I started my morning at 4:45am and by the time I hit the road, I was awake...but needing a little boost. Since we were supposed to try something new again this week in the nutrition area, I decided on a little shot of 5 Hour Energy. I've tried it once before lifting weights and I felt AWESOME but wasn't sure how it would do for cardio. Mostly I was afraid it would tweak me out a bit, but I went for it. I finished it, barfed a little back up in my mouth, and then tasted it for the next 4 hours! Blech!
However, I felt INCREDIBLE on this ride - Very strong up the hills. I don't know if the "juice" had anything to do with it or not, but I would probably try this again. SHAZAM!
At 10.5 miles we reached Portland Women's Forum and this incredible view on nice days...
...however, this was definitely NO nice day. It was cold, dark, windy, and RAINY. Rain that felt like tacks pounding on my face. By the second hill repeat, I was just waiting for mile 34 to register on my bike computer. I thought I would be home free at that point, but that is where it got really bad. It was so cold going down, that some people had to call the sag wagon to pick them up because their hands were so cold they couldn't feel their fingers to use the brakes. After the first group of us were down, they actually called the ride and had some people head on back. The weather was just killing everyone. The first 34 miles finally caught up with me and those last 11 back to Edgefield were pretty nasty. I was having uncontrollable shivers and controlling the bike was problematic.
We did finally make it back and because Edgefield doesn't have bathrooms in their hotel rooms, I was able to sneak into their communal Ladies Lounge for a quick hot shower to briefly warm up and remove some of the mud and grime. Drying off with paper towels was comical. Oh boy - the shivering never completely went away until after the first hot toddy was down. A Wilbur Burger and Tater Tots helped seal the deal.
I'll be back at it next week. For sure. This pushing your limits stuff ROCKS my SOCKS off... on occasion :-)
32 comments:
I love how you pushed yourself and your reward is awesome.
And, it cracks me up that you used a "nice" picture of the view (which is amazing). Don't you want to show the "real Oregon" to your imaginary friends?
HA!! My camera never would have survived the weather today! Plus...I want all of our imaginary friends in other states to actually come visit us!!
Wow...your hardcore for sure!
you are aweosme my friend! i can't imagine riding that far. you are definitely inspiring me to get out there and ride. hopefully you are warm by now.
Brrrrrrrr...
I would be totally freaked out about riding at 4:45 am in the dark. No way. Can you say road pizza? Saftey in numbers, though :) Do you all have tons of lights on for this??
Great riding!!! Very awesome on the hills =D
I was UP that early but didn't head out of the house until 6 am and then we were on the road by 7. No - I am not riding in the dark, thank you very much!!! :D
YOu are a trooper! I have only been to McMennamins Edgefield once, but absolutely loved it. Hope I can go back soon.
I cant imagine riding in that. It is hard enough to run in that stuff. But biking makesit even that much more colder. BRRRRRR. You Rock.
Megan - I've stayed once over Valentines and it was so romantic.
We also stayed over for New Years Eve once and it was a PARTAY!!!
Sounds intense and AWESOME! :)
You're tougher than I am - the bike stays on the trainer on cold and wet days for me. Nice riding!
I'm with Kovas on this one. Cold AND wet means the trainer. I'll deal with one or the other but that's it.
Way to go! Nothing better than pushing ourselves and feeling the reward! I only ride in my trainer when it's yucky out!
Wow, that sounds brutal indeed. Well done for toughing it out!
Holy Smokes girl - you are tough! That ride does sound BRUTAL!!! It does sound like a nice ride in warmer weather :) I hate when I get the chills, you just can't seem to get rid of them - it's miserable.
I need to come out and do this ride with you! I've got a race in three weeks that'll begin with a 35-mile almost-all-uphill ride on Skyline Drive. I'm NERVOUS!
Hmmmm... I've never thought about using those 5 Hour things before cardio. Might be worth trying.
Abby - Skyline Drive there or Skyline Drive here?
Our hardest ride of this season before our race will be Bull Run. Larch Mtn has nothing on on that one!!
You
Are
Amazing.
4:45?! Seriously?!
Amazing.
Oh my GOSH. I can't believe you got up that early to bike in freezing temps. You are the picture of dedication my darling. So inspiring!
I thought I was cold today but you had me beat tons. Though we were talking about our fall ride that just killed us with the cold. You are some hardcore.
Very nice job Julie! Sounds like the training is going really well. Good to know (I am assuming) your achey back is better. Lovely pics!
You rocked that ride!!! I can't imagine repeating that hill but Edgefield might motivate me.
Those hills are going to help you for sure for PAC-Crest. I am trying for a sub 7 too :)
Yay for dominating that ride! I should take that as an example of how you push yourself when not wanting to.
The rain was hurting your face? No thank you! You're a hero in my book, just for starting the ride! ;)
What an awesome ride!! 5 hour energy is my best friend. I took one yesterday before my 1/2 mary. I love the stuff :) I have worse reflux with Red Bull and other energy related drinks than I do with the 5 hr energy. Maybe it had something to do with the flavor?
What plan are you on? Mine called for a 45 min hill repeat ride as well, wonder if we have the same plan
Man JUlie, you ARE hardcore! And I laughed at the picture because I can't remember the last time we had sunshine and blue skies like that! We are due for a really kick in the pants summer!!! And I would love you to win the hydration pack! I used to use a camel pack too. :)
This is awesome! Way to go, Julie! I was just telling a friend (who I think is going to turn into my new cycling buddy--yea!) that I need to get structured about my cycling like I am about my running. I love reading about your rides.
Kate, there is no way I would have been out riding if it hadn't been for my team. Something about having so many others there struggling with you, makes it all ok.
Those 5 hour drinks always intrigue me but scare me too. I worry about how they would affect me since I can be sensitive to those types of things.
Glad it helped your ride though. It certainly sounded like an intense one!
Wow, that picture is really amazing...I love how peaceful it looks. One would neve rknow Portland has some nasty weather, huh? :)
Now that I am "cycling" (I use that term loosely) I wondered if you do hill repeats on the bike. I know I do them running but didn't know if cyclist went up and down like we do running. GREAT info to know - thanks!! :)
Excellent job on the ride - yay!
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