Hello! I’m about two weeks in to using TR, and am loving it! I am nervous, as this is the first time I’ve done any training program.
I have a century fat bike gravel ride in march… the farthest I’ve been is about 55, but again, that was without training. My goal is to finish. 
my question is, how do I know that TR is going to know how to adequately train me for this event? I’m doing hour and hour and a half training sessions…life with a full time job and 4 kids doesn’t leave much extra for Can anyone calm me down? I can definitely feel the effect of training already and am so excited!
You can only do the best with what you have. As you said, you only have time for 60-90 min.
You are doing the best with the time you have.
2 Likes
I think this was discussed in this week’s pod again. You don’t need to run marathons when training for a marathon. Same thinking applies. Put the date into plan builder and follow the plan. 60/90/120 min rides can condition you for a big day on the bike. If you can do a big effort to test nutrition/hydration/equipment, that’s good… but don’t do it too close to race day so as to avoid the impact of fatigue. I’ve been on TR 2 years and completed 2 10+ hour events with only one other ride exceeding 5 hours and most training 60/90 minute interval sessions.
1 Like
You’ll do fine.
In addition to TR training:
Ahead of the event,
-
You’ll need to practice your nutrition and that can be done indoors so you figure out what your stomach likes and doesn’t like while pedaling. Check if you can tolerate the food/liquids they give out at your century’s aid stations (if any). You have to eat during a century.
-
Try to sneak in 1 or 2 long endurance rides in next 5months hopefully outdoors aiming for 50% to 66% of your planned duration for the century. This will help to shake out your gear/hydration/food/clothing & body for longer durations (hands, arms, butt, necks will learn to adapt). TR won’t know when you can do that.
It’s not a must but it will help physically and psychologically.
During the event, you’ll need to pace yourself so you don’t go out too hard. It may feel weird and lots of riders will zoom by. Just ignore them and do your thing. You may well overtake some later on the road.
It’s ok to take breaks (hopefully at aid stations if it’s catered).
Since it’s your first century, you get a PR for finishing it. 
2 Likes
100% this. You can have the base fitness, but if you can’t eat, you’re cooked.
2 Likes
Thats simply because you run the risk of injury.
As Roger Bannister’s coach is quoted as saying “Training is largely an act of faith”.
Trust that the guys and gals behind Trainer Road know what they are doing The thing with training is that the improvements in your fitness and conditioning are subtle and take time. It’s not till you look back over longer timescales that you realise how far you’ve come. You’ve got 4 full months before March, that’s plenty of time in which to get fitter and conditioned for your first century.
Good luck!
