Listen the Radio

Mission Level
Fail

Buuuzzzzz

Sounds simple, right? It's not. I don't listen to the radio. I am not "into" music. I think everyone thinks they are "into music" and I like music - look, I played classic piano for 12 years.

A lot of times, coworkers come up to me and say, "Hey, did you hear on Preston and Steve that. . ." or even general comments about my lack of knowledge when it comes to popular artists or songs. I just don't listen to the radio.

I tried - really, I did. I can't do it.

Why Failure?
I hate radio deejays (DJs) are annoying. They talk over the music, yak without getting to the point. And then they yak some more about other stuff that no more cares about. Additionally, more often than not, they are inaccurate.

I hate advertisements - well, not totally, I hate it when they get in the way of my objective.  I think I once had a whole commute of 20 minutes full of me searching for a radio station not playing some commercial. Or someone talking. Or prank calling. I hate the prank calling.

I listen to a selection of music that is familiar and known to me. In my world, everything was always out of control and each second was always a huge unknown. I like sort of knowing what music is coming up next. Also, humans link music to memories which is why music is so powerful to everyone.

For me, it was a method I used to remind myself of things. It didn't work too well as far as remembering the day of the week, season or even when to take my medication but it did remind me how to feel and that I did feel a certain way. Forgetting, literally, how to feel is the worst.

So, I stick to my ipod because I don't want to forget.

Some Silver Lining
I must say, listening to the radio during the afternoon on the weekends or on my way home from work is much nicer. I would be open to doing that more - for two reasons:

1. I'm too lazy to plug in my ipod.
2. I can have an influx of new music. 

I use to use Yahoo! Radio or music or whatever they called it and would have it running while I played my all-time favorite game, Mystery Case Files. Then they started using more and more advertisements and then I stopped.

I think I will pop into the radio-world if only to add to my music collection. It is a collection, by the way, I know every song on my playlist like the back of my hand.

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
Radio from experiencepros.com

Manda's Century: Ppphhbbbtttttt

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*

Manda's Century: By My Bootstraps

The adrenal fatigue has got me. Like the Matrix. . only less fun.

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. 

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.

Manda's Century: Back to Business

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!

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.

Manda's Century: Sum of All Fears

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.

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.

Manda's Century: Maybe I'm an Athlete?

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.

Urg. URG!

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.

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.

Manda's Century: Clips and Crash

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.

PITY ME!

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.

Manda's Century: To Bonk or Not to Bonk

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.

Love!

Thank God there is Urban Dictionary!

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.

That 5 miles was tough!

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!"

BOOM!

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

Manda's Century: The Heat!

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.

Bobbers away!

And then Tuesday I chopped my hair for Locks for Love. 

Send to 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.

13 miles short of goal

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.

Manda's Century: Makin' and Breakin' Records

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.

Man does not do well without nature

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.

Manda's Century: Farthest Distance

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.

Not to bad!

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.

A good time!

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.

ROCK!

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.

Manda's Century: Get It Together

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.

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. 

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.

Manda's Century: Two in One

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

Bike buddy break

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.

Manda's Century: Hangover Cure Found

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 mimic art

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.

Surprise

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.

Burp

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.

It's ok

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

Manda's Century: Welcoming the Plateau

It's pretty common in sports that you do good and then, suddenly, you are not excelling in the same way. Ahh, the plateau. I have known it to destroy people. I know I have felt less than great when I hit them.

Well, plateau or not, my week of riding can best be summed up by struggles. However, there is a silver lining to these times that feel like failure - you only have to go through it once. Once you go through the plateau, you never have to go through it again. The best thing you can do is fight through it.

However, I did get some good advice.

Friend: The worth of your soul is not dependent on the amount of miles you travel on your bike.

Rain
Rain caused me to shift up my routine. I ended up doing the stationary bike for my Wednesday ride - which was going to be my Tuesday ride, but, I was at work late. The first time I was on the bike, I did about 9 miles and it was ok. Other than my butt hurt. The second time, urg, I was bored. You sweat a lot and it's difficult to feel the same burn in your legs because everything is so perfect with the machine. You also have to worry less about balance.

La la la - bored!

I also found out I smell. I need a new deodorant if I am going to be working out in the gym.

Back-to-Back
I did something I never did before, which was ride two days in a row. Ok, the first day was in the gym, but, it was still energy expended and I wasn't sure how my body would respond. I should be doing 10 miles for my short ride but I got a little scared and cut it to 6.

What side? Outside!

To add some spice to my life, I did a road clean up for my company's Adopt-a-Highway thing. That was a two mile walk, bending down and picking up stuff. I decided, I hate people who smoke cigarettes a little more because of all the cigg butts I had to pick-up. Urg. Don't throw your cigs out of your car, seriously, gross.

Long Ride
I wanted to hit my long ride at 30-35 because I did 30 last week. The previously mentioned advice sort of put that in check - I don't need to be upping my rides by 10 miles every week. I can live in the 30 range for a little while and be good.

TIRED!

 Let me also mention, I did not to get my Morning Glory muffin - the bakery was all out. I had to settle for blueberry and it tasted like bad omen. I mean, it was delicious, I just wanted MY muffin. Once I was on the trail and zipping along - I changed up my route a bit so I was pretty tired by the time I was on my normal route and then - ran right into this MS Walk. A GIANT walk.

I reduced my speed and tried to squeak by on the right side of the trail while the walker continued 5-7 deep. I said, frequently:

• Look up.
• In front of you.
• Look out.
• Passing.
• AH!

I can't get mad at the walkers - they were not paying attention to anyone else on the path because they felt safe in their herd and everyone was going in the same direction so there was no reason to be alert. Also, they were walking for charity. I did hear one walker say, "They should get these bikers off the path. Shut it down for us."

Then I got a little attitude. I was being super respectful - riding in the grass, calling out, stopping when I would be dividing a family - and this person says how this public, open, huge trail should be closed down so they can walk without being inconvenience by bikers, runners and non-MS walkers? Really?

Ahh well, if moving to the right is too much to handle on a public path, then maybe this line of entertainment isn't for you.

I warned as many bikers as I could what was in store for them. A lot of the clubs were out, as always. I ended up running into the MS walkers twice - once going and once coming back. Going back, I rode on the tail of two other bikers so we could stick together and cause less issues for the walkers. 

And now, I am tired. I need to take some medication, take a nap and I think I will be ok. 

Ahh, return of the naps.


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.

Manda's Century: Rise and Shine

This week came with a couple nice surprises. First, I changed up my schedule to a Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday ride and I found this might work out much better. Originally, I was worried about not being strong enough for my long ride on Saturday, so getting out Monday/Wednesday and then resting seemed like a good idea.

However, having a little extra rest after the long ride is probably a much better idea. Also, it gives me more time during the week to get stuff done. I like getting stuff done.

My second discovery was the corporate gym. It's a small gym, but, no one is there, really. At least not on Thursday. Since it was going to rain on Thursday, I took my workout gear to work and did about 9 miles on the stationary bike. Here is what I learned:

• I go faster on the stationary bike than in real life at 18mph.
• The stationary bike doesn't seem to be as hard as a real ride.
• My butt really hurts.

There is other equipment I can use, so, I am looking forward to getting a little stronger and maybe spending a day in the gym. Not like I have a relationship to work on or anything. Just the cats. 

So, here is what I did this week.

Other Thoughts

I did have a friend tell me a century is easy, just get use to the bike and sitting on it for four to five hours. 

At my current rate, it will actually take me over 6 hours, without breaks. Also, I am fighting a different battle with my adrenals that no one I ever met or know has ever had. I'm sort of learning as I go - even though I was told I should try yoga or maybe eating some combo of food. 

Man, if it was that easy. 

My method is simple:

• Listen to my body. 
• Challenge my limitations. 
• Take my medications/supplements.
• Learn to cope with crashes and neuropathy.
• Don't get mad. 

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.

Manda's Century: Rain

I was suppose to be riding in the Girls with Gears (GWG) today, but, due to the rain, my bike buddy and I decided not to ride. Neither of us have ridden in the rain on our new road bikes and also, at least for me, the cold would probably result in a lot of hurts.

I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.

I actually took a break this week - I started off not riding for tapering reasons, then the hot stain of neuropathy suggested I cool it for a little bit. I went into management mode the best I could and I think I only dipped a toe into the Stage 2 pool of adrenal fatigue.

I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.

Enjoy this picture of my cats!

Purr

Manda's Century: The Push and the Pride

So, I didn't post last week on my century struggles because it was a bad week. I did try to go out for a long ride and due to some (ahem) biological issues, I had to turn back and scrap the day.

Confidence returning after a ride

This week was much better. On my new bike, I have felt a boost of riding confidence because the amount of work I had been putting in on my mountain bike never seemed to get me anywhere - mileage wise. On my road bike, I am flying and really racking up the miles.

Additionally, a lot of the fear has subsided in my belly now that I am finding I can book the miles. The road bike was probably one of the best decisions I have made. Just to give some perspective, the worst decision I have made was testing out my mace while there was a head wind and successfully macing myself. Once I got feeling back in my face, I licked my arm to see if the mace lingers on the skin. Let me assure you, it does. Ouch!

However, here are my stats for this week - one short ride of 10 miles (!!!) and my 25 mile ride.

Saturday, I was totally looking forward to. It was perfect weather and I was able to keep my speed at 14mph for the entire ride - actually, I had a good stretch of 16mph. Then I had a good stretch of slowing down over rough terrain and to avoid other people out on the trail.

I did end up having some pain in my hip and the back of my knee. What can you do? Work through it. It happens. My legs felt good, worked and a little tired, but good.

Afterwards, I figured I would rest - until I was able to help a friend go shopping for items for her baby shower. I ended up getting home at 7pm. . .then went out for a drink with two other friends. It was a long but fun day and I am glad my body didn't collapse. I did take some medication this morning to help cope.

I should also point out I am also alert for stress - both for work, where I am going to be teaching for the first time and then because I met a great guy this week and I am hoping I didn't blow it and can get a second date. Putting yourself out there can be stressful and I need to be conscience of how my system is responding.


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.

Manda's Century: Focus!

25 weeks until century aweomeness!

Staring Down Fear

I spent a lot of posts explain my fear of my body breaking down. On Wednesday, I went to my doctor and told him about my century ride and training. He was all for it and approved me for everything. I am back on medication, mild dose of  Hydrocortisone to support the low cortisol issue I have and I am on a new supplement - licorice extract. Licorice contains a chemical called glycerrhizinic acid which aids in a slower breakdown of cortisol. I am suppose to make sure I have the licorice and Hydrocortisone when I am riding to give me any needed boost during activity. Or, actually, any stress.

Ridin'!

Back to riding! I had a good week, I got out twice. I did this on purpose. I can't afford to be totally worn out at work, and work is an additional stress. 

Pushing it a little more past my 6!

But, I do love biking.

This ride was cold, fun and easy!

New Bike?

That's right. I went out on Sunday and talked to a guy about a new bike. Then my parents came out with me to check out new bikes. I test drove a lot of road bikes and the difference is beyond amazing. No wonder people look at my paltry mileage with doubt. On a road bike, I could easily be doing 10-15 miles.

I was surprised how little I felt on these bikes. Jazzy and I felt like we took up a lot of space. These bikes feel like narrow Arabians next to a Friesian or driving a two-door car next to a Hummer. 

I test drove some $3,000 bikes and some $300 ones. If it was a road bike, it was smoother than Jazzy. I did really like this $2,000 Scattante bike and this $900 Specialized one. I think, I might go with the Specialized brand, but, I might need another test drive. 

I feel like it's a good choice to get this bike and might as well get it now. 

Rebellion

All the bike guys were excited to talk to us, especially when I told them I had no clue what I was doing and I was doing a century. I like help. . just, every now and then I hate it. All the bikers wrote down their bike club names and where they meet and how I should come out. 

I don't want to join your bike club.

My Mom really wants me to join one. 

I really do not. Why? Because, as I figure, I have had so little control over everything in my life and everything that has happened to me. While I enjoy my work, it's someone else telling me how to do things and when to do them. My body still does whatever it wants no matter what I do. I needed biking as a place where all the decisions are mine. When I ride, who I ride with, where I go, when I stop, when I push - it's me and the bike and the road. All the decisions and consequences are mine. 

If I join a club - then it is meeting somewhere, riding together on someone else's route, looking out for someone else and keeping in line with everyone. 

I just don't want that right now. Maybe someday. Just, not tight now. 

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.

Manda's Century: Addressing Things

As word of my century attempt has gotten out, I have gotten some advice.

Triathlon Winning friend: When are you going to get your real bike?
Sports Minded Friend: So, you did hire a trainer, right?
Meathead: You should try an iron man!
Friend: Do you have a mirror for your helmet and handlebar?

Training

I had a good week, although my Saturday morning ride was rained out. It's a little too cold to ride in the rain but I did drive all the way to the trail and sat there debating what to do. I ended up going back home and taking care of stuff I needed to get done. I wasn't feeling a long ride Sunday, so, I got two rides in and an extra recovery time for my adrenals. 

Sticking to my plan!

Got a little scared - not bad though

Also, my fundraising has been going really well! I raised the $300.00 I need to participate and now I have $200 more to go for my goal. It's nice to see people helping out others with donations.

Fear

Posted!

I have addressed my fears about this century – which have nothing to do with the event itself, really. The “you can do it” and “I believe in you” I have gotten when I explain it defies logic in my mind. After all, what I am worried about I have no control over. What I am worried about isn’t a single day or a single event, but a condition that can leave me in endless pain, depression with an inability to function for months.

Not to be someone who shrinks away from nightmares, I did print out my own guide so I can monitor my own issues. I posted my training schedule as well as the four stages of adrenal fatigue. I think the thing that scares me the most is the last bullet in stage one – “adrenal crash may have occurred by normally it is undetectable.”

That means, right now, I could have no adrenal activity and it will just be a matter of time until the collapse occurs.

It is difficult to take on any challenge when you are acutely aware that your own body could just shut down at any second. I also have been in this body doing two shut downs and I don’t like it. Not one bit.

I did make an appointment with my doctor this week to ask him about training and what I should or should not be doing. I imagine the advice is going to be, “listen to your body” which, again, defies logic since something could be very wrong right now and I won’t know for a little bit. I can’t listen to something that doesn’t communicate in real time!

Rides
I have been pretty happy with the weather and my rides. I got out for a 6 mile ride Monday and a 5 mile ride on Wednesday. Although, I might shift my rides to one of the following:

• Monday (easy ride) – Wednesday (strenuous ride) – Saturday (long ride).
• Monday (normal ride) – Thursday (normal ride) – Saturday (long ride).
• Tuesday (strenuous ride) – Thursday (normal ride) – Saturday (long ride).

I have also toyed with the idea of going to the gym on Fridays for some crossing training on whatever devices they have. However, I have held off on this plan because I know the importance of rest for my system.

Food
Eating has been going good, but, it could be better. Weekly lunch consists of roast chicken and a side of veggies (green beans or carrots) and at least two pieces of fruit (orange and apple, most likely).

Dinner has been a little more tricky. Unless four slices of (delicious) applewood smoked bacon and a bowl of air-popped popcorn is good. However, I did eat about a pound of poached salmon and corn which I thought was a better choice for my Wednesday dinner.

Then I ate a bag of chips.

I think my best option is to treat dinner as I do lunch- where I make a large vat of something to eat during the week. It works well for my chicken at lunch – which roast on Sundays and eat for the 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.