In preparing for my first IM I did my first 100 mile ride. The first 45 were with a group during the cooler early morning temps (around 75-78 degrees) while the last 55 were solo in which the temp. got up into the low 90s. Riding with the group was not always pacelining as the last half of the group ride was getting intense covering attacks and break-aways and riding into a steady headwind. I don’t think I’d be riding that kind of a pace during an IM. It seemed like the last 20 miles or so was just a mental toughness game. I brought along a banana, 2 Clif shots, a Clif bar, two 24 oz. bottles of H2O and 1 20 oz. bottle of Accelerade and 1 20 oz. bottle of GU20.
What can I expect during an IM ride? How many more 100 mile rides do I need to do before IMFL in November? It seems like although what I brought along to eat and drink sustained me for the ride, I’m not sure it would get me through a marathon. Please critique my intake and offer as much advice as possible. Thanks.