Can I be ready for a Century in 26 days?!

acrafton said:

Guys - just started cycling 2 weeks ago and found out today that the "Hotter than Hell" 100 event is August 28th in the DFW area (where I live). I was planning to train for a century for 12 weeks or so . .but, I really want to do this race - can I be ready by then?

Some stats on me:

36, male in good shape (been playing tennis for years and have good endurance)
For the last 2 weeks (since I started!) I am biking every day for 7-10 miles and could do more just haven't
Have no health issues
I can train pretty hard between then and now

So, can I make it or should I just opt for the 50 miler?

Thanks
Adam

"Race"? More like "fun ride" no?

I would say that maybe you can do it. Well, actually, I'm sure you CAN. It's how much pain/suffering/time you're willing to endure to make it. You could probably run a marathon afterward, too, but again it comes down to your drive and tolerance for suffering!

That said, there are some people who could breeze through it and others who would struggle, even after lots of training. Only you know where you fall on that scale.

26 days? Maybe try doing weekend rides that are 40 and 60 miles in the weeks leading up to it. Judge from there...

Aztec said:

"Race"? More like "fun ride" no?

I would say that maybe you can do it. Well, actually, I'm sure you CAN. It's how much pain/suffering/time you're willing to endure to make it. You could probably run a marathon afterward, too, but again it comes down to your drive and tolerance for suffering!

That said, there are some people who could breeze through it and others who would struggle, even after lots of training. Only you know where you fall on that scale.

26 days? Maybe try doing weekend rides that are 40 and 60 miles in the weeks leading up to it. Judge from there...

Agree with all of Aztec's comments. If you can handle a 60 mile ride a couple of weeks before, you should be able to make the distance..with suffering. Remember it is going to be hot though, which adds a lot to your stress on the bike, and makes hydration and electrolytes critical. It's not a race, so start slow and conserve your energy for late in the ride.

But really, what's the point of killing yourself now? Suggest instead you ride a metric Century on the 28th. You can always find more Century events to ride later in the fall.