Top 100 Mile Rider Interviews

Rider Name:   Lois McAfee
Years in Endurance:   14
# of 100's:   56
Career AERC Mileage:   11,925 (thru 2004)

Age that you did your first 100 at:   44

How is your 100 mile conditioning program different from your 50 mile conditioning program?   It's not.

Describe your feeding program, before during and after a 100:   Before and after, I don't change anything. During the ride, they get whatever they will eat.

What kind (if any) supplements have you used -- do you think they made a difference?    ABC vitamains, I really didn't see a difference.

How close to the 100 mile ride do you do your last conditioning ride?   A week before.

Last 50 mile ride?   2-3 weeks.

How do you prepare yourself for a 100 mile ride?   Nothing out of the ordinary.

How do you know or feel that the time is right to do a 100 on your horse for the first time?    When the horse has done several 50's in a good time without seeming stressed.

How do you handle riding in the dark?   I use glow sticks on my tack and carry a flashlight.   Headlamps, flashlights (describe).   Small lightweight flashlight with a string attached that I can wrap around my wrist.

Do you have a preference on color of glowstick?   Green.

How do you and your horse feel at different points in the ride?    Every ride is different. Fired-up, determined, exhausted, etc.

What are the "low" spots and how do you handle them?   It is usually around 75-85 miles into the ride. I just try to keep pumped up. It is easier if you are riding with someone.

Is your post ride horse care any different than a 50 mile ride?   Not really.

Any advice to first time 100 mile riders on post ride rider-recovery?  Knowing the pain will pass in a couple of days.

What kinds of food and drink do you like on a 100?   It changes. Eat a little something every check, but not too much. Slim-fast, barbeque Fritos, sometimes part of a sandwich, if it is cold maybe a little hot soup, if it is cold, chilled fruit.

What are your recommendations for someone attempting their first 100 miler?   Put your mind to it and try to hook up with a buddy.

How often do you electrolyte on a 100 mile ride?    Every vet check. If it is really hot or the vet checks are 20 plus miles apart I may carry some with me.

How about pre-ride or post-ride electrolyting?    I give one dose the night before if the weather is warm or hot. I do not electrolyte after the ride is over, they already have a lot of it in their system.

How many 50 mile rides would you do on a horse prior to doing his first 100 miler?   It depends on the age of the horse and how he has come through a 50 miler.   Over what period of time?   2 years.

What is your most memorable experience on a 100 miler?    It's one that you ride with friend(s) and there isn't any pressure on your placing.

What do you look for in a good 100 mile horse?    A good eater and one that is easy to pace.

How old do you think a horse should be when it does it's first one day 100?   Probably 7, although I have done them at 5 with no ill effects.

What do you think is the biggest mistake that you've made on a 100?   I'll be honest, probably over-riding my horse.

What traits do you posses that make you a successful 100 mile rider?   I don't know.

What traits does your horse posses that makes him/her a successful 100 mile horse?    I would hate to comment, it might back-fire.

Describe something about your current 100 mile horse that is unique or different from other horses?   Nothing special, but she has a lot of good qualities. She is good about electrolytes and a good eater.

How many 100's a year do you think is doable for the average horse and rider team? If they are riding to complete?   7.

If they are riding competitively?   5.

How much time off following a 100 mile ride do you recommend?   4 - 6 wk.

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