by Well, it got done today–the big century ride.
Today was very difficult for me (I’m not sure my riding buddies really know how hard it was). Everything was just rocking along for the beginning and then some things went south. It was an excellent exercise in “hills and valleys” for me, as I know the long Ironman day won’t be all sunshine and roses.
The Good
- riding the WHOLE way with Cathy and Amy
- completing my first 100-miler
- seeing some lovely countryside
- having all my good buddies en masse at the start
- finding out my friend Tricia, quite the triathlete, is just as afraid of the big starts as I am
- making it through added mileage instead of quitting at 82
- shuffling through at least some of a run when I felt like complete hell
The Bad
- having to walk my bike up the rest of the big hill because my chest hurt too bad to continue
- finding out at mile 57 that we should’ve been at mile 84
- seeing the “1 mile to finish” sign and knowing I had to turn around for more
The Ugly
- heat, heat, heat and sun in the final 2 1/2 hours
- having to stop so often at the rest stops at the end, trying to cool off
- my short run afterwards (which was only 10 minutes because it took me that long to cover what my buds did in 7 minutes…ouch)
I went into kind of a dark hole for some time and was saved by my friends, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and an emu.
Only in Ironman Land!
Thank you, girls, for making my day a success! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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You were really an inspiration yesterday. You kept soldiering on for several hours after you hit your low, and didn\’t complain or whine or anything. I had a terrific time, and I\’m so glad I rode with you guys. I\’m jealous of all your workouts together now, and I plan to sign up for whatever you two are doing next, so I can glom onto all your future workouts. 🙂
Oh, and now that it\’s over, I can tell you.. the pb&j and the emu were placebos, Leah. It was you all along! 🙂
Leah – you and shubbe are both rock stars! Remember that aid station?
Girls, y\’all are fun fun fun.
We three make a good team. I wish ironmom2b had been hanging with us as well but she was able to decipher the route and ride it correctly.
Come workout with us anytime, shubbe, and we\’ll tell you what\’s next on the agenda.
I wish that I would have been with you too!!! It got a little lonely out there, but a good mental challenge for us all.
Great Job!!
You Rock!
It is simply amazing how far you have come in such a short time. I remember when you said that you were not very good at biking – just look at you now. Of course, I am not suprised; you are an amazing person and an inspiration for me!
Happy Trails or Roads….
Stephanie
Re: You Rock!
Awwww, friend, you are so sweet! I miss you and can\’t wait \’til you get back to Austin.