Don't Forget The Half!

Did the furthest ride I've ever done today, 65 and a half (don't forget the half) miles. I got a lift to the starting point, and then did a 49 miler with everyone, then rode back home. The last 5 or so miles felt difficult at times, everything started to ache and twinge. A large hill in the last mile almost finished me off, my hamstring went into spasm and I had to get off the bike and massage it out. (the spasm, not the hamstring, although that may have been easier)  I was quite frustrated at that, I didn't want to stop.

My distraction from pain methods were as follows- I groaned and screamed a few times, swore a few times, talked to myself ('I'm not tired, my legs don't hurt, I'm having fun, wa hey'), talked to my bike (come on Rita, we can do it) started singing, -Walking on sunshine by whoever that happy clappy singer was at Eurovision that year.. (By the way I know perfectly who it was, I'm just pretending not to for the sake of my street cred) Don't stop me now by Queen, and Sexy Bitch by some hip hop smack yo' biatch up artist. Just to point out, I did not think I looked like, or was a Sexy Bitch, I think it's because I could hear the tune playing in my head as well, and it's got a very loud and fast beat, which is what I needed. It goes like DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH Damn whos a sexy bitch, a sexy bitch, damn whos a sexy bitch. What an articulate and inspiring song. And that's without the chorus that refers to said sexy bitch being a little free with her favours. And actually, on reflection, if lycra outfits were ever to make it into the running of what is sexy, I do think I and my bike would both be proper sexy bitches, because we are perfectly colour co-ordinated, and to me, that is almost certainly attractive. Things that match always are. Anyway keeping with the hardcore music theme after that I got Tchaikovskys 18/12 overture playing, which has to be one of the best pieces of classical music ever in my opinion. When I hear it I ALWAYS start conducting and waving my head and arms around, so I had to change stations, both hands are needed on handlebars. Don't you wish you could listen to my station? Hip hop to Tchaikovsky in a matter of minutes. Sorry to disappoint, it's in my head, so you can't.

I missed out on the tea and cake today,  because I cycled home without stopping. I wasn't going to stop and sit down and get cosy just to have to start again. I know myself, and I'd have ended up bumming a lift. I was surprised to find I really missed it! Not just because I love cake, but I missed talking to everyone. I've always considered myself very self reliant, self confident and maybe a bit in my own head, but recently I've realised that maybe that isn't entirely true. Because I really think I couldn't do this without others. I love being part of a group who are aiming for the same thing, being able to talk to people and get advice, (got some invaluble info about pedalling technique from someone today, can already tell the difference) getting each other through the tough bits, laughing and messing about.. and being part of other peoples experience too, seeing how they have improved and changed. So next week my intention is to get up earlier and cycle to the start, do the ride that way, and then hopefully grab a lift back. Then I don't miss out on my favourite bit.

My second favourite bit is sitting down. And you haven't sat down until you've cycled 65 (and a half) miles and THEN sat down. I came in, stripped all my soggy salty clothes off and flopped on the sofa. My whole body went aaahhhhhh, and let out a huge sigh of relief. Pasta dish I prepared last night -I cooked in advance, amazing!!- went in microwave, dvd on, heaven.

The Evil Sheriff popped up as I was eating and tried to tell me I shouldn't be so knackered after 'only' 65 miles, I hadn't run off the bike, what would I do in July when it is twice the distance, I'm not fast enough, fit enough, legs will cave in etc, but I managed to ignore him. Just. I tried really hard today, and pushed as much as I could, even when I was knackered. So he can shut up for now, I'm happy with what I've done this session.

Do think I've got to concentrate on some strength and conditioning work though.. and stretching. Maybe it'll stop the burning and cramps. I did do kind of a half hearted stretch while I was waiting for my pasta, but my legs ached that much I just wanted to take the weight off. Stretching is like paying your council tax bill.. you really don't want to do it, you put it off for ages, but it really is neccessary, or the consequences will bite you on the ass. That's my goal for next week. Strength and condition, and stretch.

Got another bike ride scheduled for tomorrow, but only 90 minutes. Hopefully I'll be ok for that, right now I'm really tired, and a bit fuzzy headed! Only drank 1 and half bottles on the bike though.. probably dehydrated.
I was eating haribos and High 5 bars.. have switched to High 5 from Powerbar because High 5 are the Outlaw sponsors, but their bars are a bit like soggy cardboard. Powerbars are very nice indeed. But at least I won't have a High 5 bar for a snack or my breakfast. When I had a box of Powerbars in the cupboard not many of them actually made it onto the bike with me, they kept me company in the evenings instead! Got to learn to love gels I think.. but they just make me want to be sick. I don't do slimy.

It's amazing how this race takes over your life.. it's just such a huge part of it. If I'm not training I'm recovering, eating, sleeping, packing my things for the next day's session, writing about it, thinking about it, reading about it, talking about it.. dreaming about it!! Makes me wonder what it will be like post-Outlaw.. probably won't know what to do with myself! Still can't always get my head around the enormity of it. It really scares me. So for now, one training session at a time.

I know I can do 65 (and a half) miles now anyway :)