I like the fact that this event is advertised as a ride not a race so I don't have to worry about trying to go fast, I can just enjoy riding my first 100 miler with lots of company at a nice pace. To prepare for the ride I've been increasing my long weekend rides. The only reason why haven't ridden more than 60 in one setting is because of the time commitment it takes to complete a route like this. I've finished my long rides feeling strong and usually throw in a short run afterwards so hopefully I don't have too much trouble going the extra miles on my bike.
One website that I've recently discovered that's been helpful in regards to my bike training is called mapmyride.com. It's free to set up a basic account. Users can search for courses which other members have made or you can create your own course. I've already found the Ride for Roswell 100 mile route as well as the Ironman Wisconsin route. The great thing about the website is you can view a map of the course as well as see an exact elevation profile of the route. I always wonder how the hills in Ithaca and surrounding areas will compare to the hills on the Ironman Wisconsin course but thanks to mapmyride I now know. I like to use the website to map out my long rides so that I can see how many miles it will be as well as what my elevation gain will be. I know from this website the the Ironman Wisconsin course has an elevation change of about 2800 over the 112 miles. Last weekend I rode from Newfield to Eastern Ithaca on Saturday night. Than Sunday I went for a short swim before riding from Eastern Ithaca to Cortland and back to Newfield. Between the two workouts I logged 75 miles and and elevation gain of 2780- not too shabby.
I've also been paying much better attention to my nutrition before, during, and after these long workouts. I always eat something before I head out. I don't like riding right after a big meal but little snacks work well- granola, fruit, crackers, nuts, etc. For the ride I have two bottles of fluid. I 've shyed away from straight water on my bike rides since I know I need to be replacing some of the stuff I'm loosing and water just doesn't cut it. I like to mix Gu Brew or Nuun tablets in my water bottle. Both work great for me- they arn't too sugary and they don't give me a cotton mouth feeling. Something about these two products is very satisfying during a long workout, however, I don't think they would be very satisfying to drink any other time. I also like to pack some type of gummies and a protein bar. I aim to consume a few gummies or part of a bar at least evey hour during my rides and I'm constantly sipping from my bottles.
The ride for Roswell is 100 mile ride with an elevation gain of just over 1000 ft. I'm looking forward to riding in honor of my Grandmother who is currently a patient at Roswell Cancer Institute- her battle is much more difficult than my Ironman or a Century ride and I'll be using her as insiration to finish both of these events.