good training plan

[Pat "5mph"]

@Weeloubylou well done on signing up to the challenge!
I have a wee notion to do it myself ... over 2 days
If you want to know about the hillyness of the route, ask our @Rasmus who did it last year.
If you like to start serious training, go ride with these guys and girls: some members are local to you, just post a ride on the site or join one.

 

[Rasmus]

If you're already doing 56 miles, you should have no problem getting ready for the PfS sportive in September.

The route is hard, but it's not exceptionally hard, and the only really long climb comes in the first half.

I'd suggest your top priority should be to get your body used to extended hours in the saddle, so get yourself out on as many long rides as you can, without worrying too much about your speed. You don't necessarily need to do a full distance practice run, but I'd suggest at least having regular 60-80 mile rides, with perhaps one or two centuries thrown in, across spring and summer. At least that worked well for me.

You also need to learn about how much liquid and food your body requires (hint: It's a lot!). Bonking is bad! Finally, get used to pacing yourself. Plot routes with big hills near the end of the ride, to learn how much you can push yourself in the first half and still have something left for the final stretch.

 

[heliphil]

I helped a young lady friend (48) of mine around a 100 mile sportive without problems - she was slow but steady and had never done more than 50 before - just keep riding and make sure you have good nutrition on the day and you will be fine.