My first 50 looms........thanks to my Wife.

[Benthedoon]

I like cycling, I enjoy cycling however, due to feet issues, my biggest ride is just over 20 miles (regularly) so when my wife signed me up for the Essex Castles 50 I was a little bit taken aback. I can't back out as it's for the hospice where my Mother-in-law spent a lot of time in her last few months.
In essence - HELP!! I'm booked in for a Specialised BG shoe fit to try and help the pain I suffer at around the 20 mark but what's the best approach to up my mileage (more than double) in a month?

 

[TVC]

The best way to cycle further is to cycle further. Simply up your mileage by 10 each weekend 20-30-40-50. Just remember to take plenty of fluids and snacks, and start eating at 20 miles even if you don't feel you need it, because when you do feel hungry, it's too late.

Is the foot pain just during cycling, or is it an ongoing problem? If it's just cycling, then shoe fit and foot position are the most likely cause.

Good luck.

 

[xpc316e]

If your legs can manage 20 miles, then you shouldn't really have too much of an issue with 50 miles, but your foot issues are the concern. What exactly are your problems? I get some numbness at times, so I simply get off and walk about until circulation is restored then remount. These rides are not races, so take your time and make sure you do not push yourself too hard.

 

[Benthedoon]

The foot issues are probably a tarrsel tunnel type of thing, the shoe fit will hopefully adress the problem.
Eat before you're hungry - not a problem for this fat boy - banana, protein bar and high 5 in my bottle (as I understand it jelly babies too).
Much as I know these rides are NOT races my overly competitive nature might get the better of me hopefully not to my downfall.
Thanks for the pointers.

 

[stephen.rooke]

youll be amazed at how easy 50 miles is with a bit of practice, i sued to think people cycling over 50 miles must be mad, now im doing it haha

 

[BrumJim]

Agree. No issues with doing 50 miles other than your foot. Although people recommend the 10 mile increase per ride, I upped from 80 to 130 without any intermediate steps or problems. Good fuelling, plenty of water, and a sense of occasion will bring you through.

Although I would definitely recommend getting a 40-mile ride in before the day.

 

[Benthedoon]

I fully intend to go 30-35 at some point this week along with my usual 15-20 and the same again next week, if I can go 35 then 40 won't be a problem and 50 seems far less daunting.
Proper fuel - Carb up the day before?

 

[BrumJim]

Yup. And a good breakfast.

 

[Globalti]

When my experienced roadie neighbour told me three years ago that he cycles out for morning coffee in Chipping, which is about 11 miles from my house, I thought it sounded like a huge ride. My horizons simply weren't that far away as a mountain biker. Now, three years later, Chipping feels so close that I seldom bother stopping there for coffee. It's amazing how your mental limits can change.

 

[PpPete]

When my experienced roadie neighbour told me three years ago that he cycles out for morning coffee in Chipping, which is about 11 miles from my house, I thought it sounded like a huge ride. My horizons simply weren't that far away as a mountain biker. Now, three years later, Chipping feels so close that I seldom bother stopping there for coffee. It's amazing how your mental limits can change.

So true....
I recall how bushed I felt after my first 20 miler (since I took up cycling again in 2009) .... and again how I felt near the end of my first 100 km audax, and utterly dead with 30km still to go in my first 200km ....
Funny thing though .... I keep going back for more.

Sorting your contact points is a must though....

 

[Benthedoon]

I'm already starting to think that if I'm doing 50 I might aswell ride to the start (as a warm up) then ride home and that should give me an extra 12 miles or so and then I can tick off the metric ton - 2 birds 1 stone.

 

[Fortinbras99]

Took up cycling a month ago, did my first 50 miler last weekend. It wasn't very fast but it was easier than I thought. Some very sound advice on this thread - eat before you're hungry, drink before you're thirsty. I found cereal bars and jelly babies quite useful.

I'd also say ride within yourself at least for the first half. If you've got anything left after that then you can go for it; just don't burn out at the beginning by going too fast.

Most of all, enjoy it. Don't worry when/if you get overtaken by someone you think you shouldn't!

 

[Fab Foodie]

I fully intend to go 30-35 at some point this week along with my usual 15-20 and the same again next week, if I can go 35 then 40 won't be a problem and 50 seems far less daunting.
Proper fuel - Carb up the day before?

Eat before you're hungry, drink before you're thirsty, little and often is the rule!
Good nosh night before, good brekkie and keep nibbling and drinking from the off.
Shoes, make sure your feet have some expansion room and space for an insole to add or remove as required.

 

[Benthedoon]

Had a specialized BG shoe fit today - so much better, cleats properly set up so my knees a properly aligned and my feet are the right width, better metatarsel spread and arch support - in short, worth every penny (or pound). If you haven't had a 'pro' setup I would recommend it.

 

[Scoosh]

Sounds like you'll do the ton - then again just because you enjoyed it so much !

On your 'training' rides, make sure you check your eating/drinking regime and try the food/drink you are intending to take for The Ride - just to make sure they agree with you.

You'll also find that, on The Day, the buzz of people, the chat, the company - all will make the miles fly by much quicker (and less painfully ) than when you are slogging around on your own.