Training for Ride2Survive: A couple of set backs....

After our B&B weekend, Den fell quite ill. I was thinking it was initially just a bad hangover, but it was actually a rather nasty stomach bug that had him tied to the washroom for 5 days. Five days of NOTHING to eat, and barely anything to drink (couldn't keep anything in). It was actually pretty horrible, and left him severely dehydrated and weak. I think he lost 6 lbs. By Friday he was able to keep a few crackers down, and was feeling like he was turning the corner. He had missed a lot of riding that week, and really wanted to get back out there for his weekend rides.

I myself was having some trouble in the motivation department too. I didn't ride Monday through Wednesday. I have no excuse. Thursday I went and ground out hills in my big ring for an hour, but that's all I did through the week.

Saturday we were scheduled to ride our bikes to the Boulder foothills and climb a local hill called NCAR. It's called that because the hill leads to the National Center for Atmospheric Research. It's about a 2 mile climb that varies from a 6-8 percent grade. Den drove his car over to the foothills because he was still not feeling very strong/energetic after not eating for so many days. I rode my bike over (about 18 miles from our house). We rode up and down NCAR 3 times, and then I happily accepted a ride back to the house. I justified it by saying that we need to spend some time with our kids!!!! Those two have been ripped off in the family time department lately.

Sunday we hooked up with 2 of our neighbors and did a 60 mile ride. Den rode strong until about the 50 mile mark, and then his legs started cramping up. We figure it's a symptom of dehydration still. Pretty great that he was able to do as much as he did though, and he did ride the entire 60 miles-we just slowed down to finish out. I felt great and strong the entire ride.

Can I admit that I'm sick of my bike? I like when we're out riding, but I hate that we *have* to do it so much. I hate how much time it's taking from our kids. I hate that it's our only focus lately. So I handed off my cycling shoes to get repaired and I'm taking a few days off. I won't be riding probably until the end of the week. Den went out on his own last night and did a few hill repeats by our house. He's lost his training partner.........which is probably just fine anyway, since it's supposed to SNOW again tomorrow. What the heck is with this place? Tomorrow is MAY! This past weekend we were riding in over 70 degree weather and being careful not to burn. Crazy.

I introduced myself to the Insanity DVDs yesterday. The first DVD was definitely insane. I might have set a new sweat record......and if you know me at all, that's saying a lot. Who knows what today will bring? My muscles are really sore from yesterday, so it'll be *interesting* to say the least......

Happy training to everyone else out there!