The Long Ride (training for cycling fundraiser for ovarian cancer)

I recently registered to participate in a 6-hr indoor cycling event to raise funds and awareness for ovarian cancer - Ovarian Cycle Birmingham - Ride to Change the Future - taking place on Feb. 24th.  In preparation for the event, participants can follow a 6-week training program, riding for extended periods of time (90 mins- 4 hours).  Tonight's workout was my 3rd training ride - I had to split the workout into 2 segments since the bike is programmed to go a maximum of one hour:

Segment #1 - Random Hills (level 1)
60:12, 18.83 mi, 358 cal, avg HR 101

Segment #2 - Alpine Pass (level 1)
60:04, 21.85 mi, 391 cal, avg HR 99

TOTAL
1:00:16, 39.68 mi, 794 cal

I took 2 large pillows wrapped in a towel to sit on, but the pillows kept moving out of place on the seat to the point it was just as uncomfortable as sitting on the seat without the pillows. [Definitely need those cycling shorts .- :) ].

The legs didn't feel too bad after I finished, although my knees were somewhat stiff.  But now that it's been a couple of hours since I left the gym, my legs definitely was felling heavy (LOL)!

I doubt I'll be working out tomorrow (LOL)!

Prep for Ovarian Cycle Ride (1st training ride) + a little core work

Today I made my 1st of six training rides in preparation for the Ovarian Cycle fundraiser.  As I have previously posted, the Ovarian Cycle Ride to Change the Future(TM) is a 6-hour indoor cycling event dedicated to raising funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.  As part of the event optional training rides are open to participants for the 5 weeks prior to the actual event.

Week 1 - 90 min
Week 2 - 2 hrs
Week 3 - 2.5 hrs
Week 4 - 3 hrs
Week 5 - 4 hrs

I missed the first official training ride on Sunday, so I decided to make up it this afternoon.  I used a customary stationary bike (instead of a spinning back) under the false assumption that the seat on the former would be more comfortable - NOT!!!  After about the 1st 10-15 min. I didn't think I could stay on - I even used a pillow to cushion the seat.  It was by no means comfortable at all.   I definitely need to get at least some cycling shorts - I'll have to find out from the event location if the seats on the bikes can be swapped out with another seat. If not, maybe I could find a padded bike seat cover. I have lots of natural cushioning on my bottom (LOL), but I don't think that is even enough!

The max. time for the bike was 60:00, so I set the time for 45:00 with plans to ride twice.  I indeed finish both 45:00 sessions - essentially non-spot, back-to-back - stopping only to reset the exercise program.  I kept at a moderate speed since my goal was endurance.

STATS:
Total - 1:30:00, 645 cal*, 28.77 mi, avg speed 19.18 mph, avg pace 3:13/mi**
Session 1 - 13.85 mi, avg speed 18.47 mph, avg pace 3:25/mi**
Session 2 - 14.92 mi, avg speed 19.89 mph, avg pace 3.02/mi**

(*Calorie data from heart rate watch, speed/pace data from online fitness tracking programs - DailyMile, Just Finish.  My heart rate watch gives HR readings only on-demand.  The exercise program on the bike didn't provide averages.)

My legs are quite stiff now, but I did manage to do a little core work afterwards:
Crunches - 20 X 5 = 100
Reverse crunches - 10 X 5 = 50

Tomorrow may be a rest day - :).