Question: How do I train for a two-day, 220-mile tour? I have the time, but I’m 51, fat, female and asthmatic. I’ve ridden for 15 years and did 2,500 miles last season, but never lost any weight. I want to enjoy the tour rather than suffer through it. — Sheila B.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: I’d say you have enough base mileage to do the tour and have fun. The trick to handling consecutive long days is to do back-to-back distance rides in training.
Schedule a couple of weekends where you ride a total of about 175 miles in two days. A century followed by a 75-miler would work well. Eat and drink frequently, and take breaks as needed.
This will give you a long first day, then accustom you to getting up and riding a few more hours with legs that aren’t very fresh.
Do this routine twice, about three weeks and two weeks before the tour. You should be fine.
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