If you saw my Friday Five post, you know that I am planning to do the Reston Metric Century ride this weekend. It will be our second long ride of the summer as we build up to the full century we are eyeing in October. The Reston Bicycle Club posted the route this week, and while they might be great at cycling, they clearly need to work on their math skills.
Why is the Reston Metric Century 68.8 miles?
And how can it have a 3400 feet elevation change?
(That’s 1000 more than the Pennsylvania Dutch Farm to Fork Fondo!)
I can’t let myself dwell on those numbers–or those spikes in the elevation graph–because I am more likely to pysch myself out than psych myself up. So, I’m going to jump right to my recap for the weekly wrap hosted by Holly and Tricia and this week’s guest host–Madhuri @ Ponder ‘N‘ Wonder.
Weekly Wrap
Monday: Orange Theory Fitness
Tuesday: Strength routine from Quick Strength For Runners (<<Amazon affiliate link — check it out!) plus some clamshells and planks
Do you notice that one hip is stronger than the other?
These are so much easier on my right side.
Wednesday: 45 min Real Ryde with Aimee at Ryde/Revolve
I have 2 rides left in my package and am still debating what to do next ….
Thursday: 8 very humid miles
Friday: Strength work at home before a day trip to New Jersey.
I was glad my train home was able to make it through this flash flooding!
Saturday: Conte’s Hill Ride.
I don’t think I expected this ride to be easy
–and doubt it ever will be–
but it felt particularly hard.
Sunday: 31 mile bike ride
We headed out before deciding on our route. I thought we’d do the Arlington Loop (~17 miles) but it was so nice we decided to make it longer with an out-and-back to Vienna.
So, how do you “taper” before an extra-long, extra-hilly metric century? Other than planning my long run for Tuesday (if at all) and a rest day for Saturday, I’m likely to stick to my usual schedule because that’s how I roll ….
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I haven’t gotten on my bike for 2 reasons: one is that my wrists are really bothered by riding (I need a bike fitting, apparently) and the other is that the drivers around her are completely nuts. I’m kind of nervous about it. I’ll have to get over it! I’m changing offices and I can actually ride to my new office. I can and I will!
A bike fitting could be worth doing. I’m scared of riding in the roads too – especially during commuting hours – drivers can be ruthless, clueless, or both!
Great job this week! That flash flooding is crazy. Glad to hear that everyone (and your house) was ok! I think that just taking a couple days off before the ride will do you well! You’ve been doing a great job with your training!
Thanks! I figure yoga Friday and rest Saturday should help!
I did the metric 2 years ago and I don’t remember it being super hilly it was super hot though. The biggest issue I had was not eating enough on stops for such a long run. Maybe I will see you there at some point on Sunday.
I hope your recollection is right! At least I know the last stretch on the W & OD. I’ll look out for you for sure!
I am supposed to do clamshells but have been slacking off. I know they’re not hard and can easily be done in the evening while I am watching TV.
Did I miss it? So why is it 68 miles?
It’s just not an “official” distance I guess? There’s so much I could be doing while watching tv, but usually Facebook is all I manage. š
I have not been on my bike since well before my surgery…and probably won’t be able to do any cycling for awhile (until my knee has better range of motion). I never thought I’d miss bike riding, but now that I’m not able to do it, I realize that I do kind of miss it…
I’m sure you miss everything! I know you’ll be back to it soon — but don’t rush it!
Awesome workouts this week! It rained here pretty hard on Friday but no flaws flooding – that’s so scary!
You know I’m a bag fan of PT and of course, those clamshells! And yes, one of my hips is stronger than the other!
I wonder if we naturally have muscle imbalances, or if it’s something we do to ourselves?
It was indeed humid here too on Thursday. Good job getting those miles in.
Thanks. I’m so over this humidity but it keeps coming back!
That flooding gives me the creeps. Our basement is still a shambles after the flooding we had. I love that you’re doing so many rides this year. We have a new OTF opening here and they placed orange bikes all over town.
Oh how fun – I hope you get to try it. They usually offer a free week of classes when a new studio opens.
I’ve pondered the extra distance myself. I think it’s because (around here anyway) you are out on country roads. There aren’t many different roads to take and it doesn’t seem they want you to U-turn. So, it’s just the way the roads lay out to get you back to where you started. That’s my story anyway. LOL. The elevation number does sound high for a metric but you really can’t tell until you are out on the course. You’ll do great and I can’t wait to hear about it.
That’s way too logical an explanation. Plus, they we follow the (full) century course for a while ….
I find my right side is stronger with clam shells, but I try to get my left side to match up to the range of motion my right can do. My right side has the issue, but the left probably isn’t helping.
Interesting. I do find that injuries/weaknesses bounce from side to side.
Great week! Thanks for the reminder to do the clam shells – I was thinking about those recently and feeling like my hips need that! 100km riding – you’ve got this!
My hips get achy on my long rides and I know they don’t lie! š
Sounds like you had a really great week of workouts. I really like OTF it is a good workout for sure. Best wishes on your run.
I meant on your ride! š
Thanks! I am hooked on OTF for sure!
What a great week! I have been doing clam-shells without a resistance band! Definitely going to try the resistance band to take it to the next level! That’s genius!
Resistance bands make everything hard! See if you notice a difference on one side.
I have no clue whatsoever when it comes to biking! But you are sure getting it done, I know that.
We’ve had a great summer on our bikes!
Have fun on your century ride this weekend. I wish I was joining you. Maybe next year! About the distance? I have no clue…
Definitely consider it for next year. Early registration is pretty cheap, and the location is pretty good for you too.
Don’t be intimidated by the elevation. You’re so strong and determined. You can do it!!
I definitely have one side that is stronger. I have really slacked on my cycling. It’s just too hot for it, or too rainy. Maybe this fall. I really was hoping to do a long distance ride, but Cub Scouts scheduling has led to some conflicts.
Wow, a ride from D.C. out to Vienna is quite something. Kudos to you for choosing the more challenging route, despite the heat and humidity.
You’ve done so well with the bike this summer I bet you’ll have no problem with that elevation!
You’ve reminded me I need to get back to the clamshells – I’ve been slacking!
I definitely feel like one of my sides is stronger than the other.
Nice week!
Training looks like it’s going great! It’s sad, I can hardly do anything metric anymore…give me feet and pounds, not meters and kg!
I have the same issue with clamshells…definitely easier on one side. It’s so frustrating!
Whoa. That flash flooding looked scary. Glad you were able to make it home safely!! Your week looked tough, glad you were able to get through it! Do you like Orange Theory? They are popping up here in Florida everywhere.
Oh my gosh I am such a math nerd – it would really bug me if the numbers were off!!!
What headphones/earphones do you use for training? Been wanting to buy a pair and was looking at these from 66 Audio but Iām unsure.. They have free shipping at the mo with āSHIPFREEā so was going to take advantage of that.. https://www.66audio.com/bts-pro
I liked your bike riding on Sunday. 31 mile is a big big achievement. I cannot cover this much distance.