Is volume or intensity better when training for a long-distance event? By all I’ve ever read about it, you need both; although not both of them every day. That would likely lead to overtraining; excessive fatigue; and burnout.

I admit that I’ve always been a mileage hog; and in fact, it’s satisfying to watch the miles add up. Add the desire for really big rides, though, and your tactics need to change.

Riding longer and longer distances doesn’t necessarily prepare you for what you might encounter during a century; much less what multi-day rides can throw your way. What kind of terrain will you encounter? How about stiff headwinds that last all day?

For now, I’ve settled the volume or intensity question. Through the next month, I plan to stick to my current mileages; but work to ride them faster. Then I can start increasing the distances again.