Q: “I’m doing IM Canada in a month. So far, my training is right on track. I live in western Oregon and have ridden all over Mt. Hood — a LOT of climbing every weekend, but never over 85 miles. This weekend I have another opportunity to hit Mt. Hood and go about 85 again. (Sick of it, but oh well). My question is, should I do that or head out to the flats and go over 100 miles?”

A: Coach Patrick [www.performancetrainingsystems.com/blog] If I were you, I’d do both. Hit the flats FIRST as part of your warm up, then head over to Mt. Hood, and do your 85 miles of climbing to get a total of 112 miles in. Although you’ve got a lot of climbing under your belt, learning to climb while fatigued is important. I don’t mean how to climb when you are tired; rather how to be crafty with your effort to keep your speed up without blowing everything before the run. With your IM only a month away, have one last chance to put in a good long ride that will help you dial in your nutrition, form, pacing, and overall ride strategy. Good luck!!