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Training for Trans Iowa

1054 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by redsnakebite, Nov 30, 2005

paulclimb510

Discussion Starter · Nov 30, 2005 (Edited)

I am very new to mountain biking and all of this talk about Trans Iowa has me thinking. What do people do to train throughout the week in order to be able to complete such an event? To me, biking 330 plus miles nonstop on Iowa gravel seems like a season ender. Thanks for any comments on what you are doing for training for this event or events like it.

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KERKOVEJ

· #2 · Nov 30, 2005

paulclimb510 said:
seems like a season ender to me.

Thats because it is

First off all, Trans-Iowa or any event of this mileage is as much about mental strength as it is about fitness. You'll want to make sure your azz is in good shape for sit'n on the saddle for the long haul. Plus, don't look at it as a race. If you do, you are screwed. A lot of people got in trouble last year, cause they started too fast thinking that if they dropped off the front in the first 50 miles they were screwed

Not the case! The smart thing to do is come into this event prepared. Prepared mentally. Prepared physically. Prepared with excellent equipment.

May the force be with you......err.....good luck

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redsnakebite

· #3 · Nov 30, 2005

TransIowa is all about pedaling your bike at HR Zone 2 and Zone 3 for a LONG time AND staying hydrated and taking enough calories. Doing this is easier said than done because there are no aid stations or outside support. You also must be prepared for all weather conditions and road conditions. A mental mistake like not eating or drinking enough, an overuse injury or being too slow (time limits) will prevent you from finishing.

As far as training, I would recommend doing a few 5-7 hour rides in the months leading up to the race. These rides should be in Zone 3 (Tempo) or maybe a little into Zone 4 (LT). Don’t forget your speed work either. It would also be helpful if you have done a 12 or 24 hour solo race in the past or a brevet (sp), double century, or other long distance cycling event so that you know how to properly hydrate and eat over the course of a long ride/race. Long rides also prepare your rear end for 26-30 hours in the saddle.

Last year as preparation (I was a Trans Iowa finisher) I did a 12 hour solo mtb race in February and a few fast road centuries in March and April. Long rides in near zero temps and driving snow proved to be good mental preparations for TransIowa.

I am planning on doing the race again this year but my training will be a little different.

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