Oct 1, 2012
You were expecting advice and whatnot? Not this Monday. It's past September 29th, the day of my century. Yep. Wondering about how that went? Of course you are!
That's right - in just under 8 hours, I biked 100 miles.
The Day Before
I was surprised at the outpouring of support from my co-workers. While I didn't go around screaming about my century, they knew about it. I came back to a meeting to see my desk had been bombed.
I told my friend I need a boyfriend or personal assistant or something. Part of this is because I am, indeed, lonely - the other part is I totally could have used someones help making sure I was set. The night before, I loaded up my pack - filled the bladder, packed my medication, hydration tablets, gloves and everything. I set out my biking gear and head to he bike shop to pick up spare tubes.
I still don't know how to change a flat.
Then I went to the bakery to get my Joey Bars. They did have any. AH! The girl was so nice, she left a note that I would stop by at 5am to pick some up if they had them.
Don't worry - they didn't.
The Day
I woke up at 4am - I had forgotten to shave my legs. Yeah. More for vanity than speed, might I add. I hoped it wouldn't rain and I got my gear and packed all these papers I needed. I hoped I didn't forget anything.
I actually missed my turn and ended up at the wrong place. AH! No worries, I got there and parked with some wiggle time to drop all the pins for my number under my car seat. The helpful staff told me to go to the Rookie Tent for "stuff". ..I'm not into stuff, but, they did have pins. I also met Tom, his first year volunteering. I wished him luck and told him thanks. They went to the release area where the "Face-paced cyclist/century riders" went.
I could sum up how this all felt - 6am surrounded by groups of friends, matching jerseys and guys (mostly guys) stretching everywhere. Here's a picture.
10-20 Mile Stretch
The ride was mostly on surberban streets and back roads. Not to bad. It was nice, a little hilly at first but riding in a group didn't feel as weird as I thought and I wasn't being run over. I tried to find other people who had the "Century" sticker on their number. I found a couple. I figured I would follow them.
It was at mile 17 I wanted to quit. Honestly. I wanted to stop. I could say it was because I couldn't have breakfast, because I had been stressed over the past two weeks, because I didn't belong with these people. I was tired. I was filled with self-doubt and even tried to figure out if my adrenals would kick in correctly because I forgot to take a pill when I started.
I did think that no one would think less of me for stopping. No one would say anything about it. They would say "aww" and maybe something supportive. No one would really care if I just stopped.. .
And I kept going. Why? First, I needed to reach a stop before I could stop. Next - well, I knew what it felt like to stop at 17 miles. I didn't know what I felt like to ride 100.
Besides, Melissa was waiting for me at the 55 mile mark.
I hit my first rest stop and heard "Amanda!"
Who the Hell knows me here? And can identify me?
It ended up being a cousin. I think my Uncle is his Great Uncle - whatever, John. Johnny. We had talked about this trip when he was at my house less than a year ago. We wished each other well. He was leaving. I ate a Cliff Bar. I like Cliff Shots, but, not the bars. But, I had to eat something. I had some banana, too.
20-30 Mile
Lunch! It was about 8:30am and it was the "lunch stop." Let me just tell you, that was the best chicken sandwich I ever had. It had no sauce on it (I can't have vinegar) and it was juicy and delicious.
Yes. This is how I eat a chicken sandwich.
I had not had much experience riding in a group. I did my best to get into the swing of "car back" (though never "car front") and pointing out holes in the ground. I also announced that I was "On your left" and I got scared a couple times by riders passing me without a sound.
Then I was all alone. Yep. No one was behind me. I could hardly see the riders in front of me.
I was also cold. Talking off my long-sleeved top was not the best move. At least, until I got going again.
30-40 Mile
I met a fellow, Ben, who kept a 18-20 mile pace. Holy cow! We sort of met when he pointed out a bag of potato chips on the ground as a "hazard."
He is from Collingswood, married with a 4-year-old and 17-month-old. Nice guy. He made the miles fly by, for sure. It was nice to have the company. Even just to talk to someone. We both laughed.
40-50 Miles
After the 45 mile mark, there was the century loop. This loop took the century cyclists around a 22 mile loop while the rest of the riders would go straight. I decided I need to give a shout out to the Penn Medicine group because I drafted behind them a bit and also passed them - and was passed.
Ben found me again while I was trying to pass a girl who thought riding on the right at an inconsistent speed was a good idea. You have to pass on the left, and passing her meant going into oncoming traffic. Her two friends were staggered around the left blocking everyone.
So, Ben kept me going for another 10 miles. Wow, fast pace Ben! But, I could do it. I was keeping at a 17mph pace most of the way. So much better than my 14-15mph I thought I would be doing.
50-60 Miles
I just stopped at this stop and Melissa found me. I waved bye to Ben and Melissa got this picture of me.
So, I made it about 53 miles at this point. 60 was the farthest I had ever traveled but I was feeling good.
I got my official "Century Patch." I decided to have Melissa take a picture of me looking like one of those awesome, hardcore riders you see in the background.
I think I look pretty hardcore.
So, I was taking my medications as the doctor told me. I wondered how I would feed about this - needing medication. But, as my doctor said, it's a small dose and just enough to support the demand. Not taking them would have been a disaster. Taking them did not make anything easier, though.
I was so happy, I left my pants with Melissa.
Shortly after, a group of elite looking cyclists called me out on my socks as I got my bike.
60-70 Miles
Every inch beyond 60 miles was the farthest I had ever gone.
I should note, there were people here and there on the route waving and holding up signs. A lot of police and people making sure traffic was stopped and you turned the right way. I said "thanks" to each of them.
I passed two "accidents" in my ride. The first was early on when there had been a lot of broken glass on the road and some rider fell (taking others down) and got cut up. I came up after, everyone had swarmed the injured (who seemed otherwise to be ok) and were getting help. The other was a woman who must have passed out while riding and taking down her team. She was laying with the medics and the medic was saying, "If you feel dizzy. . " Again, good support was there.
Last Rest Stop
Ok, my breakdown is not precise. The last stop left 13.1 miles left in my adventure. I had to pee for the first time, too. I asked Melissa if it was normal I didn't have to pee. Perhaps my kidneys were shutting down - she said I was just using all I was taking in. Great. Four liters later, I had to pee. I budged in line. I didn't know there was a line. AH!
90-100 Miles
13.1 to go and I followed behind this good of Janney riders (could only find 2011 pic). One was from the National Guard (or I assume from jersey alone). They kept at the 17mph pace I liked and I drafted. I felt a little bad about the drafting but after I hit a hard hole with an "ouch!" the National Guard guy started making sure he called out everything.
At the one red light, they all heard me yell a couple things back - they say "car back" and "hole" and I would say "min-van" or "donut" and the one guy started announcing "puppy" or other random objects. Fun.
I blew passed the Janny group. I blew passed some other legit cyclists. Then I zoomed down the other side at 30mph hoping my tires wouldn't give out or anything. Then - well - it made sense why National Guard guy was talking about taking it slow. There's another hill.
I hit it at a good pace and I was feeling it. There is one thing I know about hills - they don't go away. You can't give up on a hill because you lose everything and it's not like you can take another route. I looked to my left and saw the beach.
I have not seen the beach since maybe the early 2000s. OMG. I made it to the shore? Whatever hill! I powered on and really enjoyed the trip down. I even passed the Janny guys again who beat me to the second hill and were stopped before the top. Maybe to take pictures.
I'm not here to take pictures - I'm here to ride a @#$%ing century!
The Finish Line
Riding through Ocean City (I think that's where I was) was really nice. However, I wanted to keep at my pace. A lot of "stay to the right" and "get out of my way" went away after that hill. I passed a lot of people to ensure I was not the last person to cross. Ha!
The finish was stocked with people looking for loved ones and all that. My phone battery was almost dead but I got a picture of my mileage. RunKeeper - well, I accidentally turned it off during about 20 miles and then with the low battery, I turned it off encase I needed to make a call. Or update Facebook.
There was a stop at the end where you had to go through a cattle shoot, so, I didn't upset anyone by taking my "finish line" self-photos.
So I completed my century with the most attactive picture ever! But, really, after 102 mile, who looks awesome?
Support
I can't even tell you the amount of support that flew in from my cowokers. And even the "Likes" and kind words on Facebook. Say what you want about Facebook, it was a good way to post what I was up to for those who cared to see. It was nice to read people did care and were following.
I never thought I was someone who would be called "amazing," I always thought if I could do it, anyone could and it wasn't really special.
I think a lot of times, as I thought while riding for 8 hours, I assume people like my attention and help but don't really care what I am doing or how I am feeling or what I am trying to accomplish. I do what I do because of who I am, but, there's got to be more to it than that. I think I tend to be guarded about my inner world. I don't like to let people in to far because my world has been mostly sickness and things people don't want to deal with. So, I think they don't want to deal with me. I'm going to work on this from now on.
The Aftermath
I arrived home - the MS Society thinks of everything and bused me and my bike back to the start point - and faced my biggest hurtle yet. Stairs.
Don't worry, I got up them and found a nice little care basket from my friend Cindy waiting at my door. It was full of homemade muffins and apples. I ate a bunch.
I also stank. I stank baaaad.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
 |
| FINISHED |
The Day Before
I was surprised at the outpouring of support from my co-workers. While I didn't go around screaming about my century, they knew about it. I came back to a meeting to see my desk had been bombed.
 |
| So many signatures! |
I still don't know how to change a flat.
Then I went to the bakery to get my Joey Bars. They did have any. AH! The girl was so nice, she left a note that I would stop by at 5am to pick some up if they had them.
Don't worry - they didn't.
The Day
I woke up at 4am - I had forgotten to shave my legs. Yeah. More for vanity than speed, might I add. I hoped it wouldn't rain and I got my gear and packed all these papers I needed. I hoped I didn't forget anything.
 |
| 4am - hot |
 |
| The legit cyclists |
 |
| Uhh. . .what am I doing here? |
The ride was mostly on surberban streets and back roads. Not to bad. It was nice, a little hilly at first but riding in a group didn't feel as weird as I thought and I wasn't being run over. I tried to find other people who had the "Century" sticker on their number. I found a couple. I figured I would follow them.
It was at mile 17 I wanted to quit. Honestly. I wanted to stop. I could say it was because I couldn't have breakfast, because I had been stressed over the past two weeks, because I didn't belong with these people. I was tired. I was filled with self-doubt and even tried to figure out if my adrenals would kick in correctly because I forgot to take a pill when I started.
I did think that no one would think less of me for stopping. No one would say anything about it. They would say "aww" and maybe something supportive. No one would really care if I just stopped.. .
And I kept going. Why? First, I needed to reach a stop before I could stop. Next - well, I knew what it felt like to stop at 17 miles. I didn't know what I felt like to ride 100.
Besides, Melissa was waiting for me at the 55 mile mark.
I hit my first rest stop and heard "Amanda!"
Who the Hell knows me here? And can identify me?
It ended up being a cousin. I think my Uncle is his Great Uncle - whatever, John. Johnny. We had talked about this trip when he was at my house less than a year ago. We wished each other well. He was leaving. I ate a Cliff Bar. I like Cliff Shots, but, not the bars. But, I had to eat something. I had some banana, too.
20-30 Mile
Lunch! It was about 8:30am and it was the "lunch stop." Let me just tell you, that was the best chicken sandwich I ever had. It had no sauce on it (I can't have vinegar) and it was juicy and delicious.
 |
| FOOD! |
I had not had much experience riding in a group. I did my best to get into the swing of "car back" (though never "car front") and pointing out holes in the ground. I also announced that I was "On your left" and I got scared a couple times by riders passing me without a sound.
Then I was all alone. Yep. No one was behind me. I could hardly see the riders in front of me.
I was also cold. Talking off my long-sleeved top was not the best move. At least, until I got going again.
30-40 Mile
I met a fellow, Ben, who kept a 18-20 mile pace. Holy cow! We sort of met when he pointed out a bag of potato chips on the ground as a "hazard."
Me: Thanks for warning me about the potato chips!He had drank a LOT of caffeine so when I told him he was going at 19mph, he slowed. He was going to do the 75 miles but said he might do the century. He looked like a legit cyclist and we joked about how once you get into it, you start to look more and more like "those guys"
Ben: Haha! I guess it's not as bad as a hole.
Me: Just pointing out snacks, I like it.
He is from Collingswood, married with a 4-year-old and 17-month-old. Nice guy. He made the miles fly by, for sure. It was nice to have the company. Even just to talk to someone. We both laughed.
40-50 Miles
After the 45 mile mark, there was the century loop. This loop took the century cyclists around a 22 mile loop while the rest of the riders would go straight. I decided I need to give a shout out to the Penn Medicine group because I drafted behind them a bit and also passed them - and was passed.
Ben found me again while I was trying to pass a girl who thought riding on the right at an inconsistent speed was a good idea. You have to pass on the left, and passing her meant going into oncoming traffic. Her two friends were staggered around the left blocking everyone.
So, Ben kept me going for another 10 miles. Wow, fast pace Ben! But, I could do it. I was keeping at a 17mph pace most of the way. So much better than my 14-15mph I thought I would be doing.
50-60 Miles
I just stopped at this stop and Melissa found me. I waved bye to Ben and Melissa got this picture of me.
 |
| No one looks good in Spandex. It's not a body thing. . . |
 |
| Yeah, I, uh. Yeah. |
 |
| World without MS! GO! |
 |
| Yes, I was doping |
I was so happy, I left my pants with Melissa.
 |
| Unleashed! |
Them: Nice socks!They look nice and keep my legs warm and protect them against road debris being kicked up at me.
Me: Thanks!
Them: Do they glow in the dark?
Me: They should.
Them: Are they compression?
Me: Nope, Dollar store.
60-70 Miles
Every inch beyond 60 miles was the farthest I had ever gone.
I should note, there were people here and there on the route waving and holding up signs. A lot of police and people making sure traffic was stopped and you turned the right way. I said "thanks" to each of them.
I passed two "accidents" in my ride. The first was early on when there had been a lot of broken glass on the road and some rider fell (taking others down) and got cut up. I came up after, everyone had swarmed the injured (who seemed otherwise to be ok) and were getting help. The other was a woman who must have passed out while riding and taking down her team. She was laying with the medics and the medic was saying, "If you feel dizzy. . " Again, good support was there.
Last Rest Stop
Ok, my breakdown is not precise. The last stop left 13.1 miles left in my adventure. I had to pee for the first time, too. I asked Melissa if it was normal I didn't have to pee. Perhaps my kidneys were shutting down - she said I was just using all I was taking in. Great. Four liters later, I had to pee. I budged in line. I didn't know there was a line. AH!
90-100 Miles
13.1 to go and I followed behind this good of Janney riders (could only find 2011 pic). One was from the National Guard (or I assume from jersey alone). They kept at the 17mph pace I liked and I drafted. I felt a little bad about the drafting but after I hit a hard hole with an "ouch!" the National Guard guy started making sure he called out everything.
At the one red light, they all heard me yell a couple things back - they say "car back" and "hole" and I would say "min-van" or "donut" and the one guy started announcing "puppy" or other random objects. Fun.
National Guard Guy: Yeah, we picked up this girl.Then we reached THE HILL. I heard about THE HILL. The bridge. Ok, it's not a big hill, it is a bridge, but after 95 miles of riding, I can tell you my eyes got a little big.
Me: Hi
Janny Guy: Nice socks.
Me: Thanks.
National Guard Guy: She replaces Glenn.
Me: I never liked Glenn.
Them: *Laugh*
Me: I'm kidding. I don't know Glenn. I'm sure he's great.
I blew passed the Janny group. I blew passed some other legit cyclists. Then I zoomed down the other side at 30mph hoping my tires wouldn't give out or anything. Then - well - it made sense why National Guard guy was talking about taking it slow. There's another hill.
I hit it at a good pace and I was feeling it. There is one thing I know about hills - they don't go away. You can't give up on a hill because you lose everything and it's not like you can take another route. I looked to my left and saw the beach.
I have not seen the beach since maybe the early 2000s. OMG. I made it to the shore? Whatever hill! I powered on and really enjoyed the trip down. I even passed the Janny guys again who beat me to the second hill and were stopped before the top. Maybe to take pictures.
I'm not here to take pictures - I'm here to ride a @#$%ing century!
The Finish Line
Riding through Ocean City (I think that's where I was) was really nice. However, I wanted to keep at my pace. A lot of "stay to the right" and "get out of my way" went away after that hill. I passed a lot of people to ensure I was not the last person to cross. Ha!
The finish was stocked with people looking for loved ones and all that. My phone battery was almost dead but I got a picture of my mileage. RunKeeper - well, I accidentally turned it off during about 20 miles and then with the low battery, I turned it off encase I needed to make a call. Or update Facebook.
 |
| I crossed the finish line |
 |
| I got my metal |
Support
I can't even tell you the amount of support that flew in from my cowokers. And even the "Likes" and kind words on Facebook. Say what you want about Facebook, it was a good way to post what I was up to for those who cared to see. It was nice to read people did care and were following.
I never thought I was someone who would be called "amazing," I always thought if I could do it, anyone could and it wasn't really special.
I think a lot of times, as I thought while riding for 8 hours, I assume people like my attention and help but don't really care what I am doing or how I am feeling or what I am trying to accomplish. I do what I do because of who I am, but, there's got to be more to it than that. I think I tend to be guarded about my inner world. I don't like to let people in to far because my world has been mostly sickness and things people don't want to deal with. So, I think they don't want to deal with me. I'm going to work on this from now on.
The Aftermath
I arrived home - the MS Society thinks of everything and bused me and my bike back to the start point - and faced my biggest hurtle yet. Stairs.
Don't worry, I got up them and found a nice little care basket from my friend Cindy waiting at my door. It was full of homemade muffins and apples. I ate a bunch.
I also stank. I stank baaaad.
 |
| Doing it again? Sure will! |
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Aug 25, 2012
This is another week of not riding. I can see my bike sitting in my den, still muddy from my last ride.
I have been trying to get more sea salt into my diet, eating right and taking all my supplements and medications. I decided it was better to rest until a couple symptoms go away rather than trying to push it at this time. It's a crappy choice.
One of the common symptoms is a feeling of not being able to breathe, like your chest has bands around it not letting you expand to get enough air.
The fatigue is also out of this world. I have a lot of trouble getting up in the morning and getting to work without closing my eyes. A common thing people do is drink more coffee, but, caffeine cannot fix fatigue. In fact, it make things worse because your body gets a jolt and then a crash and to compensate the adrenals have to work harder.
I have been eating more plums and peaches which seem to help. I do not have an appetite or much of one. I make sure I eat some plain roast chicken with a veggie, some rice noodles, apples, peaches, plums and popcorn during the day. The key is to eat things that slowly raise blood sugar rather than cause any type of crash.
I am worried still about this century. I only rode 50 miles twice in my career and right now, I have basically not ridden for two weeks. I want to be able to do this but I am scared about what is going to happen when I start riding on September 29th.
*fingers crossed*
I have been trying to get more sea salt into my diet, eating right and taking all my supplements and medications. I decided it was better to rest until a couple symptoms go away rather than trying to push it at this time. It's a crappy choice.
One of the common symptoms is a feeling of not being able to breathe, like your chest has bands around it not letting you expand to get enough air.
The fatigue is also out of this world. I have a lot of trouble getting up in the morning and getting to work without closing my eyes. A common thing people do is drink more coffee, but, caffeine cannot fix fatigue. In fact, it make things worse because your body gets a jolt and then a crash and to compensate the adrenals have to work harder.
I have been eating more plums and peaches which seem to help. I do not have an appetite or much of one. I make sure I eat some plain roast chicken with a veggie, some rice noodles, apples, peaches, plums and popcorn during the day. The key is to eat things that slowly raise blood sugar rather than cause any type of crash.
I am worried still about this century. I only rode 50 miles twice in my career and right now, I have basically not ridden for two weeks. I want to be able to do this but I am scared about what is going to happen when I start riding on September 29th.
*fingers crossed*
Aug 18, 2012
The adrenal fatigue has got me. Like the Matrix. . only less fun.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
I have my serious doubts about being able to complete this century at this point. When I tell this to people, they brush it off with some type of kind words or something otherwise useless. Not that I don't like support, but, being that I am the only person I know with the condition I have, I don't think I can get much support from anyone but myself. It's not a matter of will, it's a matter of if my body will shut down or not. That's a medical thing, my will or how in shape I am has nothing to do with it.
Hell, I'm still trying to figure it out. Come on magic!
I might be able to pull it together and ride the century, but I am very worried about the consequences. I think I might end up requesting off for that Monday after, just to be safe. I am also debating my at what point will I have to pull over and stop. I am thinking when I start to struggle to breath.
Due to the AF, I have a lot of digestive issues and immunity problems. I have to watch what I eat and most foods I have been using as fuel are completely out. It's another struggle.
I gave myself a week off, hoping getting back into it would inspire my system to behave. This hasn't been the case, unfortunately. Even as I sit here writing, I am having some trouble breathing and neuropathy from my ride yesterday. This might take days to recover from.
I did have an amazing discovery, though. Sea salt. Since my body gets ride of salt faster, and I don't eat much salt, I read up on being salt deficient. I tried a little and felt a lot better. So, now I'm all salty and ready to rock.
Rides
This is what I got in this week - a small 20 miles when I should be doing 80 or so. And, no, this is not a mistake. My long ride ended up being far shorter than my short ride.
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| Short ride |
 |
| Long ride |
Falls
I also had my second fall. However, I landed in mud. A lot of mud. I was even much smarter about it - I saw the huge muddy area and picked a path already created. I unclipped should I need my feet and went in with a slow but determined pace. My problem was, my bike shifted and I pressed down on the pedal and clipped in. Then feel on that side.
 |
| This pack was on my back the whole time |
I was basically submrged in mud. However, BEST FALL EVER. The mud was so deep, it was quite soft.
A lot of people also said this didn't look like mud. I don't know where you all are from, but, depend on the minerals in the soil, you will get different colors. Really. Check out the Munsell Color System
Forward
I am not sure if I should take another week off. I have been thinking it would be best to do rest and try to recover rather than go through these horrible rides and horrible after affects. I'll figure it out. I still have to balance life with all of this.
I would never back out of the century, of course. I don't know if I can complete it, but, I am certainly going to try - until my body reaches the point when it will give out and leave me broken for a couple months. Good thing I invested in my Road ID tags
.
.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Aug 11, 2012
I went out for my first ride since July 28th on Friday. Thursday was my pick, but it was raining. I aimed for Saturday, but I had a family function to go to. Friday it was!
I thought 20 might be too much. I thought 10 would be a good mark. I did 15. Yays!
Mental State
I get a lot of people saying "you can do it" but it doesn't mean much to me because few people understand what I go through and the uncertainty of it all.
The ride did not start off good, I went to put air in my tires and now firmly believe I do not know how to work my air pump. I can't figure out how to clamp it on the tire without letting out all the air in about 5 seconds. Then I can never get it attached right to pump the tire up really well. Normally after about 20 minutes, I get it. I really need to work on this.
I tried to get into the mind set of just going out and having fun. Let me tell you, when your body is shutting down in certain parts, few things are fun. It was also very humid. But, once I got going, I felt pretty good.
Lessons Learned
My hands went numb after about 7 miles, this numbness had been there almost all the time and my break fixed it. I did some research during my "down time" and learned how in the valley of your palm you have tons of nerves. I also learned you have to keep your wrist straight to avoid worse damage. I don't think my wrists are straight when I ride and I can't really keep off my palm.
And my feet always go numb in the clippy-shoes. I'm not sure if they don't fit or I am set up wrong. I don't think I will figure it out anytime soon. It cost upward of $300 to get the whole clippy set-up and I am pretty sure I don't get returns or anything on it at this point.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
 |
| Slow rider |
I thought 20 might be too much. I thought 10 would be a good mark. I did 15. Yays!
Mental State
I get a lot of people saying "you can do it" but it doesn't mean much to me because few people understand what I go through and the uncertainty of it all.
The ride did not start off good, I went to put air in my tires and now firmly believe I do not know how to work my air pump. I can't figure out how to clamp it on the tire without letting out all the air in about 5 seconds. Then I can never get it attached right to pump the tire up really well. Normally after about 20 minutes, I get it. I really need to work on this.
I tried to get into the mind set of just going out and having fun. Let me tell you, when your body is shutting down in certain parts, few things are fun. It was also very humid. But, once I got going, I felt pretty good.
Lessons Learned
My hands went numb after about 7 miles, this numbness had been there almost all the time and my break fixed it. I did some research during my "down time" and learned how in the valley of your palm you have tons of nerves. I also learned you have to keep your wrist straight to avoid worse damage. I don't think my wrists are straight when I ride and I can't really keep off my palm.
And my feet always go numb in the clippy-shoes. I'm not sure if they don't fit or I am set up wrong. I don't think I will figure it out anytime soon. It cost upward of $300 to get the whole clippy set-up and I am pretty sure I don't get returns or anything on it at this point.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Aug 8, 2012
Hi. Sorry. Hi.
 |
| It's a large |
I also got my MS shirt - that'll perk up a bad mood. Knowing I am supporting a good cause is enough to make me forget my little issues.
Rides
My rides have been going as good as can be expected. It kills me to turn down offers by the Tour DaVita people when they go out for their training rides because there is a good mix of advanced and beginner riders. I feel helpful giving out tips I know when it comes to endurance riding and it's nice to be challenged by those who are more fit and compete in events.
- September 3: I did 24 miles, but RunKeeper crapped out or I didn't hit "Start Activity."
- September 16: I got out for 16.32 miles and felt pretty awful the next day. I had a late start since my ride on the 3rd was in the rain - a downpour! I had brought my clippy-shoes in to dry. Then when I was ready to head out, I found I forgot them and had to go back home to get them. I was tired the next day. Then again, I was on my feet for about 4 hours.
- September 8: I did 32 miles. I was hoping to do 30, so, 32 was a nice surprise. I feel pretty good. We'll see how tomorrow is.
Keep in my, my super-official training schedule says I need to be doing just under 30 for my short-rides and 50 for my long rides. Urg.
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| Proof! |
Lessons
I worry about my adrenals - a lot. I worry about what this ride is going to feel like days after. After the ride today, though, I have some hope. Things seem to be going well. I cut out my morning muffin because I think it might have some canola oil in it and I am staying away from PopTarts.
I can't have canola oil - messes me up. I tested positive for a sensitivity to it. Canola oil is also part of "vegetable oil" so anything with veggie oil I try to avoid.
I will bring a ton of my gels to my century and make sure to avoid any baked goods or cookies or anything. Things like peanut butter can have veggie oil in it. Fruits are good and those gel shots. That's what I am going with.
I also learned about drafting. Drafting is where cyclist ride one right behind the other. The cyclist in the front is actually doing most of the work and the cyclists behind can take a break while still crusin' along. Since I have been riding by myself, I never got to really feel this or understand it. When I was out with the Tour DaVita, I got behind our strongest rider and I did notice it was easier to keep up. Less wind and all that.
Mind you, right before this, Scott (the dude I was drafting on) almost fell into me when we hit a patch of thin mud on the trail.
Scott: Wow! I didn't see that mud. My back tire slipped a bit. I would have totally taken you out.It was the other guy we were riding with, Paul, who asked about drafting, I believe. As Scott said, the rider behind has it about 75% easier. Wow.
Manda: I would have failed that trust fall.
My lesson here is, when I am riding this Century, to use drafting when I can. That will give my system a much needed break while still being able to book some miles. I figured, I can take my cortisol pills every rest stop along with some licorice extract for extra support.
Lesson Two: Drafting Etiquette!
When I was out at the end of August, just trying to enjoy biking and build my confidence back in my body, I came up behind a large fellow going at about 12mph. I was trying to stay at 14mph or lower. I ramped up to about 16mph to pass him (with a hearty "ON YOUR LEFT!") and passed him.
I would like to also say I love it when I see husky/fat/unfit/curvy/etc people out on the trail. I think it's great they are out there doing something to improve their health and to enjoy this wonderful trail and nature. I think it would be creepy, but, I totally want to yell some encouragement every time I see someone trying their best. I think it would be creepy.
Anyhow, I past this fellow and kept at my good clip to put some distance between us before I would go back to about 14mph.
Then I hear it. Noise.
Sometimes when you are working out, you make some rather perverted sounds. This is what I heard. "Whot. Phew. Yeah! Mmm. Hurmp! Urg!"
Whoa. I glance behind and see he is right on my tail. Right there. If he wasn't so bulky, I might not have been able to see him. This made me so uncomfortable. I am a lone girl on this path and there is no one around. I also don't know him. I don't like that he is there. I don't.
I jam it up to about 18mph in hopes that I will lose him or he will get the hint and back off. After all, pacing is key. More noise and he is right there. At one point, I guess to be nice, he warned me of a parked truck half way on the trail.
Yeah, ok, buddy. Now back off my butt!
Nope, he stays and I just push on hoping he is really out of shape and has to drop off. I can't even drop back because he is moving from directly behind me to a little too far to the left. I don't know where he is so to drop my speed to drop behind him would probably end badly. I'm really glad I just raged on rather than trying something. He did not know any biking etiquette.
I came up behind a group of riders who were out for a casual ride. I slow up a bit and get read to pass. My chunky friend pulls up awkwardly by my rear tire preventing me from passing the group in front of me and turns off on another track leading to a parking lot. In his haste, he makes me slam on my breaks, does not announce himself and cuts off two oncoming cyclists.
He let out a "WOO!" as he did.
Yeah, real great, dude.. You were on my ass without asking me, used my "jet stream" and then almost caused a major issue when you decided to turn off.
Now, the last time some guy was on my ass, he was nice enough to pull up next to me - with a good distance between - and say he was not stalking me but just going in the same direction and he didn't want to freak me out but we were going about the same speed.
He was good guy. Wished me luck on my century when I told him I was in training for it and eventually we broke off on separate paths.
I told Scott about this and he agreed it was rude to draft off someone you don't know without asking or saying something.
Etiquette, people. Etiquette
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion..
Aug 5, 2012
Well, I didn't ride this week. I went to the doctor My adernals are not doing good and I also had the begining of a Candida infection in my digestive track. I didn't eat for about four days, nothing substantial since my stomach hurt so much. In fact, today I ate a good breakfast and it feels like there is a weed wacker in my tummy.
After my rides last week, you can check it out in my Manda's Century: Maybe I'm an Athlete? post, I was not doing well and things only got a little worse after. Good thing I had the appointment.
The good news is, a lot of my digestive problems have settled after being on the meds for a couple days. That's nice. Now I just need to stop needing to fall asleep all the time. After all, I have about 7 weeks to get in shape and ready to go for my century.
So, this was the sum of most of my fears, an adrenal crash that ends my ride.
Of course, I will be there and I will ride it. Just not sure how much medication and supplements I will have to be taking in order to finish and if I will be functioning after.
I am hoping to gently start riding next week - some times I am more hopeful about this than others. I did take off Monday and Tuesday from work hoping to spend a good deal of time resting and recovering.
Did I mention my parents did get me a Madonna del Ghisallo charm for biking? This is the patroness of cyclists.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
After my rides last week, you can check it out in my Manda's Century: Maybe I'm an Athlete? post, I was not doing well and things only got a little worse after. Good thing I had the appointment.
The good news is, a lot of my digestive problems have settled after being on the meds for a couple days. That's nice. Now I just need to stop needing to fall asleep all the time. After all, I have about 7 weeks to get in shape and ready to go for my century.
So, this was the sum of most of my fears, an adrenal crash that ends my ride.
Of course, I will be there and I will ride it. Just not sure how much medication and supplements I will have to be taking in order to finish and if I will be functioning after.
I am hoping to gently start riding next week - some times I am more hopeful about this than others. I did take off Monday and Tuesday from work hoping to spend a good deal of time resting and recovering.
Did I mention my parents did get me a Madonna del Ghisallo charm for biking? This is the patroness of cyclists.
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| Every little bit helps |
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Jul 29, 2012
I had a bum week. Beyond a bum week, actually, a hardcore bum week. My adrenals and I did not have it in us to complete half of what I wanted to.
My Short Ride
My short rides should be at about 20 miles. I got in one ride of 7 miles on Wednesday. I felt awkward with the clips, I couldn't get my speed above 15mph. I just felt like I was struggling. I wanted to puke. I did my best but as the fatigue came in and whole digestive tract growled, I turned around and headed back to the car totally disgusted in myself.
My Long Ride
I thought I would have been able to knock out a good 40+ miles on Saturday. I got up to 17 miles and that was it. Fatigue hit hard and I almost fell asleep while riding. I just couldn't do it. I didn't have it in me. I turned around.
However, the clips felt better - still awkward and I felt like I was trapped more than before. I felt the shoes were a little more broken in. It's good to look at the positives.
Sunday Breakfast
I had breakfast with my parents and reviewed my adrenal situation and progress. It's nice to get their input because they are the only two people who really get what I have been through. They also tell it like it is.
So, maybe I am some type of scrappy athlete. I don't feel like one this week.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
 |
| Urg. URG! |
My short rides should be at about 20 miles. I got in one ride of 7 miles on Wednesday. I felt awkward with the clips, I couldn't get my speed above 15mph. I just felt like I was struggling. I wanted to puke. I did my best but as the fatigue came in and whole digestive tract growled, I turned around and headed back to the car totally disgusted in myself.
My Long Ride
I thought I would have been able to knock out a good 40+ miles on Saturday. I got up to 17 miles and that was it. Fatigue hit hard and I almost fell asleep while riding. I just couldn't do it. I didn't have it in me. I turned around.
However, the clips felt better - still awkward and I felt like I was trapped more than before. I felt the shoes were a little more broken in. It's good to look at the positives.
Sunday Breakfast
I had breakfast with my parents and reviewed my adrenal situation and progress. It's nice to get their input because they are the only two people who really get what I have been through. They also tell it like it is.
Dad: Listen, you have to understand that you are at at level few people get to. You are going to be tired and you are going to hurt. All athletes do.My Dad, by the way, is an athlete. He got to college on a football scholarship and still works out and runs and lifts. Anyhow, I had never thought of myself as any type of athlete. I was told riding a century was pretty easy to most people. I assumed any failures I had, minus the adrenals, were because I was weak, not because what I was doing was hard.
So, maybe I am some type of scrappy athlete. I don't feel like one this week.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Jul 22, 2012
Well, do to my work retreat/conference/personal growth thing I was at Sunday-Tuesday, I didn't have a chance to really bike during the week. I did get out for a 50 mile ride on Saturday. And I got clips.
10 Week
It's go time, people. July 21st was 10 weeks until the MS City to Shore. I feel like I can do the 50 easily, but, I hope I can do the 100. My training rides are not supported, so, makes it hard for me to determine. I need to work hard to get a little more in shape and get some serious miles in.
By the way, I have lost 0 dress sizes and 0 weight. I have a nice roll, still. AH!
Bad, Good, Bad, Good
I headed out Saturday for my ride but when I got to the park, my back tire was flat. I lacked the skills (and tube) to repair so I had to go home and then to the bike shop. Since I was in about a flat before, I told them I think I got both on soft gravel. They know the trails I ride and suggested I pump up my tires more to avoid these issues. In fact, the last flat I had seemed to be more of a tube defect than really a puncture.
While they were fixing my flat, I asked about getting clips.
Bam, I got clips. That was a nice $250 expenditure. They also promised me I wouldn't fall and if I did it would be on grass and everything was great.
I played with clipping and unclipping during my ride. On mile 49.7 - I hit a patch of gravel while turning and hit the pavement. Hard.
So, what's falling like? First, getting use to the heel-cock to get your foot out doesn't take that much time. I didn't have any time when I fell. The danger is you stop, if you don't stop, you won't fall. Mostly. I was wearing gloves and a helmet which everyone on a bike should be wearing. The issue is my knee hit the pavement and the rest of the bike fell on top of me and then my feet were still attached to the petals. I got loose, of course, made sure I was in one piece, walked a couple steps and rode back to my car. After all, you got to keep going.
I was stiff and banged up from it more than I thought, but, other than the cut on the front of my knee and the bruise on the side, no real damage. My elbow got it a little, but. .nothing you can see a day later.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
10 Week
It's go time, people. July 21st was 10 weeks until the MS City to Shore. I feel like I can do the 50 easily, but, I hope I can do the 100. My training rides are not supported, so, makes it hard for me to determine. I need to work hard to get a little more in shape and get some serious miles in.
By the way, I have lost 0 dress sizes and 0 weight. I have a nice roll, still. AH!
Bad, Good, Bad, Good
I headed out Saturday for my ride but when I got to the park, my back tire was flat. I lacked the skills (and tube) to repair so I had to go home and then to the bike shop. Since I was in about a flat before, I told them I think I got both on soft gravel. They know the trails I ride and suggested I pump up my tires more to avoid these issues. In fact, the last flat I had seemed to be more of a tube defect than really a puncture.
While they were fixing my flat, I asked about getting clips.
Bam, I got clips. That was a nice $250 expenditure. They also promised me I wouldn't fall and if I did it would be on grass and everything was great.
I played with clipping and unclipping during my ride. On mile 49.7 - I hit a patch of gravel while turning and hit the pavement. Hard.
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| PITY ME! |
I was stiff and banged up from it more than I thought, but, other than the cut on the front of my knee and the bruise on the side, no real damage. My elbow got it a little, but. .nothing you can see a day later.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Jul 14, 2012
In cycling, there is this thing call the "bonk." I think you bonk. Or you are bonking. Not to be confused with headbonks which are great.
Thank God there is Urban Dictionary!
Ride Stats
I think I missed last week and maybe the week before, that's fine. as of July 21st, I'm in my 10 week program. In July, so far, I have been trying to get into the habit and mileage of riding three times a week. I am super lucky because a lot of my co-workers are training for Tour DaVita which is a 200-plus mile ride over the course of two or three days. It raises money for kidney disease and helps people get treatment.
With that in mind, I had company for two 20 mile rides which made them much more enjoyable. Plus, I got to feel and get use to riding close to other people. My speed dropped a little because the first 20 mile ride was with some people who were just starting. It was a new trail close to were I work. I even got another lap in (hence 28) with one of the directors.
I thought I would have company for my long ride, and get in a good 50. After the two 20+ miles, though, I was thinking I should take it easy. Most of the crew were going to the beach. It rained most of the night but by 10am (meeting time) it had cleared. No one showed up. No worries! Off I went, texting that it was beautiful and lovely and things like "you ain't made of sugar, you won't melt!"
So, I got caught in the rain. I tried a new trail I sort of stumbled on. I hung out under a bridge for a bit with some other riders, but, 20 miles from home, I was as wet as I could get so I headed back out. I can't even tell you how dirty I was. I had gravel in my ears and other. .areas.
So, about 39 miles later, I got back into the non-rain and my car and a nice, hot shower. And the leftover French dip sandwich Mr. Green Eyes left in my fridge.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Image Credit
Bonks from catswhotwitter.blogspot.com
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| Love! |
Bonk: Expression used by cyclists to describe excercise induced low blood sugar levels; being a feeling of light-headedness and weakness in all limbs. Similar to 'The Wall' in running. Has fallen out of usage in recent years due to alternative meanings.Anyhow, to avoid the bonk I have been eating PopTarts, as any of you who follow me know. It's awesome. I think a lot of the "wall" I was hitting had something to do not eating enough. Before it was not drinking enough.
Ride Stats
I think I missed last week and maybe the week before, that's fine. as of July 21st, I'm in my 10 week program. In July, so far, I have been trying to get into the habit and mileage of riding three times a week. I am super lucky because a lot of my co-workers are training for Tour DaVita which is a 200-plus mile ride over the course of two or three days. It raises money for kidney disease and helps people get treatment.
With that in mind, I had company for two 20 mile rides which made them much more enjoyable. Plus, I got to feel and get use to riding close to other people. My speed dropped a little because the first 20 mile ride was with some people who were just starting. It was a new trail close to were I work. I even got another lap in (hence 28) with one of the directors.
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| That 5 miles was tough! |
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| BOOM! |
So, about 39 miles later, I got back into the non-rain and my car and a nice, hot shower. And the leftover French dip sandwich Mr. Green Eyes left in my fridge.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Image Credit
Bonks from catswhotwitter.blogspot.com
Jul 1, 2012
Hello heatwave, thanks for reminding me what "oppressive heat" is.
I set out (late) for my endurance ride after getting out 0 times this week. I took Monday off and went fishing with my Dad and Uncle.
And then Tuesday I chopped my hair for Locks for Love.
Wednesday I took off because I was tired of all the running around. Thursday I was out with my old co-workers for drinks (Remember them from my Goodbye Job post?). By Friday I ran around doing errands I couldn't do during the week. . .which brings me to Saturday.
On Friday, I got another badder to carry in my hydration pack. To give some background, the actual century is well supported, however, my training rides are not. I need to carry everything I have with me since once I am about 10 miles out, there are no facilities/water.
Many bike-shop people tell me about water bottles. I don't want to have water bottles and hot water and cages and all this crap. I am not balanced enough to reach down and grab that water. I like my pack.
Anyhow, they don't make dual hydration packs (that I have found) and the biggest I have seen for sale is 3 liters. I can carry two badders (2 liters each) in my pack. This means I carry about 8lbs of water (maybe about 10-12lbs total on my back) and that sort of made a weird difference. I was thinking about getting a rack for the back of my bike to carry other stuff - water, First Aid, snacks, mace, camera, tire parts, midget. . .
I brought along PopTarts this time and managed to eat about half of one while I was on my ride. It was a little hash and my tummy did hurt. However, once I pulled up by my car, I found that I was far less stupid than normal. They do work. I just need to learn to eat more.
I then noticed my rear gears were not working. I stopped by my bike shop and my buddy fixed up Docle as good as new. It ended up it was just the normal stretching of the cables. I need to take a bike maintenance class soon.
I was 13 miles short of my 55 mile goal, but, I found myself getting the chills in the heat which is not good. I drank 2.5 liters of my 4 liters of water and decided I need to drop in some extra hydration tables. However, on the upside, my average speed was 14mph from 12mph. Nice!
I think I was going faster, I kept my speed around 17mph but I kept Runkeeper going during breaks (it auto stops) to get in more minutes due to this Match the Mayor thing I am doing at work. I will fail at it because the goal is to get everyone to do 30 minutes of activity a day. I do 50 minutes two times a week plus 4 hours on Saturday. So, I am a failure in the program because of my inability to do 30 minutes everyday.
I set out (late) for my endurance ride after getting out 0 times this week. I took Monday off and went fishing with my Dad and Uncle.
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| Bobbers away! |
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| Send to Locks for Love |
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| 13 miles short of goal |
Many bike-shop people tell me about water bottles. I don't want to have water bottles and hot water and cages and all this crap. I am not balanced enough to reach down and grab that water. I like my pack.
Anyhow, they don't make dual hydration packs (that I have found) and the biggest I have seen for sale is 3 liters. I can carry two badders (2 liters each) in my pack. This means I carry about 8lbs of water (maybe about 10-12lbs total on my back) and that sort of made a weird difference. I was thinking about getting a rack for the back of my bike to carry other stuff - water, First Aid, snacks, mace, camera, tire parts, midget. . .
I brought along PopTarts this time and managed to eat about half of one while I was on my ride. It was a little hash and my tummy did hurt. However, once I pulled up by my car, I found that I was far less stupid than normal. They do work. I just need to learn to eat more.
I then noticed my rear gears were not working. I stopped by my bike shop and my buddy fixed up Docle as good as new. It ended up it was just the normal stretching of the cables. I need to take a bike maintenance class soon.
I was 13 miles short of my 55 mile goal, but, I found myself getting the chills in the heat which is not good. I drank 2.5 liters of my 4 liters of water and decided I need to drop in some extra hydration tables. However, on the upside, my average speed was 14mph from 12mph. Nice!
I think I was going faster, I kept my speed around 17mph but I kept Runkeeper going during breaks (it auto stops) to get in more minutes due to this Match the Mayor thing I am doing at work. I will fail at it because the goal is to get everyone to do 30 minutes of activity a day. I do 50 minutes two times a week plus 4 hours on Saturday. So, I am a failure in the program because of my inability to do 30 minutes everyday.
Hello heatwave, thanks for reminding me what "oppressive heat" is.
I set out (late) for my endurance ride after getting out 0 times this week. I took Monday off and went fishing with my Dad and Uncle.
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| Bobbers away! |
|
| Send to Locks for Love |
|
| 13 miles short of goal |
Many bike-shop people tell me about water bottles. I don't want to have water bottles and hot water and cages and all this crap. I am not balanced enough to reach down and grab that water. I like my pack.
Anyhow, they don't make dual hydration packs (that I have found) and the biggest I have seen for sale is 3 liters. I can carry two badders (2 liters each) in my pack. This means I carry about 8lbs of water (maybe about 10-12lbs total on my back) and that sort of made a weird difference. I was thinking about getting a rack for the back of my bike to carry other stuff - water, First Aid, snacks, mace, camera, tire parts, midget. . .
I brought along PopTarts this time and managed to eat about half of one while I was on my ride. It was a little hash and my tummy did hurt. However, once I pulled up by my car, I found that I was far less stupid than normal. They do work. I just need to learn to eat more.
I then noticed my rear gears were not working. I stopped by my bike shop and my buddy fixed up Docle as good as new. It ended up it was just the normal stretching of the cables. I need to take a bike maintenance class soon.
I was 13 miles short of my 55 mile goal, but, I found myself getting the chills in the heat which is not good. I drank 2.5 liters of my 4 liters of water and decided I need to drop in some extra hydration tables. However, on the upside, my average speed was 14mph from 12mph. Nice!
I think I was going faster, I kept my speed around 17mph but I kept Runkeeper going during breaks (it auto stops) to get in more minutes due to this Match the Mayor thing I am doing at work. I will fail at it because the goal is to get everyone to do 30 minutes of activity a day. I do 50 minutes two times a week plus 4 hours on Saturday. So, I am a failure in the program because of my inability to do 30 minutes everyday.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Jun 24, 2012
I rode the longest distance I ever have, to date. 50 miles. That's 50% to a century!
Some Photos
I thought it would be nice to take some pictures this time. It was such a pretty ride.
Lessons Learned
First, I was about 10 miles from the 50 mark when I had to stop to rest. I mean, I rested at 20 and had a gel shot, but, I do believe I need to eat more on the road. That means I got a value pack huge amount of KELLOGG'S Pop Tarts, Strawberry. I got more flavors, but, whatever.
I also ran out of water at 48 miles. So, I need to get a larger bladder for my pack. In looking at the Camelbak 100 oz Rim Runner Hydration Pack - Dark Navy/OrangeCamelbak 100 oz Rim Runner Hydration Pack - Dark Navy/Orange, I found for a couple bucks less, a 2 liter bladder that I could fit into my current pack as a back up. The guy at EMS kept telling me how I needed a cage on my bike for a water bottle. Store clerks are obsessed with bottles. Bottles everywhere. Behind your seat. On your frame. In your pockets.
Dude, I don't want a cage and I don't want to carry water bottles. Stop talking to me about it.
So, it comes down to food at water.
I also found my knees were hurting a bit. I ended up getting some joint supplements, just to see if it makes a difference.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Some Photos
I thought it would be nice to take some pictures this time. It was such a pretty ride.
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| Man does not do well without nature |
First, I was about 10 miles from the 50 mark when I had to stop to rest. I mean, I rested at 20 and had a gel shot, but, I do believe I need to eat more on the road. That means I got a value pack huge amount of KELLOGG'S Pop Tarts, Strawberry. I got more flavors, but, whatever.
I also ran out of water at 48 miles. So, I need to get a larger bladder for my pack. In looking at the Camelbak 100 oz Rim Runner Hydration Pack - Dark Navy/OrangeCamelbak 100 oz Rim Runner Hydration Pack - Dark Navy/Orange, I found for a couple bucks less, a 2 liter bladder that I could fit into my current pack as a back up. The guy at EMS kept telling me how I needed a cage on my bike for a water bottle. Store clerks are obsessed with bottles. Bottles everywhere. Behind your seat. On your frame. In your pockets.
Dude, I don't want a cage and I don't want to carry water bottles. Stop talking to me about it.
So, it comes down to food at water.
I also found my knees were hurting a bit. I ended up getting some joint supplements, just to see if it makes a difference.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Jun 10, 2012
This week has been good! I also discovered a better way to post my biking results thanks the boyfriend, Green Eyes, who showed me how to do it on a Galaxy Nexus - you hold the power and volume down button at the same time. Brilliant!
Tuesday
I think the T/T/S schedule works the best for me.
I started strong at the beginning of the week with a good 10.73 mile ride. I was feeling a little scared with being tired.
Thursday
Green Eyes came out with me on Thursday for ride. He took Jazzy. I pumped up the tires a bit and he kept up with me good. You have to always been gentle yet firm with guys who think they need to be better than a girl - especially when he is on a mountain bike and I am on a road bike. He did a great job and while it was a slower ride, we got a good 9 miles in.
Saturday
I wanted to do about 30-35 on Saturday and ended up doing 40.2! That's the most I have ridden on a bike. .ever. It felt good. I was a little scared about my adrenals and then a little frustrated since my speedometer is set for the wrong tire size and is always reporting less miles than what I do. I figured by 35 miles, I was going to do 40. And I did. Booya! I might have cried a little. Just a little.
Thoughts
For my long ride, I did use my Clif Shot Turbo Double Esspresso Energy Gel With Caffeine and not the normal Clif Bar 432690 Shot MMM Chocolate Energy Gel - 24 Pack. I do realize I need to start eating better and more consistently to fuel my body more than just stop the hunger.
I think I need to start finding a good way to book up to 20 miles on my short ride.
I have a lot of thoughts. A lot.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Tuesday
I think the T/T/S schedule works the best for me.
I started strong at the beginning of the week with a good 10.73 mile ride. I was feeling a little scared with being tired.
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| Not to bad! |
Green Eyes came out with me on Thursday for ride. He took Jazzy. I pumped up the tires a bit and he kept up with me good. You have to always been gentle yet firm with guys who think they need to be better than a girl - especially when he is on a mountain bike and I am on a road bike. He did a great job and while it was a slower ride, we got a good 9 miles in.
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| A good time! |
I wanted to do about 30-35 on Saturday and ended up doing 40.2! That's the most I have ridden on a bike. .ever. It felt good. I was a little scared about my adrenals and then a little frustrated since my speedometer is set for the wrong tire size and is always reporting less miles than what I do. I figured by 35 miles, I was going to do 40. And I did. Booya! I might have cried a little. Just a little.
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| ROCK! |
For my long ride, I did use my Clif Shot Turbo Double Esspresso Energy Gel With Caffeine and not the normal Clif Bar 432690 Shot MMM Chocolate Energy Gel - 24 Pack. I do realize I need to start eating better and more consistently to fuel my body more than just stop the hunger.
I think I need to start finding a good way to book up to 20 miles on my short ride.
I have a lot of thoughts. A lot.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Jun 3, 2012
Let's just start off by reminding you, dear reader, that the last time I had my adrenal crash it was after doing a 40mile/30mile combo ride over two weeks. I was quite tired after doing that same combo and quickly did no biking for the rest of the week. I also got a bit of a sore throat, so, I might be getting a little sick.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
On Saturday, I did get out for a 30 mile ride.
I wrote about my fear in my Fear and Adjustments and Miles and Fear posts. Fear is a strange monster. People say you have to face your fear but sometimes it can be almost impossible to see it pulling you in a certain direction. I know while there is a fine balance with my adrenal fatigue, I know I need to push against it in order to challenge my body to get stronger.
I need to get stronger.
The ride on Saturday was beautiful - a little chilly after such hot weather but it was still nice. I knew I had to do 30. I have to beat the 40mile/30mile combo ride issue. I could do 30 before and I am going to do it again.
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| Cool and collected |
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
May 27, 2012
Did you miss my post last weekend about my riding? Probably not. So, I got a little lazy and didn't post last week. It is just annoying taking the screenshots of my rides.
Last Week
A good week! I did 47.78 miles with two rides.
I had a busy week! And I did 39.4 miles. I would have done 40 but the device on my bike that tells me my mileage (I'm sure it has a real name) is set for larger tires and said I did 37 miles. When I got home and checked RunKeeper, I saw I was .6 off from 40 miles.
This Week
I had some company on my long ride this week, which was nice. I had gotten use to going out on my own and fighting through the rough parts alone.
I was a nice shift to have someone pushing me along - and we did go at quite a good clip.
My phone rebooted half way through the ride, and while my friend tagged me on her RunKeeper ride, I don't know if it saved on my activities.
Bummer.
However, it was a good 30.67 miles bringing my total mileage for the week to 41.35.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Last Week
A good week! I did 47.78 miles with two rides.
I had a busy week! And I did 39.4 miles. I would have done 40 but the device on my bike that tells me my mileage (I'm sure it has a real name) is set for larger tires and said I did 37 miles. When I got home and checked RunKeeper, I saw I was .6 off from 40 miles.
This Week
.jpg) |
| Bike buddy break |
I was a nice shift to have someone pushing me along - and we did go at quite a good clip.
My phone rebooted half way through the ride, and while my friend tagged me on her RunKeeper ride, I don't know if it saved on my activities.
Bummer.
However, it was a good 30.67 miles bringing my total mileage for the week to 41.35.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
May 13, 2012
This week was a busy one - both with some dating items and then with my brother getting married. I need a lot of work to be presentable for the public and photos which someone might be looking at down the road.
I did get out riding, of course, as I keep telling myself I need to get a lot stronger if I am going to do this century. I feel I am crumbling a little under the constant "encouragement" from others who tell me how I only need to ride 75 miles to be able to do a century or that it's just about getting use to sitting for four hours on a bike.
Sure, if I was 100% healthy.
But, encouragement is encouragement and even if I do not agree with the sentiment, I never doubt the spirit.
Ride Report
It was raining all week and I also had a date on Thursday which was my normal biking day. However, I did get out once during the week, even though I was feeling highly unmotivated. In fact, it wasn't motivation, it was residual fear that I was doing too much, I was too tired. I didn't do my normal route, I just started riding around on my bike.
Ah, bike rides.
It was spritzing a little bit, and I figured I could turn back home if it started raining. Jazzy and I would go through the rain, but, I am not sure I want to subject Dolce to water yet. I also heard that riding a road bike on wet roads changes a lot of things. I did not notice anything different. By the end of the ride, I ended up doing a surprising 10 miles.
I was struggling to do about 6 miles at the start. I just wanted to turn around and go back home. I ended up doing some steeper hills in the area and everything. It was just a voice in the back of my mind warning me that my adrenals could crash at anytime.
How is riding a bike for normal people? What would there be to fear?
My bother got married on Friday, so I woke up Saturday feeling a little run down and with a couple extra bobby pins in my hair. I wasn't hung over, but, I had been up at all hours of the night with the food I ate sitting like molten lead in my belly.
I think this might be what a snake feels like after it eats a deer.
Since I knew today is Mother's Day and probably going to rain, I pulled myself together and got out for a ride. I got out later than I normally do, but, it was fine. I did make sure I drank a lot before hand so I knew I was hydrated. The best way to know if you are hydrated is to make sure you pee and your pee is on the clearer side.
However, this ride was a struggle. It was a different route than I normally take. This time, the fatigue kicked in and I opted to hit my 30 mile mark instead of the 35 I was hoping for.
I struggle to be a class C rider, I believe. I am still happy with it. I find I can normally keep at 14mph. Now, to just get stronger. I actually felt 100% better after my ride as far as being stiff or having tummy issues or anything - all those things that were leftover from the wedding vanished after my ride. Joy!
However, I have had to return naps into my existence on the weekends. I use to have to nap all the time when I was sick. Nap, pass out. . .be unable to move. It does give me good results. I'm not sure if other bikers nap. Shh.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Image Credit
Snake from weirdpalace.com
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| I mimic art |
Sure, if I was 100% healthy.
But, encouragement is encouragement and even if I do not agree with the sentiment, I never doubt the spirit.
Ride Report
It was raining all week and I also had a date on Thursday which was my normal biking day. However, I did get out once during the week, even though I was feeling highly unmotivated. In fact, it wasn't motivation, it was residual fear that I was doing too much, I was too tired. I didn't do my normal route, I just started riding around on my bike.
Ah, bike rides.
It was spritzing a little bit, and I figured I could turn back home if it started raining. Jazzy and I would go through the rain, but, I am not sure I want to subject Dolce to water yet. I also heard that riding a road bike on wet roads changes a lot of things. I did not notice anything different. By the end of the ride, I ended up doing a surprising 10 miles.
 |
| Surprise |
How is riding a bike for normal people? What would there be to fear?
My bother got married on Friday, so I woke up Saturday feeling a little run down and with a couple extra bobby pins in my hair. I wasn't hung over, but, I had been up at all hours of the night with the food I ate sitting like molten lead in my belly.
I think this might be what a snake feels like after it eats a deer.
 |
| Burp |
However, this ride was a struggle. It was a different route than I normally take. This time, the fatigue kicked in and I opted to hit my 30 mile mark instead of the 35 I was hoping for.
 |
| It's ok |
However, I have had to return naps into my existence on the weekends. I use to have to nap all the time when I was sick. Nap, pass out. . .be unable to move. It does give me good results. I'm not sure if other bikers nap. Shh.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Image Credit
Snake from weirdpalace.com
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