ALC6 Day On The Ride81 miles...I Survived!

Well, I survived the 81 miles from ALC6’s Day On The Ride, but it wasn’t compeltely easly.

With my busy schedule & new job (including a business trip), I have gotten a bit worn down and woke up on Friday with a cold. Today, when I woke up at 5:30am, the thought of riding my bike was painful. But I went ahead and did it anyway. Full of cold medication I loaded the car and headed to Santa Monica. I felt so crappie, my head was in the clouds, my body and head ached, my throat was so soar and I was cold. I had a nice thick jacket on and a Thermal Care heating pad on my shoulders and full tights covered my legs. I was going to do this ride, even though my body and mind weren’t up for it, but my heart was. I met my friend Heather and stuck pretty close to her, not feeling very social with the rest of the group. I can’t tell you though seeing the ALC staff and interacting with them always gives me that extra boost of energy and boy was I needing it. They are awesome!

We rolled out at about 7:30am. I noticed that my computer was not working. I was concerned that if I got separated from Heather that I would have a difficult time finding my way without the mileage. I also depend so much on my computer to keep me motivated by my speed and knowing how many miles I needed to go/ have gone ect. So, I was a bit bummed when I didn’t feel well and my main motivational source was not working. I didn’t have a good feeling about this ride…plus it was cold & windy and many miles were ahead of me.

Funny thing when I compare today’s ride to the Day On The Ride last year I saw many improvements despite my health and technical difficulties. I was able to climb the hills with out stopping or cross training, plus I finished it much earlier than last year. Go figure. All in all today was a huge accomplishment, both in my training for The Ride itself, and mentally and physically as well. I do need to work on those darn headwinds. I am not a fan and struggled with them today as well. This ride has also motivated me to do more rides to work and at lunch time as well. Next weekend I am scheduled to help my friend Beth with her 55 miles training ride. Wish me luck!! Check back to see how it goes.