Big Day in the Sky

Short post today, about today's ride. It's been a while since I've really felt complete pain and fear on a bike and Saturday's ride had both.

https://www.strava.com/activities/279420975

Here are the numbers

172.4 kms
5:38:10 time
2028 meters elevation gain (6653 ft)


A big day for sure. But the real lessons had more to do with the location. I left for the ride from Pinetop, AZ, a town at about 7,000 ft. I've been staying here with a friend and getting some training in between US Cup races. The ride took me up to about 9200 ft give or take (google and strava say different things). I've been up to 10,000 ft before and my body didn't like it much. But I've been ok here at 7,000. Number were low all day, as expected from the elevation. But when I got to the Mexican Hay Lake Climb, it was something different. The climb started just outside of Eager, AZ at 7,040 ft. It was an amazing climb. I didn't get a chance to get any pictures. I was pretty focused on my 2x20s up the climb. But as I went up, up, up, the legs started to really hurt. More than I thought they could. But it wasn't just my legs, my whole body was getting weak. I went into survival mode. We all have our mountains to climb and Saturday, mine was literally a mountain. When I got to the top, I felt relieved, only to find that there was a strong head wind across the top. The next 25 miles, I pushed through the wind that felt like I was riding through thick sludge. When I finally made the turn, I had 15 miles of cross winds to deal with.


So it was a tough day on the bike. But the point I want to make isn't that, its what I learned. Often times the hardest rides are the ones where you learn the most. You learn about yourself, your limits whether physical or mental, and you learn how to overcome something you thought you couldn't.

Lesson 1: Nothing Lasts Forever

As much as it seems like it at the time, the hard parts always come to a close. When you're struggling hard on something, and you start to doubt yourself, your minds eye closes up. It's easy to only think about the doubts, but doing so will only make them come true. Keep your eye on the prize, because tough times always pass.

Lesson 2: Eat!

This sounds like a simple thing, and it is. But it's one that I've found easy to neglect. Personally I've started using homemade rice cakes, and Mikes Mix Sports drink for the long rides. But whatever you use, use it! The ride put me on my back foot, but I was fueled up to fight back. But eating enough also pays after the ride. If you're getting back from rides and eating everything in sight, you're probably not eating enough while riding. Eating more during rides keeps you fueled up and your body doesn't overreact when it's done, and that is key to keeping light. I've found that when I eat enough while riding, and if I do it consistently, that I eat less when I'm done and I lose weight a lot more easily. So eat and drink up!

Lesson 3: Sunscreen

Again, something that is super simple, but easy to neglect. Wear your sunscreen! Last year traveling out to race and train in California I was pretty bad about sunscreen and I could feel it. My skin was constantly dry and tight feeling. But even more than that, the heat and skin damage was making it harder to recover. Whether it was the extra energy expended repairing skin (probably small), or even the difficulty sleeping because my skin was raw. Training isn't about having sweet tan lines, it's about getting faster and stronger. So do what makes you better.

Lesson 4:

I've known this for a long time, but I feel it belongs here. Challenge yourself. Put yourself to the test and do everything you can to overcome the challenge. Getting faster is about pushing your limits and learning how to perform at that higher level. If you feel comfortable, you're not training right. And most likely doing what you've always done, just harder isn't the solution. Mix it up a little.