves, and the ways in which we achieve these goals. This was apparent to me during the 2008 Ride in Solvang. There were people who were determined to complete the 100 miles, and were successful in this regard.  You could feel  their focus and competitive edge.  In contrast, there were people who laughed about the 100 miles knowing that there was no way they would be able to ride that far, and so they didn't even try. Then there were those people who had their doubts but thought they would at least try to ride the 100 miles. Some were successful and some were not. The key for me was finding someone to ride with who matched my personality. The day before the ride, I asked a woman next to me if she was good at following map directions and could she change a flat tire? These were two things I was bad at so when she answered yes to both, I knew we would ride together. To put it simply , we had a blast!  Whether it was relieving ourselves on the side of the road, getting lost for a short period of time, enjoying the beautiful scenery together, or her making jokes to me in order to help me keep going when I no longer wanted to, that was what made the 2008 Ride so memorable for me.

Given that I was not a serious bike rider, I did have to train pretty hard last summer. The Network of Strength- Illinois Affiliate was able to find a local coach last year, and I more or less followed the training plan created by that coach. I've been told that a new coach has volunteered in the Chicago area for the 2009 Ride, and that a new training plan will be prepared. I would suggest that you first check with your Network of Strength Affiliate to see if a coach is being used in your area. If not, I want to assure you that we will provide you  with the information you need to train for this Ride. I will try to make a training plan available to you, or at the very least, I will share with you, on a weekly basis, how I intend to train for the 2009 Ride. All you have to do is keeping checking  this Blog for the latest tips on how to prepare. We will help you achieve your bike riding goals- whether it's 100 miles or less!

In my upcoming post, I will address the bike issue. I found that as I started to train for the 2008 Ride last summer, I visited the bike shop quite often so I could upgrade my bike ( such as a new seat, new pedals, etc)  At 53 years old, I needed all the help I could get. So I will be sharing with you what I personally learned along the way.  I want to emphasize that what I may suggest is based on what I experienced, and you may find that it doesn't pertain to what you need. That is definitely okay!  The information I provide is just my suggestions, and you can take or leave what you want. Also, the other people posting on this Blog have their insights on these topics. The purpose of this Blog is to provide you with information which will hopefully help you achieve your goals.  For me, having a decent bike and bike shorts made a huge difference in training for and completing the 100 miles. I will be taking my bike in soon to have it tuned up so I will be ready to ride once it gets above freezing around here. It's been one heck of a winter here in Chicago. I will get back to you soon on the bike issue so you can also start taking the steps necessary to begin training.

Comments

[Rochea]

I am a 2 year survivor. How can i locate a coach in NYC to prepare for the ride? I need to be able to look back & say that I've completed this ride in order for me to have a new sense of peace & transition.

[Barbara Cybulski]

Hi Rochea,

I am so glad you contacted me. I want to first assure you that I will do all that I can to help you complete this Ride. With your determination, I guarantee you will be able to do so. With that being said, I've been told their is no affilite of Network of Strength in New York. Therefore, there definitely will be no local coach in your area. However, I'm in the process of talking with Network of Strength to see if we can make a training plan available to those who want one. Irregardless of whether one can be made available, I intend to post each week how I intend to train. Last, year I started in June and trained all the way up to October. I intend to do the same this year. So, stay tuned to this Blog and you will get all the information you need to train. In the meantime, try to get yourself in shape by walking or running. I'm so proud of you for wanting to go the full 100 miles! I can't wait to meet you on the finish line.

[Barbara Cybulski]

Hello Rochea,

I just found out that the Network of Strength will be preparing a training plan and will be posting it on this Blog. So, keep looking for a post about a training plan. You will see it soon.

Last year, I trained all by myself. Having a plan gave me some guidance on what I needed to do. So, even without a coach, you will be just fine. If I could do it then I know you can too.

Please stay in touch. I like hearing from you.