“It Was All About My Hiney”
Day One: As I was stumbling downstairs at 3:00 AM trying to find some coffee, I already began questioning the wisdom of doing this ride, and I hadn’t even been on my bike seat yet. We ate a breakfast of high protein waffles before my body was even ready to be awake and headed north. As we approached North Denver, many of the cars on the interstate had bikes attached to them and I started waking up. We were able to find all the team members but one and started riding from Denver at about 7 AM. It was a chilly 50 degrees when we started and it took a bit to warm up.After my anxiety settled down a bit, I settled in for the ride. Steve wasn’t feeling great at the start, so he rode with me to the first rest stop. He pulled off the road for a “break” and felt better, then took off. The rest of the team was ahead of me and I just enjoyed going at my own pace. I stopped at the 2nd rest stop intending on a short visit to the porta potty. The lines were a mile long, so I found my own potty area (details eliminated). Onward and forward. At this early stage, I was focused on finding the most effective way to use the least amount of energy and strength while still propelling myself forward. I used low gears and just kept moving. This part of the ride is pretty flat so no problems here. Lunch stop was at about mile 42 and I met up with Mark and Kathy, 2 members of our team. We had lunch and stayed together for most of the rest of the ride. The ride after lunch was incredibly beautiful as it wound through country roads, farms, beside streams and reservoirs. We started hitting some incline at about mile 60; we hit the first hill that Mark, Kathy and I named Happy Hell Hill and then the 2nd hill, and then the final climb up to Horsetooth Reservoir. I thought I would struggle with this last 20 miles, but I felt great and had no problem with the hills. Steve called from the finish about the time I started the last climb, and he came back and met me and we rode the last climb and to the finish together. I had thought 6 hours would be the best I could hope for, 8 hours being the slowest I might do, and I hit the finish right at 6 hours. Entering the finish area with all the cheers, cow bells, hollering, music and general sense of celebration made the 3 AM wake up call worth it. I was definitely ready to get off my bike, as my hiney had started to complain at about mile 60.After we finished, we had lunch (again), hung out with my DU classmates at their team tent and waited long enough so we could have dinner. By then, I was ready to collapse and we caught the bus to the hotel and decided we needed another dinner. Our 2nd dinner was pure disappointment; after that kind of day, a delicious meal is a fine way to replenish some energy and enthusiasm and Denny’s just didn’t cut it. Back to the hotel to crash.
Day One by the numbers:
Total Distance: 71 miles
Elevation Gain: 3288 ft.
Hours: 6:00
Calories Burned 2651 (where are the hot fudge sundaes??)
Food Eaten: I lost track…
Day Two: We lucked out yesterday with light cloud cover most of the ride; today was forecast to be much hotter, so we got an early start and were out of the start by 6:15. Temperature was fine by 8:15, but riding in shorts, a short sleeved jersey with the temp at 50 degrees was a bit chilly and was the first time today I pondered catching a SAG wagon to the finish. Today’s route was almost the reverse of yesterday, so we got the climbing out of the way in the first 20 miles. We started by heading out of CSU campus and up to Horsetooth Reservoir; a shock to the body that rode 71 miles yesterday. Steve hung with me all day today, while the rest of the team rode ahead.It was tough getting on the bike at the start; all the aches and pains that I finished with yesterday were right there at the start today. The hiney was screaming as soon as I sat on my seat and didn’t stop until… well, frankly it still hurts. (How do people do 5 day, 7 day, even 30 days rides??)We rode on as the route flattened out. Today’s goal was to see how I felt at the 56 mile mark (1/2 Ironman bike distance) so I could get some idea of how long it would take me. I hit that mark after lunch at about 4 hours of ride time, plus my 25 minute lunch. I’ll have to look into it, but I’m pretty sure the ½ Ironman doesn’t provide a catered lunch in the middle of the bike portion of the race (I may be re-thinking this ½ Ironman thing).The hardest part of the day was just after lunch. I got back on my bike and despite the 25 minute respite my hiney got at lunch, it wasn’t enough to relieve the pain. I had visions of riding my bike with one of those soft circle pillows you use on an airplane; I pondered how I could ride the rest of the way standing up, and let a few choice words fly when no one was around. This is when the mental strength comes in. At this point, the pain doesn’t get any worse, and your body can make it through, but it’s the voice telling you to quit that you have to contend most with. For every thought of “where’s the next SAG wagon” I had to replace it with “I AM going to finish” or “ you will not quit” or my personal favorite, and the mantra I repeat to myself in races, long painful runs and rides “Pain is temporary, pride is permanent”. I thought of Steve, and all the people with MS who are in pain every day and encouraged myself to go on. Just pedal. Just keep the feet going in circles. Just keep the bike moving. I sang “The wheels on the bike go ‘round and ‘round 300 times” and counted cows. It helped to remind Steve every 30 seconds or so, that my hiney hurt; his was fine until I started reminding him of my pain. After lunch, I stopped at the 56 mile mark for a couple minutes, then just kept going. At this point, I just wanted to finish and felt if I stopped at the rest stops, it would be that much longer until I was done.Finishing is the best part; that feeling I get when I know I’ve challenged myself, when I’ve pushed my limits, is incredible. The finish wouldn’t be nearly as sweet if the ride was easy. The pain that I felt during the 2 days and the day following is nothing compared to the pain people with MS feel every day. If I can do some small part to contribute to finding a cure, then my small pains are worth it. Yes, Chuck they gave out medals, so I’ll expect to see on our team next year!
Day Two by the numbers:
Total Distance: 77.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3342 ft
Hours: 6:07
Calories Burned 2873
Food Eaten: A lot….
Day After Race:My bike and I had a good time this weekend, but I think it’s best for both of to have some time apart. Today is recovery day and my hiney is appreciative of chairs with cushion at work and the soft, soft pillows on the couch at home. The morning was fine, but by afternoon it hit me how totally depleted I was. An employee on my team was trying to impart some very important information to me this afternoon (something about missing a deliverable?), and within a few short minutes, he looked at me and said ‘do you have allergies bothering you?” I think that was his polite way of saying “you look like death warmed over and you aren’t hearing a word I’m saying”. True enough; as he was talking I was listening to that inner voice trying to convince me that I wasn’t going to actually pass out in my office, and that I should breathe, drink some water and agree to everything he says. Tonight is for quality time on the couch, writing about the great experience of this weekend. Tomorrow…. swim and run – my next Triathlon is in 3 weeks!Team TriForMSMoney Raised: $6600 (as of 6/30)Team Members: 6 (Steve and Michele Vaughan, Kathy Heathcock, Kathie Aimee, Mark Storey and Mike Burgee)Team Members Finished: 5 (Kathy Aimme broke her collarbone last month – no riding for her!)Team TriForMS 2009We were impressed with how well organized and supported the ride was. Plenty of food, fluids and the volunteers were great.
It’s not too early to think about next year! We are already talking about Team TriForMS for 2009. Let us know if you want to sign up to ride or support our team.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
2008 Bike MS
Day One: As I was stumbling downstairs at 3:00 AM trying to find some coffee, I already began questioning the wisdom of doing this ride, and I hadn’t even been on my bike seat yet. We ate a breakfast of high protein waffles before my body was even ready to be awake and headed north. As we approached North Denver, many of the cars on the interstate had bikes attached to them and I started waking up. We were able to find all the team members but one and started riding from Denver at about 7 AM. It was a chilly 50 degrees when we started and it took a bit to warm up.
After my anxiety settled down a bit, I settled in for the ride. Steve wasn’t feeling great at the start, so he rode with me to the first rest stop. He pulled off the road for a “break” and felt better, then took off. The rest of the team was ahead of me and I just enjoyed going at my own pace. I stopped at the 2nd rest stop intending on a short visit to the porta potty. The lines were a mile long, so I found my own potty area (details eliminated). Onward and forward. At this early stage, I was focused on finding the most effective way to use the least amount of energy and strength while still propelling myself forward. I used low gears and just kept moving. This part of the ride is pretty flat so no problems here. Lunch stop was at
about mile 42 and I met up with Mark and Kathy, 2 members of our team. We had lunch and stayed together for most of the rest of the ride. The ride after lunch was incredibly beautiful as it wound through country roads, farms, beside streams and reservoirs. We started hitting some incline at about mile 60; we hit the first hill that Mark, Kathy and I named Happy Hell Hill and then the 2nd hill, and then the final climb up to Horsetooth Reservoir. I thought I would struggle with this last 20 miles, but I felt great and had no problem with the hills. Steve called from the finish about the time I started the last climb, and he came back and met me and we rode the last climb and to the finish together. I had thought 6 hours would be the best I
could hope for, 8 hours being the slowest I might do, and I hit the finish right at 6 hours. Entering the finish area with all the cheers, cow bells, hollering, music and general sense of celebration made the 3 AM wake up call worth it. I was definitely ready to get off my bike, as my hiney had started to complain at about mile 60.
After we finished, we had lunch (again), hung out with my DU classmates at their team tent and waited long enough so we could have dinner. By then, I was ready to collapse and we caught the bus to the hotel and decided we needed another dinner. Our 2nd dinner was pure disappointment; after that kind of day, a delicious meal is a fine way to replenish some energy and enthusiasm and Denny’s just didn’t cut it. Back to the hotel to crash.
Day One by the numbers:
Total Distance: 71 miles
Elevation Gain: 3288 ft.
Hours: 6:00
Calories Burned 2651 (where are the hot fudge sundaes??)
Food Eaten: I lost track…
Day Two: We lucked out yesterday with light cloud cover most of the ride; today was forecast to be much hotter, so we got an early start and were out of the start by 6:15. Temperature was fine by 8:15, but riding in shorts, a short sleeved jersey with the temp at 50 degrees was a bit chilly and was the first time today I pondered catching a SAG wagon to the finish. Today’s route was almost the reverse of yesterday, so we got the climbing out of the way in the first 20 miles. We started by heading out of CSU campus and up to Horsetooth Reservoir; a shock to the body that rode 71 miles yesterday. Steve hung with me all day today, while the rest of the team rode ahead.
It was tough getting on the bike at the start; all the aches and pains that I finished with yesterday were right there at the start today. The hiney was screaming as soon as I sat on my seat and didn’t stop until… well, frankly it still hurts. (How do people do 5 day, 7 day, even 30 days rides??)
We rode on as the route flattened out. Today’s goal was to see how I felt at the 56 mile mark (1/2 Ironman bike distance) so I could get some idea of how long it would take me. I hit that mark after lunch at about 4 hours of ride time, plus my 25 minute lunch. I’ll have to look into it, but I’m pretty sure the ½ Ironman doesn’t provide a catered lunch in the middle of the bike portion of the race (I may be re-thinking this ½ Ironman thing).
The hardest part of the day was just after lunch. I got back on my bike and despite the 25 minute respite my hiney got at lunch, it wasn’t enough to relieve the pain. I had visions of riding my bike with one of those soft circle pillows you use on an airplane; I pondered how I could ride the rest of the way standing up, and let a few choice words fly when no one was around. This is when the mental strength comes in. At this point, the pain doesn’t get any worse, and your body can make it through, but it’s the voice telling you to quit that you have to contend most with. For every thought of “where’s the next SAG wagon” I had to replace it with “I AM going to finish” or “ you will not quit” or my personal favorite, and the mantra I repeat to myself in races, long painful runs and rides “Pain is temporary, pride is permanent”. I thought of Steve, and all the people
with MS who are in pain every day and encouraged myself to go on. Just pedal. Just keep the feet going in circles. Just keep the bike moving. I sang “The wheels on the bike go ‘round and ‘round 300 times” and counted cows. It helped to remind Steve every 30 seconds or so, that my hiney hurt; his was fine until I started reminding him of my pain. After lunch, I stopped at the 56 mile mark for a couple minutes, then just kept going. At this point, I just wanted to finish and felt if I stopped at the rest stops, it would be that much longer until I was done.
Finishing is the best part; that feeling I get when I know I’ve challenged myself, when I’ve pushed my limits, is incredible. The finish wouldn’t be nearly as sweet if the ride was easy. The pain that I felt during the 2 days and the day following is nothing compared to the pain people with MS feel every day. If I can do some small part to contribute to finding a cure, then my small pains are worth it. Yes, Chuck they gave out medals, so I’ll expect to see on our team next year!
Day Two by the numbers:
Total Distance: 77.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3342 ft
Hours: 6:07
Calories Burned 2873
Food Eaten: A lot….
Day After Race:
My bike and I had a good time this weekend, but I think it’s best for both of to have some time apart. Today is recovery day and my hiney is appreciative of chairs with cushion at work and the soft, soft pillows on the couch at home. The morning was fine, but by afternoon it hit me how totally depleted I was. An employee on my team was trying to impart some very important information to me this afternoon (something about missing a deliverable?), and within a few short minutes, he looked at me and said ‘do you have allergies bothering you?” I think that was his polite way of saying “you look like death warmed over and you aren’t hearing a word I’m saying”. True enough; as he was talking I was listening to that inner voice trying to convince me that I wasn’t going to actually pass out in my office, and that I should breathe, drink some water and
agree to everything he says. Tonight is for quality time on the couch, writing about the great experience of this weekend.
Tomorrow…. swim and run – my next Triathlon is in 3 weeks!
Team TriForMS
Money Raised: $6600 (as of 6/30)
Team Members: 6 (Steve and Michele Vaughan, Kathy Heathcock, Kathie Aimee, Mark Storey and Mike Burgee)
Team Members Finished: 5 (Kathy Aimme broke her collarbone last month – no riding for her!)
We were impressed with how well organized and supported the ride was. Plenty of food, fluids and the volunteers were great.
After my anxiety settled down a bit, I settled in for the ride. Steve wasn’t feeling great at the start, so he rode with me to the first rest stop. He pulled off the road for a “break” and felt better, then took off. The rest of the team was ahead of me and I just enjoyed going at my own pace. I stopped at the 2nd rest stop intending on a short visit to the porta potty. The lines were a mile long, so I found my own potty area (details eliminated). Onward and forward. At this early stage, I was focused on finding the most effective way to use the least amount of energy and strength while still propelling myself forward. I used low gears and just kept moving. This part of the ride is pretty flat so no problems here. Lunch stop was at
about mile 42 and I met up with Mark and Kathy, 2 members of our team. We had lunch and stayed together for most of the rest of the ride. The ride after lunch was incredibly beautiful as it wound through country roads, farms, beside streams and reservoirs. We started hitting some incline at about mile 60; we hit the first hill that Mark, Kathy and I named Happy Hell Hill and then the 2nd hill, and then the final climb up to Horsetooth Reservoir. I thought I would struggle with this last 20 miles, but I felt great and had no problem with the hills. Steve called from the finish about the time I started the last climb, and he came back and met me and we rode the last climb and to the finish together. I had thought 6 hours would be the best I
could hope for, 8 hours being the slowest I might do, and I hit the finish right at 6 hours. Entering the finish area with all the cheers, cow bells, hollering, music and general sense of celebration made the 3 AM wake up call worth it. I was definitely ready to get off my bike, as my hiney had started to complain at about mile 60.
After we finished, we had lunch (again), hung out with my DU classmates at their team tent and waited long enough so we could have dinner. By then, I was ready to collapse and we caught the bus to the hotel and decided we needed another dinner. Our 2nd dinner was pure disappointment; after that kind of day, a delicious meal is a fine way to replenish some energy and enthusiasm and Denny’s just didn’t cut it. Back to the hotel to crash.
Day One by the numbers:
Total Distance: 71 miles
Elevation Gain: 3288 ft.
Hours: 6:00
Calories Burned 2651 (where are the hot fudge sundaes??)
Food Eaten: I lost track…
Day Two: We lucked out yesterday with light cloud cover most of the ride; today was forecast to be much hotter, so we got an early start and were out of the start by 6:15. Temperature was fine by 8:15, but riding in shorts, a short sleeved jersey with the temp at 50 degrees was a bit chilly and was the first time today I pondered catching a SAG wagon to the finish. Today’s route was almost the reverse of yesterday, so we got the climbing out of the way in the first 20 miles. We started by heading out of CSU campus and up to Horsetooth Reservoir; a shock to the body that rode 71 miles yesterday. Steve hung with me all day today, while the rest of the team rode ahead.
It was tough getting on the bike at the start; all the aches and pains that I finished with yesterday were right there at the start today. The hiney was screaming as soon as I sat on my seat and didn’t stop until… well, frankly it still hurts. (How do people do 5 day, 7 day, even 30 days rides??)
We rode on as the route flattened out. Today’s goal was to see how I felt at the 56 mile mark (1/2 Ironman bike distance) so I could get some idea of how long it would take me. I hit that mark after lunch at about 4 hours of ride time, plus my 25 minute lunch. I’ll have to look into it, but I’m pretty sure the ½ Ironman doesn’t provide a catered lunch in the middle of the bike portion of the race (I may be re-thinking this ½ Ironman thing).
The hardest part of the day was just after lunch. I got back on my bike and despite the 25 minute respite my hiney got at lunch, it wasn’t enough to relieve the pain. I had visions of riding my bike with one of those soft circle pillows you use on an airplane; I pondered how I could ride the rest of the way standing up, and let a few choice words fly when no one was around. This is when the mental strength comes in. At this point, the pain doesn’t get any worse, and your body can make it through, but it’s the voice telling you to quit that you have to contend most with. For every thought of “where’s the next SAG wagon” I had to replace it with “I AM going to finish” or “ you will not quit” or my personal favorite, and the mantra I repeat to myself in races, long painful runs and rides “Pain is temporary, pride is permanent”. I thought of Steve, and all the people
with MS who are in pain every day and encouraged myself to go on. Just pedal. Just keep the feet going in circles. Just keep the bike moving. I sang “The wheels on the bike go ‘round and ‘round 300 times” and counted cows. It helped to remind Steve every 30 seconds or so, that my hiney hurt; his was fine until I started reminding him of my pain. After lunch, I stopped at the 56 mile mark for a couple minutes, then just kept going. At this point, I just wanted to finish and felt if I stopped at the rest stops, it would be that much longer until I was done.
Finishing is the best part; that feeling I get when I know I’ve challenged myself, when I’ve pushed my limits, is incredible. The finish wouldn’t be nearly as sweet if the ride was easy. The pain that I felt during the 2 days and the day following is nothing compared to the pain people with MS feel every day. If I can do some small part to contribute to finding a cure, then my small pains are worth it. Yes, Chuck they gave out medals, so I’ll expect to see on our team next year!
Day Two by the numbers:
Total Distance: 77.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3342 ft
Hours: 6:07
Calories Burned 2873
Food Eaten: A lot….
Day After Race:
My bike and I had a good time this weekend, but I think it’s best for both of to have some time apart. Today is recovery day and my hiney is appreciative of chairs with cushion at work and the soft, soft pillows on the couch at home. The morning was fine, but by afternoon it hit me how totally depleted I was. An employee on my team was trying to impart some very important information to me this afternoon (something about missing a deliverable?), and within a few short minutes, he looked at me and said ‘do you have allergies bothering you?” I think that was his polite way of saying “you look like death warmed over and you aren’t hearing a word I’m saying”. True enough; as he was talking I was listening to that inner voice trying to convince me that I wasn’t going to actually pass out in my office, and that I should breathe, drink some water and
agree to everything he says. Tonight is for quality time on the couch, writing about the great experience of this weekend.
Tomorrow…. swim and run – my next Triathlon is in 3 weeks!
Team TriForMS
Money Raised: $6600 (as of 6/30)
Team Members: 6 (Steve and Michele Vaughan, Kathy Heathcock, Kathie Aimee, Mark Storey and Mike Burgee)
Team Members Finished: 5 (Kathy Aimme broke her collarbone last month – no riding for her!)
We were impressed with how well organized and supported the ride was. Plenty of food, fluids and the volunteers were great.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Training In Australia - A Few Photos
A few photos from Australia. We brought out bikes all the way to Australia and didn't ride once. Just didn't have enough time to scout out rides and get them in. We accounted for the winter weather, but we didn't think about how short the days would be.
We did get some running in and a few short swims.
We did get some running in and a few short swims.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
June 19 - 24 - Prep for the MS150!
June 24: I have 3 days left to worry about how I’m going to ride 150 miles this weekend. If nothing else, I’ll be happy to have the ride over with so I can quit fretting about how much my butt is going to hurt, whether I can do the ride, how I’ll feel being the last one on the TriForMS team to hit the finish line, whether lunch will be gone by the time I hit the feeding station, whether it will be dark when I arrive in Ft Collins, whether Steve will get tired of waiting for me, whether I will get a flat tire, whether I will fall off my bike… oh the things I can worry about are endless!
June 23: With all the training I’m doing, I need extra calories; it’s a food lover’s dream! Though I would like to replenish those burned calories with a couple dozen chocolate glazed donuts and several tubs of Ben and Jerry’s “Everything But The” ice cream, I’m trying to be slightly more disciplined by fueling my body with decent calories. However, Connor whipped up a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies on Friday, and I’ve gotta tell you, that was a treat eating those on my bike rides this weekend! Steve is burning an unbelievable amount of calories with all his training, and trying to keep him fed is a challenge too.
June 22: Weekends are for training, eating and sleeping! Steve and I are still trying to defy the physical laws of training and see if we can make up for the 3 weeks of virtual bike riding while we were in Australia; mentally doing a ride doesn’t yield the same benefits as riding on the road.I ran 9 miles Saturday, followed by eating, and then rode 16 miles with Steve, followed by napping and laying on the couch. We rode up Rampart Range Road from home which is 8 miles up then 8 miles down. I have learned I hate riding fast downhill. I practically wore out both my brakes and Steve’s patience as I rode the brakes the whole way down. I’m still such a beginner at this bike thing; I don’t have the stability, confidence, and experience yet and still feel anxious on these rides. After Saturday’s ride, I was one downhill mile away from bronzing my new bike shoes instead of wearing them, and hanging the bike in the garage. Sunday’s 50 mile ride in Fountain, however, restored my confidence enough to comment to Steve at the ride finish that I liked the ride and by then the shoe bronzing idea had passed. As we drug ourselves home for more food and more napping, I almost felt good. Depleted, tired, fatigued….. but good. With one exception. I don’t think I’m going to be able to sit down for 3 days. That 10 square inch rock covered in leather that the bike companies euphemistically call a “seat” is like sitting on, well, a rock. After a certain point on Sunday’s ride, I changed positions about every ½ a second trying to find a less painful way to have practically all my weight supported on 2 small bones that sit atop a small rock. I tried to keep my whining to a minimum, but after the 3rd comment about my butt hurting, Steve’s supportive advice was “The good thing is, the hurting doesn’t get any worse”. I’m not sure I can agree with that….. I have thoughts of standing at my desk and in meetings on
June 19: The best way for me to describe jet lag is it’s like having your eyes open but your body and mind are asleep. I haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep yet this week, which makes swimming, riding and running a bit more interesting. I like to think of it as that extra challenge thrown in that will ultimately improve my racing (or in my case, just getting me to the finish line).
June 14: 1st day back from Australia and I am dreading my first bike ride and swim. We hauled our bikes all the way there and back and didn’t ride once. The days were too short, drives too long and main roads not good and safe enough to ride on. If we had more time to talk to locals about good riding routes, we might have gotten some riding in. It was worth it though! Now, on to getting my butt back on the seat. Rode my mountain bike on Sante Fe Trail today (16 miles) after running 8 miles in the morning. Trying to make up for 3 weeks of training all but lost is like trying to rush having a baby in 8 months instead of 9. There are just some things that take time.
June 23: With all the training I’m doing, I need extra calories; it’s a food lover’s dream! Though I would like to replenish those burned calories with a couple dozen chocolate glazed donuts and several tubs of Ben and Jerry’s “Everything But The” ice cream, I’m trying to be slightly more disciplined by fueling my body with decent calories. However, Connor whipped up a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies on Friday, and I’ve gotta tell you, that was a treat eating those on my bike rides this weekend! Steve is burning an unbelievable amount of calories with all his training, and trying to keep him fed is a challenge too.
June 22: Weekends are for training, eating and sleeping! Steve and I are still trying to defy the physical laws of training and see if we can make up for the 3 weeks of virtual bike riding while we were in Australia; mentally doing a ride doesn’t yield the same benefits as riding on the road.I ran 9 miles Saturday, followed by eating, and then rode 16 miles with Steve, followed by napping and laying on the couch. We rode up Rampart Range Road from home which is 8 miles up then 8 miles down. I have learned I hate riding fast downhill. I practically wore out both my brakes and Steve’s patience as I rode the brakes the whole way down. I’m still such a beginner at this bike thing; I don’t have the stability, confidence, and experience yet and still feel anxious on these rides. After Saturday’s ride, I was one downhill mile away from bronzing my new bike shoes instead of wearing them, and hanging the bike in the garage. Sunday’s 50 mile ride in Fountain, however, restored my confidence enough to comment to Steve at the ride finish that I liked the ride and by then the shoe bronzing idea had passed. As we drug ourselves home for more food and more napping, I almost felt good. Depleted, tired, fatigued….. but good. With one exception. I don’t think I’m going to be able to sit down for 3 days. That 10 square inch rock covered in leather that the bike companies euphemistically call a “seat” is like sitting on, well, a rock. After a certain point on Sunday’s ride, I changed positions about every ½ a second trying to find a less painful way to have practically all my weight supported on 2 small bones that sit atop a small rock. I tried to keep my whining to a minimum, but after the 3rd comment about my butt hurting, Steve’s supportive advice was “The good thing is, the hurting doesn’t get any worse”. I’m not sure I can agree with that….. I have thoughts of standing at my desk and in meetings on
June 19: The best way for me to describe jet lag is it’s like having your eyes open but your body and mind are asleep. I haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep yet this week, which makes swimming, riding and running a bit more interesting. I like to think of it as that extra challenge thrown in that will ultimately improve my racing (or in my case, just getting me to the finish line).
June 14: 1st day back from Australia and I am dreading my first bike ride and swim. We hauled our bikes all the way there and back and didn’t ride once. The days were too short, drives too long and main roads not good and safe enough to ride on. If we had more time to talk to locals about good riding routes, we might have gotten some riding in. It was worth it though! Now, on to getting my butt back on the seat. Rode my mountain bike on Sante Fe Trail today (16 miles) after running 8 miles in the morning. Trying to make up for 3 weeks of training all but lost is like trying to rush having a baby in 8 months instead of 9. There are just some things that take time.
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