Should I do the MS150?

[crispini]

Ok, here's the deal. I've done long-distance cycling before-- my longest was a 7 day 500 mile tour. I have, however, not trained AT ALL in probably 2 or 3 years. I'm talking, No. Exercise. Whatsoever. Now, I'm just starting to get back into things and I'm kind of taking it easy on myself, but a coworker of mine is leaning on me to sign up for the company team for the MS150 in May.

Now, there is no way I'll be in shape to do back to back 75 mile rides by mid May. The rule of thumb I always went by is, don't add more than 10% of your mileage per week. So, realistically, after that short period of time, I should probably do no more than back to back 40 or 50 mile days. Of course, they've got shuttles to pick you up on route, but what I'm *worried* about is, I'll get out there, want to do the whole thing, push myself, injure myself, and set myself back.

The other problem is 1) I'd have to fundraise and 2) we've got elections between now and May, so I know I'll be busy doing volunteer stuff for that. So I may not have time to train even the minimum, which would be even worse!

But, jeez, it would really cool to have someone (coworkers) to train with! (They are in similar shape, so they won't repeatedly kick my ass while training.) And a goal -- it'd be great to have a goal again!

Thoughts?

[Poiuyt]

1. Seems to me the hardest part would be getting used to sitting that long

You don't have to race it, do you? Make sure you eat enough along the way so you don't bonk.

I entered a double century once (100 miles down, 100 miles back the next day). We just rode down, camped overnight and then got a ride back the next day!

[seemunkee]

2. DO EET!!!

Personally I love setting goals that are possibly out of reach. I always find the excitement of competition day(s) makes me exceed my own expectations. You've got a training partner to push you so why not give it a shot.