What makes for a successful first 100 mile mountain bike race? Is it riding a ton of trails? Picking the best race?
Or maybe, it’s knowing the difference between riding and training. Sure, many think if they ride a lot it will get them to the finish line. And it will. But training and preparing strategically for your 100 miler will not only get you to the finish line feeling your best, but it can actually prepare you for better performances in the future. Here’s why.
According to the post, Nine Golden Rules for Training, consistency is key. That means consistently training but also, consistently racing builds fitness too. Consistency in racing builds all kinds of fitness: mental, physical, and psychological fitness. To ensure a successful 100 mile mountain bike race, you need to train all the systems.
You can start by looking at the type of race or races you like to race. What types of terrain, geographical areas, and elevations profiles suit your strengths. What about your weaknesses? There are numerous 100 mille mountain bike races to choose from including the National Ultra Endurance Series, the 100 Mile Mountain Bike and Running Off Road Race Series and the the Leadville 100 Race Series. Racing longer distances consistently builds an endurance baseline to build upon year after year.
Consistency in race preparation makes a difference too. If your race day strategies are scattered, unorganized, and left to chance, all your training leading up to the race can only take you so far. The post, Top 10 Tips For Your Best 100 Mile Mountain Bike Race states the importance of race day preparations.
Other resources reinforce dialing in your race day nutritional needs and bike inspections to avoid mechanicals, flats, and other bike related issues due to not having your bike parts in order for racing. Imagine doing all the prep work for a major race and having to DNF due to not replacing a chain, derailleur, or tire.
Consistency in training helps you physical body prepare for the physical stresses of racing a 100 mile mountain bike race. But minimizing or eliminating other stressors like those mentioned above helps you free up your mental and psychological energies so that you can successful focus on the task at hand: racing your best 100 miler ever.
Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 
[…] or not all that is true – that isn’t the spirit of cycling. No doubt, consistent training is essential to performance. Having the right gear, bike parts, and appropriate road or […]
[…] good relationships are built on a solid foundation such as commitment and consistency to your cycling training program. And, like any good relationship, it’s important to keep it […]
[…] in sight, the indoor workouts get shorter. Or, they don’t happen at all. The problem is, consistency in training is critical to prepare your body for the physical stresses of the season […]