The long ride

Yesterday I went out on the Ironman Louisville bike course (or at least some of it). My workout was supposed to be about 70 miles. The distance would be the longest I have ever ridden and with my head cold and the hot weather, I was a little nervous and wondered how I'd handle it.

The answer: Not well.

But it wasn't necessarily the physical or the lack of preparation that did me in – it was the lack of fluids. I thought I had the course on my gps system. Unfortunately, even with it, I somehow got off course. So my planned water restock got scratched (I was supposed to have at least one bottle an hour). Somehow, I convinced myself that if I rode conservatively, I'd be able to get by on my 3 bottles of liquid and 6 packs of energy gu. I knew better. I knew that I'd end up cramping, dizzy and exhausted at the end of the ride if I didn't stop to find some water. But I didn't stop and I ended up cramped, dizzy and exhausted at the end of the ride.

So why didn't I stop? Probably for the same reason I do these types of endurance events – I believe, despite all common sense, that my mind and will can overcome the challenge. Can I run a marathon fast? Can I do an Ironman? Can I go a couple hours on a bike in the heat without water? My brain always says "yes" – but my body often times ends up winning the battle.

I'm not sure how many more times I need to learn that if I'm going to complete Ironman or a long bike ride, I'm going to need to drink and eat smart during the activity – hopefully it'll sink in before August 26^th.