On Thursday the doctor told me my sodium and chloride levels were well below normal, and I needed to eat mroe sodium. His suggestion was to eat a burger and try to get more sodium in my diet and I would feel better. Well, I ate the burger and some fries, but only felt a little bit better. And as much as I loved eating the burger I cannot sustain a diet that requires me to eat a burger every day. So I turned to salt pills, a lot fewer calories.
Now neither my cardiologist or my internist told me how much sodium I should take, they just told me I needed to up my sodium intake. What I didn't know was by how much. The daily recommended amount of sodium is approximately 1500 to 2400 mg of sodium a day. I probably was only getting 1000 mg a day most days. Which means I was low, and now that I am below low in sodium and have a condition that requires me to have more sodium I probably need to increase my sodium more than I realized.
Of course at the onset of starting the increase of sodium I did not have all this information. If I had then I would have probably taken much more than I did initially. So, figuring out exactly how much sodium I needed to take, was a slow process. Friday was the first day I started taking salt pills, but did not start taking them until in the afternoon. I took a pill every hour, and began to feel better about 9 pm, by that time I had taken about 7 pills (each pill is 452 mg of sodium). On Saturday I started my day off a little bit better, but it was not until 2 pm and intaking 5000 mg of sodium that I actually felt like I could function and had some strength. Sunday I kept my intake steady and by noon was feeling better. By the end of Sunday I had taken 5000 mg of sodium. Today I have had 8 pills and 2 v8 (330mg sodium), and two snack size bags of pretzels. Again almost 5000 mg of sodium. It appears I need 4000 mg - 5000 mg of sodium.
I am actually amazed at the amount of salt I have to take to feel normal and like I can ride my bike again. I guess if that is what it takes then that is what it takes. Tomorrow will be my first time on the bike in a couple of weeks, and actually I have not been strong on the bike for quite some time. I am looking forward to it, but I am guessing I may have to take more sodium because I will be sweating it all out. Which means back to the drawing board. I probably will do what I do for a race which is one bottle of Carbo Rocket before the race and one after. Hopefully that is all I will need. I wonder if I can convince Brad to make a diet Carbo Rocket.
On another bright side of things. With all this salt intake, my water intake has increased. I am now drinking about 1 gallon and 1 quart of water a day. Nothing like staying well hydrated.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Compression Socks, Tights and other stuff
So with the offical diagnosis of Vasovegal Syncopy I need to buy compression tights, socks and tops. At first glance there was nothing out there I would consider buying. Everything the doctor showed me looked like a girdle your grandmother would wear, and not very functional. But after a quick email to KC I was pointed in the right direction.
Using some of the information KC gave me I started my research looking at compression tights, socks and so forth, and what I found was a lot of non-information. I actually need compression at a certain level, however not every company gives out this information. In fact, very few companies give this information out. Ugh what is a girl supposed to do.
What I did was research and research as many reviews as possible, but some of the reviews are tainted as they received the merchandise for free. Also, most of the reviewers do not have a condition that requires the need of the compression apparel. Most of the reviewers are using it for recovery and enhanced performance. I have been reading all day trying to find the right info. As I said some of it was helpful, some of it not, but I did find one blog that was very helpful http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/2009/03/compression-sock-update.html You see, Kathleen also has a condition that requires her to take salt tablets and wear compression apparel. Thanks to Kathleen I was able to narrow down my search. And how big is the search? Well here are just a few companies that sell compression apparel: Skins - Zoot - SLS3 - Zensah - 2xu - Sugoi - Cep - Opedix just to name a few. And what is the next step?
The next step is to take a somewhat educated purchase and order some compression apprael. However those who provided information are the ones who will receive my purchase first, and also a public review. The bad thing is this purchase is not cheap, and I need everyday apparel as well as cycling apparel. I guess I will start with one and hopefully it will be the right choice. I will let you know.
Using some of the information KC gave me I started my research looking at compression tights, socks and so forth, and what I found was a lot of non-information. I actually need compression at a certain level, however not every company gives out this information. In fact, very few companies give this information out. Ugh what is a girl supposed to do.
What I did was research and research as many reviews as possible, but some of the reviews are tainted as they received the merchandise for free. Also, most of the reviewers do not have a condition that requires the need of the compression apparel. Most of the reviewers are using it for recovery and enhanced performance. I have been reading all day trying to find the right info. As I said some of it was helpful, some of it not, but I did find one blog that was very helpful http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/2009/03/compression-sock-update.html You see, Kathleen also has a condition that requires her to take salt tablets and wear compression apparel. Thanks to Kathleen I was able to narrow down my search. And how big is the search? Well here are just a few companies that sell compression apparel: Skins - Zoot - SLS3 - Zensah - 2xu - Sugoi - Cep - Opedix just to name a few. And what is the next step?
The next step is to take a somewhat educated purchase and order some compression apprael. However those who provided information are the ones who will receive my purchase first, and also a public review. The bad thing is this purchase is not cheap, and I need everyday apparel as well as cycling apparel. I guess I will start with one and hopefully it will be the right choice. I will let you know.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tilting Table
Well the continuing saga of trying to figure out the cause of my low blood pressure has been 90% solved. And how you may ask. It was actually quite simple of a test, it a "table tilt test". Now hearing this term you think they put you on a table and tilt you all over the place, but that is not the case. It is actually a very simple test.
The test begins like this you lay down on a table with heart monitor, blood pressure and other devices hooked up to you. You lay on the table for 30 minutes, and then the table is tilted up to an almost upright position. From here you stand for 30-45 minutes, if you do not produce the symptoms they are looking for the table is moved back down, and then you are administered a medication that produces an adrenaline affect. You are then moved back to the upright position and spend another 30-45 minutes to see if you produce symptoms. Oh, and you are strapped to the table so you do not fall off the table, but not so tight you cannot move around.
And what are the symptoms, well, it is passing out. Well, luckily or not luckily, I produced symptoms within less than 10 minutes. I also produced more than fainting, which scared my husband and the nurse to death. After I passed out apparently I had a seizure, and then my heart stopped. Now I don't tell you this to worry that my heart stopped, this is something that can occur. The reason I am telling you is because of what happened when all this occured. You see, I don't remember anything after passing out. I knew I was going out, and that was it. After that I went to the best place ever, I was Mountain Biking, and it was the best ride ever! I don't remember the whole scenario of the ride, but I was having so much fun, that when the nurse and others, woke me up I had no idea where I was. I was very confused, because I actually thought I had been on my bike. They told me where I was, and then I started to come back to reality.
Let me tell you reality has not been so great. The test made me very sick and weak the first day, so much so I could only get up for bathroom breaks. The next day I was supposed to be better, but was not. Of course being the stubborn person I am I decided I could get through it. This was very stupid as I almost passed out on the way to work. Needless to say I returned home and stayed in bed for the rest of the day. Which brings me to today.
Today I was still weak and dizzy, not as bad as day one or two, but still unable to drive a car safely. So we went to see the doctor, and found out my body was now much lower in sodium and chloride which is why I was not recovering from the test. So the doctor told me what I needed to do which is increase my salt intake. He actually suggested I go to Apollo Burger and eat a burger and fries! I did, and it was nice to have the doctor excuse to eat a burger and fries.
As for the table tilt test. For now the diagnosis is Vasovegal Syncopy, which is why I pass out and have low blood pressure. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_episode; http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/754/main.html;
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/arrhythmias/a/Syncope3_2.htm
What is the cure? There are medications I can take, but first we take the more natural route.I must drink a lot of water, increase my salt inake, and wear a body compression suit. They key is to drink a lot of water, but not too much to deplete my salt, and then I must eat a lot of salt to up my blood pressure and in order to prevent it from leaving my body I must wear a compressions suit. If all goes well then my blood pressure will go up and I will quit trying to pass out.
The test begins like this you lay down on a table with heart monitor, blood pressure and other devices hooked up to you. You lay on the table for 30 minutes, and then the table is tilted up to an almost upright position. From here you stand for 30-45 minutes, if you do not produce the symptoms they are looking for the table is moved back down, and then you are administered a medication that produces an adrenaline affect. You are then moved back to the upright position and spend another 30-45 minutes to see if you produce symptoms. Oh, and you are strapped to the table so you do not fall off the table, but not so tight you cannot move around.
And what are the symptoms, well, it is passing out. Well, luckily or not luckily, I produced symptoms within less than 10 minutes. I also produced more than fainting, which scared my husband and the nurse to death. After I passed out apparently I had a seizure, and then my heart stopped. Now I don't tell you this to worry that my heart stopped, this is something that can occur. The reason I am telling you is because of what happened when all this occured. You see, I don't remember anything after passing out. I knew I was going out, and that was it. After that I went to the best place ever, I was Mountain Biking, and it was the best ride ever! I don't remember the whole scenario of the ride, but I was having so much fun, that when the nurse and others, woke me up I had no idea where I was. I was very confused, because I actually thought I had been on my bike. They told me where I was, and then I started to come back to reality.
Let me tell you reality has not been so great. The test made me very sick and weak the first day, so much so I could only get up for bathroom breaks. The next day I was supposed to be better, but was not. Of course being the stubborn person I am I decided I could get through it. This was very stupid as I almost passed out on the way to work. Needless to say I returned home and stayed in bed for the rest of the day. Which brings me to today.
Today I was still weak and dizzy, not as bad as day one or two, but still unable to drive a car safely. So we went to see the doctor, and found out my body was now much lower in sodium and chloride which is why I was not recovering from the test. So the doctor told me what I needed to do which is increase my salt intake. He actually suggested I go to Apollo Burger and eat a burger and fries! I did, and it was nice to have the doctor excuse to eat a burger and fries.
As for the table tilt test. For now the diagnosis is Vasovegal Syncopy, which is why I pass out and have low blood pressure. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_episode; http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/754/main.html;
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/arrhythmias/a/Syncope3_2.htm
What is the cure? There are medications I can take, but first we take the more natural route.I must drink a lot of water, increase my salt inake, and wear a body compression suit. They key is to drink a lot of water, but not too much to deplete my salt, and then I must eat a lot of salt to up my blood pressure and in order to prevent it from leaving my body I must wear a compressions suit. If all goes well then my blood pressure will go up and I will quit trying to pass out.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Dilemma
After only riding a bike for a couple of months I came to the next step in my riding and decided I wanted to ride. This seemed like the natural course for me to go and I did. In December of 2007 I joined one the of teams in the area, and spent 2008 racing and riding on my Fuel. I loved this bike, there were no complaints. But then my husband had to go and ruin it. He had to go and buy me a Superfly.
Here is the dilemma...
The new ultimate of bikes, the Superfly 100. I have known about this bike for quite some time, but was not worried. I love my bike and do not need or want anything else. But then I saw the bike at the store, and then I sat on the bike at the store, and then I rode the bike at the store. The bike has a great full suspension, but is also very stiff. I could have a light full suspension bike, with 29 inch wheels, but also a bike I could race. I could have the best of both worlds, full suspension and almost hard tail.
So what do I do? Do I sell my Fuel and Superfly and get this fabulous new bike, or do I keep what I have and ride the fuel occasionally? This is the dilemma, or so it was until yesterday.
Merry Christmas! Thanks honey! I can't wait to ride my new bike! My husband spoils me. He tried to keep it a secret, but needed some details to order the bike. By the way does anyone want to buy my Trek Fuel?
Saturday, December 5, 2009
I Won!
I have been sick off and on now for a little over a month, so I haven't had much mountain bike riding to write about. But fun things still happen.
Yesterday we had our Christmas party at work. It was a fun lunch with a lot of prizes/gifts to draw for. There were digital keychains, digital frames, poinsettas, gps systems and three more expensive gifts. A Wii, Xbox 360 and a 26 inch flat, lcd hd tv.
The lunch started with good food, and visiting with friends at work, and then it was time to draw for the prizes/gifts. One by one the gifts were given away. Eventually someone won the Xbox 360, then a little while later someone won the Wii, and then finally the last prize was up--the tv.
I watched gift after gift go, and when the tv came up, I knew it was up, either I won the tv, or went home with nothing but a full stomach. I sat and held the ticket tightly cupped in the palms of both hands, and waited for the number to be called. It was called, and I looked at my number and then asked what the number was again. Yes! It was my number!!!
Our family could definitely use a tv downstairs. Right now we have a little 21 inch tv, and although it is nice it will be great to have something a bit better. And although I do not believe in having a tv in the bedroom, it will be nice to have one I can put in our bedrooms when someone is sick.
Haven't taken it out of the box yet, I need to buy a mounting system.
Yesterday we had our Christmas party at work. It was a fun lunch with a lot of prizes/gifts to draw for. There were digital keychains, digital frames, poinsettas, gps systems and three more expensive gifts. A Wii, Xbox 360 and a 26 inch flat, lcd hd tv.
The lunch started with good food, and visiting with friends at work, and then it was time to draw for the prizes/gifts. One by one the gifts were given away. Eventually someone won the Xbox 360, then a little while later someone won the Wii, and then finally the last prize was up--the tv.
I watched gift after gift go, and when the tv came up, I knew it was up, either I won the tv, or went home with nothing but a full stomach. I sat and held the ticket tightly cupped in the palms of both hands, and waited for the number to be called. It was called, and I looked at my number and then asked what the number was again. Yes! It was my number!!!
Our family could definitely use a tv downstairs. Right now we have a little 21 inch tv, and although it is nice it will be great to have something a bit better. And although I do not believe in having a tv in the bedroom, it will be nice to have one I can put in our bedrooms when someone is sick.
Haven't taken it out of the box yet, I need to buy a mounting system.
Friday, November 27, 2009
The Ride that Didn't Happen
Last night I did some maintenance to my bike. I switched from spd's to eggbeaters, added super juice to my front tire, removed the tube from my back tire and set it back to tubeless. The set up on the back did not go to well. Apparently the back tire had one spot right at the rim that would not set, but after some tipping of the tire and getting the tire just right it finally set.
My planned ride for today was up the road by the cemetary and then take the BST all the way past Dry Canyon. I have been thinking about this ride all week and couldn't wait. The ride to the start of the trail went fine, and then I hit dirt. Riding dirt is the best feeling in the world.
Just as I was starting up the steep part of the BST I noticed my bike tire wobbling. I stopped and saw the tire was low. I got out a cartridge and filled it. As soon as I filled the tire up air started to spurt out. I tilted it for it to seal up and it did. I then got back on and continued up the hill. I went about 5 feet and air started to come out of the tire again. I stopped tilted the bike, it sealed, and then I assessed the situation.
I had one cartridge left and no air pump. I could put the tube in I had, but the cartridge would not be able to fill it enough to ride. I decided I would let some air out of the tire and see why the seal was not sealing at this particular spot. When I did this a discovered a hole right by the rim on tire. There was not way the hole could stay sealed. I sat thinking what I could do so I could get home.
I decided if I put a patch on the outside, it would probably hold until I got home. So for the first time in 2 years of owning a patch kit I put it to use. Did you know the glue in a patch kit does not last for 2 years, even if you never open it??? So now the patch idea is out. Next best idea. Fill up the tire and cross my fingers I get home, and plan a dirt ride for another day.
It worked I filled it up and was able to get home. The tire was fairly low, but I made it! I guess it is time to buy new tire, the 3rd one this year!
My planned ride for today was up the road by the cemetary and then take the BST all the way past Dry Canyon. I have been thinking about this ride all week and couldn't wait. The ride to the start of the trail went fine, and then I hit dirt. Riding dirt is the best feeling in the world.
Just as I was starting up the steep part of the BST I noticed my bike tire wobbling. I stopped and saw the tire was low. I got out a cartridge and filled it. As soon as I filled the tire up air started to spurt out. I tilted it for it to seal up and it did. I then got back on and continued up the hill. I went about 5 feet and air started to come out of the tire again. I stopped tilted the bike, it sealed, and then I assessed the situation.
I had one cartridge left and no air pump. I could put the tube in I had, but the cartridge would not be able to fill it enough to ride. I decided I would let some air out of the tire and see why the seal was not sealing at this particular spot. When I did this a discovered a hole right by the rim on tire. There was not way the hole could stay sealed. I sat thinking what I could do so I could get home.
I decided if I put a patch on the outside, it would probably hold until I got home. So for the first time in 2 years of owning a patch kit I put it to use. Did you know the glue in a patch kit does not last for 2 years, even if you never open it??? So now the patch idea is out. Next best idea. Fill up the tire and cross my fingers I get home, and plan a dirt ride for another day.
It worked I filled it up and was able to get home. The tire was fairly low, but I made it! I guess it is time to buy new tire, the 3rd one this year!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Death by Intervals
So the title may lead you to believe that I am going to talk about how the intervals I did today killed me, and I am so out of shape, but nope that's not what I am going to talk about. No, instead I am going to talk about the ghetto spin bike I got to do my intervals on.
About a month ago my Gold's Gym pass expired. Now typically I would renew my pass, but I had a better idea instead. I decided that I would get a family pass at the Orem Rec Center. It was less than the Gold's Gym Pass, and the whole family could go and have fun. I could take Mandy to the rec center with me, let her play and hang out there while I work out, and then go for a family swim after. Not a bad idea in theory. The pool is fun, the rec center has been remodeled and is in great condition, and there are a lot of different things the family can do together. There is one glitch to this scenario--the spin bikes!
At Gold's Gym I can access the spin bikes in the spin room and use them any time. I cannot at the rec center, you can only use them during class time. That's okay though, because there are 2 spin bikes in the cardio area. Well, these bikes are not so great. Bike 1 does not have any tension on the wheel, so I guess it would be okay for a recovery day, but not a work out/interval day. Bike 2 the tension works, but it does not have clipless pedals. In fact, neither bike has clipless pedals! Both bikes have toe cages. Okay, not so bad, but not my preferance. However, bike 2 has a problem bike 1 does not, it has only one toe cage, the other pedal is nothing but a flat pedal. So what is a gal do to???
Well, since it was interval day it was bike 2 with only one toe cage. Have you ever tried to do intervals with one shoe in a cage and one not. Not fun, not easy and definitely a different kind of work out. Let's just say I will think twice about doing intervals on either of these bikes. Oh and guess what, none of the bikes at the rec center have clipless pedals!!! So I could go to a class, ignore the instructor and do my own thing, but I would still be in toe cages. Or maybe I could bring my pedal wrench, spd pedals and switch out the pedals every time I go to work out. I wonder how the rec center would feel about that? I guess it is back home to the trainer, and family fun time at the rec center will not include me riding the spin bike.
About a month ago my Gold's Gym pass expired. Now typically I would renew my pass, but I had a better idea instead. I decided that I would get a family pass at the Orem Rec Center. It was less than the Gold's Gym Pass, and the whole family could go and have fun. I could take Mandy to the rec center with me, let her play and hang out there while I work out, and then go for a family swim after. Not a bad idea in theory. The pool is fun, the rec center has been remodeled and is in great condition, and there are a lot of different things the family can do together. There is one glitch to this scenario--the spin bikes!
At Gold's Gym I can access the spin bikes in the spin room and use them any time. I cannot at the rec center, you can only use them during class time. That's okay though, because there are 2 spin bikes in the cardio area. Well, these bikes are not so great. Bike 1 does not have any tension on the wheel, so I guess it would be okay for a recovery day, but not a work out/interval day. Bike 2 the tension works, but it does not have clipless pedals. In fact, neither bike has clipless pedals! Both bikes have toe cages. Okay, not so bad, but not my preferance. However, bike 2 has a problem bike 1 does not, it has only one toe cage, the other pedal is nothing but a flat pedal. So what is a gal do to???
Well, since it was interval day it was bike 2 with only one toe cage. Have you ever tried to do intervals with one shoe in a cage and one not. Not fun, not easy and definitely a different kind of work out. Let's just say I will think twice about doing intervals on either of these bikes. Oh and guess what, none of the bikes at the rec center have clipless pedals!!! So I could go to a class, ignore the instructor and do my own thing, but I would still be in toe cages. Or maybe I could bring my pedal wrench, spd pedals and switch out the pedals every time I go to work out. I wonder how the rec center would feel about that? I guess it is back home to the trainer, and family fun time at the rec center will not include me riding the spin bike.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I Don't Care...
if I am sick.
That is how I felt yesterday. Last Sunday I woke upand felt like I was going to collapse. I was very fatigued, sick to my stomach and extremely dizzy. I slept most of the day away, woke the next day and then went to work the next day. Eventually I ended up going home not feeling good at all. For the rest of the week I have been sick. So finally Saturday I couldn't take it anymore, and I went for a bike ride.
I probably shouldn't have gone for a ride, but it felt so good to be out. The ride was nothing difficult mostly flat, and a nice easy pace. It was great to feel the cold air on my face as I rode, and such a relief to be on my bike. I am still feeling under the weather, but it was so worth it to get out and go for a ride.
Pictures of the lake and mountains.
That is how I felt yesterday. Last Sunday I woke upand felt like I was going to collapse. I was very fatigued, sick to my stomach and extremely dizzy. I slept most of the day away, woke the next day and then went to work the next day. Eventually I ended up going home not feeling good at all. For the rest of the week I have been sick. So finally Saturday I couldn't take it anymore, and I went for a bike ride.
I probably shouldn't have gone for a ride, but it felt so good to be out. The ride was nothing difficult mostly flat, and a nice easy pace. It was great to feel the cold air on my face as I rode, and such a relief to be on my bike. I am still feeling under the weather, but it was so worth it to get out and go for a ride.
Pictures of the lake and mountains.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Total Bummer
One of my favorite rides is in AF Canyon. I have written about this particular trail before, and I absolutely love it. I have ridden other trails, but always have an aching to ride this trail. Today I got to go ride the trail with Jolene. We were very excited, because Jolene had heard from Steve the trail was in great condition, and we did not want to miss this great opportunity.
The gate in AF Canyon is closed, so we parked at Pine Hollow. Our choice was to go up the road to Timpanooke or up Pine Hollow Trail. We have never gone up Pine Hollow so we choose this route. The first part of Pine Hollow is not so bad, but after the first little bit it then goes up and up and up, and not a little easy up the loose rock, over rocks and roots up. I loved going up this way, it was hard, but better than going up the road.
A glimpse of Pine Hollow, however it doesn't do it justice.
As we went along the trail we discovered the trail was quit muddy in spots, luckily it was only spots, but there were times my tires were covered in mud. The further up the trail twe went the cooler it seemed to get, by the time we got to the first overlook it was time to put on our jackets. As we did so Jolene noticed the snow on the back side of the mountain. I could not believe how much snow there was.
I would like to say the rest of the ride went well, and for the most part it did except for the downhill part going towards four corners. On the downhill I was having a blast, I came around a turn and realized I was heading right for this big bush/tree. There wasn't much to do except go into the bush. I fully expected to over and into the bush and down the hill, but instead there was a really big branch that caused me to richet off to the left backwards onto the trail and onto a very big rock. And yes I hit my tail bone right on the rock!
Now after most of my crashes I usually get right up. After this crash I felt a shock go up my spine, and I just stayed laying on the trail. As I was laying there I was hoping the next rider would see me and not run me over, and he did. Tim helped to get my bike off me, and then Jolene arrived. I just stayed on the trail in the fetal postion waiting for the moment I could start to move again. I don't know how long I was there, but it felt forever before I was able to get up.
Once I was up we took off. After a time I eventually forgot about the pain in my back side and lost myself in the joy of riding the trail. On our ride around the loop we decided to take Salamander Flats back instead of Pine Hollow, which made for a phenominal ride.
By the time we got to Timpanooke parking lot the sun was dipping and we needed to put on the remainder of our warm clothes. Luckily the ride to Pine Hollow parking lot is only a little over mile, so we did not get too cold--just cold enough to want to jump into the car and get warm. It was as I jumped into the car I was given a cruel reminder of my crash. And much to my shock I discovered my left butt check was swollen and hurt in the I don't want to sit down way. However, as I write this I am sitting--on an ice pack!
Jolene coming down the hill .
The gate in AF Canyon is closed, so we parked at Pine Hollow. Our choice was to go up the road to Timpanooke or up Pine Hollow Trail. We have never gone up Pine Hollow so we choose this route. The first part of Pine Hollow is not so bad, but after the first little bit it then goes up and up and up, and not a little easy up the loose rock, over rocks and roots up. I loved going up this way, it was hard, but better than going up the road.
A glimpse of Pine Hollow, however it doesn't do it justice.
Now after most of my crashes I usually get right up. After this crash I felt a shock go up my spine, and I just stayed laying on the trail. As I was laying there I was hoping the next rider would see me and not run me over, and he did. Tim helped to get my bike off me, and then Jolene arrived. I just stayed on the trail in the fetal postion waiting for the moment I could start to move again. I don't know how long I was there, but it felt forever before I was able to get up.
Once I was up we took off. After a time I eventually forgot about the pain in my back side and lost myself in the joy of riding the trail. On our ride around the loop we decided to take Salamander Flats back instead of Pine Hollow, which made for a phenominal ride.
By the time we got to Timpanooke parking lot the sun was dipping and we needed to put on the remainder of our warm clothes. Luckily the ride to Pine Hollow parking lot is only a little over mile, so we did not get too cold--just cold enough to want to jump into the car and get warm. It was as I jumped into the car I was given a cruel reminder of my crash. And much to my shock I discovered my left butt check was swollen and hurt in the I don't want to sit down way. However, as I write this I am sitting--on an ice pack!
Jolene coming down the hill .
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Moab Part Duex
I thought I would be ready to write the next day after my blog, but I have been very sleepy all week long. I think I need a full day of nothing but sleep. Next year I am taking Monday off after the race so I can sleep all day long.
Lap 3
Lap 3 began for me shortly after I finished lap 2. I went back to camp after my second lap and immediately ate a banana and a bagel. I then tucked Mandy in for the night, visited with the others, and went to bed for a couple of hours. Around 3 to 3:30 am I woke up to eat and get ready for my last and final lap. I tried to eat the wonderful soup Abby had made for us, but I couldn't my body refused to take in any food. I knew I needed food to do my next lap, but every time I swallowed I would gag. For the next two hours while I waited for Jen to come in and for me to go out I sat in my chair feeling sickish. Eventually I started to dry heave, now mind you there was food in my stomach, but I was doing my best to not let it come up. I finally gave up on the eating idea, and decided whatever happened on my next lap would happen, and went down to the tent to wait for Jen to come in.
As I waited for Jen I visited with other racers to keep my mind off not feeling so good. We shared stories and talked about how fun it would be to do the dawn ride. This was the lap where the sun comes up. I am not sure what time Jen came in, but we exchanged the baton, swiped our cards and I went to my bike. I was crossing my fingers that as I rode I would feel better and the sickish feeling would leave.
This lap was much quieter than my first night lap. People were now in their tents sleeping and if they were out by the campfires, they were quietly eating, drinking and visiting with other members of the camp. You could see the toll of the long night beginning to take affect on not just the racers, but the spectators too.
As I rode I felt very sluggish. My body was in a bit of a revolt and did not want to go. I think it did not understand why I had been up riding my bike so much. Mentally I was half and half up for it. I wanted to ride, but the physical part made it so I did not want to ride hard, so I didn't. Instead I rode with the goal in mind to complete the race. I was also very determined to keep up in good spirits. My laps prior I had talked and cheered everyone on as I rode by them, or as they rode by me. This lap I did the same thing. Funny thing, this lap others joined me in conversation. On previous laps it was quick "good job", "having fun", or something like that. This time people actually talked--at least those who were close to me. I think they were feeling the fatigue and their goal also was to finish the lap.
So I rode, but not very fast. As I rode the sickish feeling I was having began to diminish. This probably comes to as no surprise to those who have ridden with me. Usually when I ride the sickish feeling diminishes--at least while I am riding. With the sickish feeling leaving my legs picked up a little more speed, but I would say not a substantial amount. Then it happened somwhere near the top of the first hill I noticed I could see the trail. I could see the brush, the trees and some of the rocks. It was still dusky, but light was beginning to show. This was a good sign, because soon I would be able to see far down the trail. As luck would have it by the time I reached the first triple xxx I could see the trail without any light.
Being able to see the trail was a good thing, but it did not take away my fatigue. I was so tired that I was worried about riding the triple xxx's and making it down safely. It took all of the energy I had to ride down those hills and keep my bike upright on the trail. Now of course I could have walked the down hills, and I considered doing this, but I decided the only way I would walk them is if I crashed.
I am amazed at how I ended up down some of the hills. I would ride down take my line, and hope everything turned out okay, and lucky for me it did, and by lucky I do mean lucky. There was one triple xxx I took and when I was done I was amazed I made it down all of the rocks without going over my handle bars. They were huge, and I had not taken the best line. Thank goodness I was too afraid, for once, to use my brakes and just let my bike roll.
I was very happy after I had finished the last triple xxx before prostitute bluff, and as I rode out towards prostitute something amazing happened, the sun came up. I do not think I have been so happy to see the sun as I was at that moment. I was so happy I wanted to cry tears of joy at seeing the sun. It was as if a whole new day was about to begin, and for me it did. At this point I began to pick up the pace in my riding and actually started riding fast again--I felt wonderful.
From this point forward the ride got better and my strength returned. I rode and felt good. I still was not riding as fast as I could which I am sure Tim could attest to as he rode by me on the final up hill climb. He went by and it almost looked like I was standing still, but that's okay, because I was finally riding with strength, was passing people and was having a great time. I was able to take the final two triple xxx's with confidence and speed.
When I hit the final down I let everything go and flew down the double track. I rode past others, and skimmed through the sand. I was having a blast. And then it happened, I hit the final sand pit and for some reason this time I did not ride through, instead I ended up flying off my bike and face down in the dirt. Thank goodness sand is soft. The guy in front of me asked if I was okay, and I let him know I was doing great. His reply "your being too cheerful, and I am grumpy". Mine "the sun is out and it is a great day". He laughed and we rode on. As I rode past camp I hollered good morning to everyone, and then came into the tent to switch off with Dorothy. Told everyone good morning and headed back to camp. I was so happy, the sun was out and I had finished my last lap! I had done it!
I went back to camp, to eat, and of course still could not get any food down. Oh well, I was done and I knew eventually I would be able to eat again. Our team took 2nd place. The team that beat us, was dang fast. They had lap times that beat several pro-women. I believe they ended up being the first place women's team out of all of the women's teams. What is so impressive about this is all of them range in age from 44 on up. This gives me hope that I can get stronger and faster as I get older--at least I am sure going to try.
After the Race
I didn't stay for awards since I was so tired and still had to drive home, but Jen picked up our medals, and apparently we also got some type of cool sports drink too. When I arrived home I was exhausted and my legs were so swollen I could barley bend them. I tried to put both of my hands around my calf and the thumbs were 5 inches apart. I should have measured them, but I was too tired to care. It took 3 days for the swelling to go completely down. I also gained 7.5 pounds from the race. Which I have almost lost--it seems my body loves to retain water. It was not until Wednesday that I was finally hungry again, and boy was I hungry. I ended up eating a Wendy's bacon cheeseburger and fries, boy did it taste good.
Would I do this race again, you bet. I am hoping to go again next year, and this time I hope I can get in 4 laps instead of just 3.
Lap 3
Lap 3 began for me shortly after I finished lap 2. I went back to camp after my second lap and immediately ate a banana and a bagel. I then tucked Mandy in for the night, visited with the others, and went to bed for a couple of hours. Around 3 to 3:30 am I woke up to eat and get ready for my last and final lap. I tried to eat the wonderful soup Abby had made for us, but I couldn't my body refused to take in any food. I knew I needed food to do my next lap, but every time I swallowed I would gag. For the next two hours while I waited for Jen to come in and for me to go out I sat in my chair feeling sickish. Eventually I started to dry heave, now mind you there was food in my stomach, but I was doing my best to not let it come up. I finally gave up on the eating idea, and decided whatever happened on my next lap would happen, and went down to the tent to wait for Jen to come in.
As I waited for Jen I visited with other racers to keep my mind off not feeling so good. We shared stories and talked about how fun it would be to do the dawn ride. This was the lap where the sun comes up. I am not sure what time Jen came in, but we exchanged the baton, swiped our cards and I went to my bike. I was crossing my fingers that as I rode I would feel better and the sickish feeling would leave.
This lap was much quieter than my first night lap. People were now in their tents sleeping and if they were out by the campfires, they were quietly eating, drinking and visiting with other members of the camp. You could see the toll of the long night beginning to take affect on not just the racers, but the spectators too.
As I rode I felt very sluggish. My body was in a bit of a revolt and did not want to go. I think it did not understand why I had been up riding my bike so much. Mentally I was half and half up for it. I wanted to ride, but the physical part made it so I did not want to ride hard, so I didn't. Instead I rode with the goal in mind to complete the race. I was also very determined to keep up in good spirits. My laps prior I had talked and cheered everyone on as I rode by them, or as they rode by me. This lap I did the same thing. Funny thing, this lap others joined me in conversation. On previous laps it was quick "good job", "having fun", or something like that. This time people actually talked--at least those who were close to me. I think they were feeling the fatigue and their goal also was to finish the lap.
So I rode, but not very fast. As I rode the sickish feeling I was having began to diminish. This probably comes to as no surprise to those who have ridden with me. Usually when I ride the sickish feeling diminishes--at least while I am riding. With the sickish feeling leaving my legs picked up a little more speed, but I would say not a substantial amount. Then it happened somwhere near the top of the first hill I noticed I could see the trail. I could see the brush, the trees and some of the rocks. It was still dusky, but light was beginning to show. This was a good sign, because soon I would be able to see far down the trail. As luck would have it by the time I reached the first triple xxx I could see the trail without any light.
Being able to see the trail was a good thing, but it did not take away my fatigue. I was so tired that I was worried about riding the triple xxx's and making it down safely. It took all of the energy I had to ride down those hills and keep my bike upright on the trail. Now of course I could have walked the down hills, and I considered doing this, but I decided the only way I would walk them is if I crashed.
I am amazed at how I ended up down some of the hills. I would ride down take my line, and hope everything turned out okay, and lucky for me it did, and by lucky I do mean lucky. There was one triple xxx I took and when I was done I was amazed I made it down all of the rocks without going over my handle bars. They were huge, and I had not taken the best line. Thank goodness I was too afraid, for once, to use my brakes and just let my bike roll.
I was very happy after I had finished the last triple xxx before prostitute bluff, and as I rode out towards prostitute something amazing happened, the sun came up. I do not think I have been so happy to see the sun as I was at that moment. I was so happy I wanted to cry tears of joy at seeing the sun. It was as if a whole new day was about to begin, and for me it did. At this point I began to pick up the pace in my riding and actually started riding fast again--I felt wonderful.
From this point forward the ride got better and my strength returned. I rode and felt good. I still was not riding as fast as I could which I am sure Tim could attest to as he rode by me on the final up hill climb. He went by and it almost looked like I was standing still, but that's okay, because I was finally riding with strength, was passing people and was having a great time. I was able to take the final two triple xxx's with confidence and speed.
When I hit the final down I let everything go and flew down the double track. I rode past others, and skimmed through the sand. I was having a blast. And then it happened, I hit the final sand pit and for some reason this time I did not ride through, instead I ended up flying off my bike and face down in the dirt. Thank goodness sand is soft. The guy in front of me asked if I was okay, and I let him know I was doing great. His reply "your being too cheerful, and I am grumpy". Mine "the sun is out and it is a great day". He laughed and we rode on. As I rode past camp I hollered good morning to everyone, and then came into the tent to switch off with Dorothy. Told everyone good morning and headed back to camp. I was so happy, the sun was out and I had finished my last lap! I had done it!
I went back to camp, to eat, and of course still could not get any food down. Oh well, I was done and I knew eventually I would be able to eat again. Our team took 2nd place. The team that beat us, was dang fast. They had lap times that beat several pro-women. I believe they ended up being the first place women's team out of all of the women's teams. What is so impressive about this is all of them range in age from 44 on up. This gives me hope that I can get stronger and faster as I get older--at least I am sure going to try.
After the Race
I didn't stay for awards since I was so tired and still had to drive home, but Jen picked up our medals, and apparently we also got some type of cool sports drink too. When I arrived home I was exhausted and my legs were so swollen I could barley bend them. I tried to put both of my hands around my calf and the thumbs were 5 inches apart. I should have measured them, but I was too tired to care. It took 3 days for the swelling to go completely down. I also gained 7.5 pounds from the race. Which I have almost lost--it seems my body loves to retain water. It was not until Wednesday that I was finally hungry again, and boy was I hungry. I ended up eating a Wendy's bacon cheeseburger and fries, boy did it taste good.
Would I do this race again, you bet. I am hoping to go again next year, and this time I hope I can get in 4 laps instead of just 3.
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