80-miles...what's another 20... and PIE

I work up that morning feeling a little froggy and coughing up a delightful color of stuff. I uttered “I AM NOT SICK…it is a BIG DAY!” This was another first - 80 MILES! On Saturday, while most people were sleeping I was eating my normal pre-ride meal: a banana w/PB and a protein bar. My gear bag was sitting on my bench. I was walking around my home jamming to some videos on VH1. I then took a moment on the sofa and start to think about the next few hours. I started to get a little nervous but that faded quickly. I started to view it as just a few hours on a bike enjoying a RIDE...not a RACE.

I arrived at the parking lot in Davidsonville a little bit earlier than expected; amazing, no traffic on the road on a Saturday @ 7AM. The team started arriving bit by bit. I was feeling anxious to get started. My friends started chatting and gathering up. My tires were pumped (100PS), helmet on, sunscreen applied, and chewing on the last bits of my protein bar.

Phyllis approached me and we determined we should ride again together. Melissa asked if I would join her…but she is about an hour fast then me…I politely declined. She managed to find her pace group. Phyllis and I have a great pace and enjoy each other’s company. I also think we manage to push each other at just the right moments. We also are comfortable “drafting” off each other.

The first 26 miles were kind of a blur. I remember that I needed to drink and eat a lot in those first miles so that I was fueled for the end of the ride…when it counts the most. Headwind was low but still apparent. The second SAG was in Ocean City, MD…a cute beautiful beach community. By far one of my favorite parts of the ride; there is something great about riding around forest and inland communities that eventually lead you to the ocean. This was mile 45. We took a little potty/food break; snapped a couple photos. The ocean breeze picked up but the scenery made it a pleasurable/resistance segment. The third SAG (mile 67.4) was at the waterfront in Galesville, MD a lovely bay area just west of the ocean. Here Phyllis and I were feeling the drain. Then a teammate said, “have some PIE, everything will be better.” I was saying to myself, “seriously, no way! How can someone think of eating pie at this time.” Phyllis ended up having some blueberry and loved it; well I ended up having 3 DELICIOUS bites of apple pie. My body was feeling good but I was craving a shot of SPEED or CRACK. I need a caffeine pill or 5-hr like a model needs to hurl before a runway show.

It was time to pull out the mental power…less than 14 miles..I must of said that 20x’s in my mind. The last 5 miles we had this nasty hill – St. George Barber Rd. Riding up I grunted like Monica Seles; at the top a car rode by and shouted “you girls look like rock stars!” At first I thought he was shouting, “get off the road” but Phyllis told me what he said. Those words made me feel much better. We caught up with 2 mentors and rode into the parking lot together. It was 82.5 miles in 6:28:35 (hr/min/sec)…but who’s counting. Phyllis and I embraced and commented on how if we can do this we can do 100. I wanted to stay and welcome in my other mates but had to jet off to a bachelorette party. I welcomed in another dear mate (Lillian) and wished the others well.

Driving off I realized 100 is totally achievable. Next Saturday is 90 but I am unable to attend because I have a wedding. Due to nerves and catching a nasty cold I emailed Ed (team coach) and he has agreed to ride with me on Sunday. It won’t be 90 but it will keep me conditioned.

Trying to keep in good mental and physical health is important over the next 2½ weeks. (Currently fighting a nasty flem situation…BUT I AM NOT SICK.) Com Tahoe I will be 100% lean & ready to conquer the ride and enjoy it with style and enthusiasm.