Should I be pacing myself?

[JoeyB]

Does anyone pace themselves when riding longer distances?

I am doing my first 200km ride in a couple of weeks and I'm wondering if I should approach it as I would a 100km or if I should 'hold a bit back' so I've still got some life left in my legs for the latter stages of the ride?

I've completed 3 100kms so far this year having not done anything for a couple of years, so it's fair to say I'm a beginner I think. Whilst I have finished every ride I have been pretty tired by the end. I think the reason being because I have gone off at whatever pace I can manage and then progressively slowed down as my legs have tired, would it be better to hold back in the early stages or shall I just continue as I have been and just rely on mind over matter to get me through the 200?

Any advice would be welcome, even if it is just to quote rule number 5

 

[avsd]

I would try to do a run around the 140/160k m distance next weekend if the weather is reasonable and then step it down during the last week. General guidance is to step the distance each week by around 10% until you have reached circa 80% of your event distance. If the weather is as bad as this weekend I would invoke Rule 5. good luck with your event

 

[vernon]

It all depends on the gradient profile of the ride. If it's a lumpy ending, it's wise to make sure that you have something left in your legs to see you through. Mind over matter might not see you through if there's 5,000 ft of climbing in the last 80 or so km.

i'd recommend that you find an intermediate distance to ride as prep and make sure that you get your nutrition right.

 

[StuAff]

I would try to do a run around the 140/160k m distance next weekend if the weather is reasonable and then step it down during the last week. General guidance is to step the distance each week by around 10% until you have reached circa 80% of your event distance. If the weather is as bad as this weekend I would invoke Rule 5. good luck with your event

+1. There's an old saying. 'In order to finish first, you must first finish'. 200...audax? In which case, make full use of the cake and tea opportunities. Remember that endurance riding is in no small part about managing your time and energy. Little and often on the food and drink, and a steadier pace, not 'whatever you can manage', because you (and everyone else) can't manage that for long. The laws of physics mean that it takes a lot more energy to go a little bit quicker. The very pleasant flipside is that ease up a bit and you'll keep going for longer.

 

[biggs682]

i pace myself on every ride , makes the ride more enjoyable

 

[tubbycyclist]

Firstly you will almost certainly get round in time if you keep turning the pedals.

Being organised at controls helps and can save a lot of time; get the card stamped first; order something quick off the menu especially if the cafe is busy, puddings and cakes are good, (or even eat elsewhere if that looks a better option); take bottles in and get them filled while waiting for food; etc. It can be tough leaving controls at this time of year and it can have a big impact on average speed.

Secondly - food. Don't eat unfamiliar things, stick with what you know works for you. I don't know if you normally use gels etc but I would urge eating normal food, as 10-12 hours requires a different approach. Do try and keep drinking, which can be challenging in colder conditions.

Don't try and hang on to people's wheels who are faster than you, it can be a temptation to go off at a quick pace to stay with a group but try and resist and ride within your limits.

 

[ufkacbln]

Absolutely,never have more than a single pint in each pub when touring

 

[JoeyB]

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated! I don't go out hell for leather but I probably do go off faster than I need to I think it's fair to say.

I have already learnt that nutrition is crucial during a ride, it's scary how quickly you can go off a cliff mentally when energy levels are low, it makes the simplest task seem very difficult.

Out of interest, is anyone else doing the Denmead SR Series 200k this month?

 

[Arsen Gere]

Don't foget to start to eat/drink early, don't wait until you need it. About half an hour after the start for me once my body settles down a bit.

 

[PpPete]

For your first 200, I'd certainly dial it back it a bit from the pace at which you normally start a 100.
Take it easy, and if you can find a group with some experienced audaxers in it, it's probably worth hanging with them, even if they are a fraction slower than you think is right for you.
Lost count of the number of times I've blown past some old farts* in the first 50, only to find myself struggling to stay with them in the last 50.

* (by which I mean even older than me - and often riding a steel frame)