The discussion about high mileage training
weeks got me thinking. I read Elise Travers' article and I
am impressed. The short section on electrolytes was factual and she
concluded with the advice to check with your veterinarian -- advice with
which I agree.
It seems that the advice about a 90-mile training
week seems to be the most controversial. I agree that a 90-mile training
week is not necessary, but I think that it can be very beneficial as well as
revealing possible weaknesses in the horse, rider, tack, clothing, and
technique If all goes reasonably well, a 90-plus mile conditioning week
can build real confidence in the rider. I think that a high mileage
week can be beneficial if the rider can fit it into the conditioning
schedule and to me, the question becomes, "How to fit a 90-mile training week
into my schedule?" In total, I think the "Big Ride" article contains good,
sound advice. However, my reading of
Ridecamp indicates that some people seem to be appalled with the idea
of a 90-mile training week.
Two weeks ago, over the Memorial Day weekend, I
rode a 155-mile training week with my 18-year old horse Frank. I
considered it to be a training week, but you may note that it was a sanctioned
multi-day endurance ride. I also know of a few two-day rides where a
horse and rider can put in a 100-mile conditioning week. On the three-day
ride, I rode for the enjoyment of being on the trails with my friends,
but still it was a 155-mile week.
I am not a high mileage trainer, but I consider a
two-day or three-day ride to be some of the best conditioning for a
100. So, even though some might say that I
did not ride a 90-mile conditioning week, I do consider multi-day
rides to be ideal conditioning for a 100, and I ask, "Please explain the
difference between an AERC sanctioned three-day ride and a 155-mile conditioning
week?"
