Training in Mexico and a 100 Days to Go

I was just informed that it was 100 days to IromManChoo. How can that be possible? Time is ticking way too fast!! I think I'm going to throw up. Plus I'm on vacation in Mexico and trying to keep up with training!!! 

Training on vacation has been going well, but the heat is taking a toll on this 50 year old. Even though the fitness center is airconditiined it is still warmer with higher humidty than in PA. I have completed most of of workout and haven't taken a day off. The 2nd day we were here I had an 80 mile ride and 3 mile run. I spent 4 hours on the spin bike. The trainers here have been wonderful. The one did tell me I was not aloud to drink anymore tequila during my four hour ride. I told him I was not a tequila girl. I didn't think I would make it after the 2 hour point but I worked through the demons and made it. I will say that I have the worst saddle sores that I have ever had. The spin bikes are not made for a short person. I had a 16 mile run scheduled for Sunday.  I got up late and it was hot!! Was hoping to start by 8:00 but I didn't wake up until 9 plus I had to eat breakfast. I ran the mile loop around the resort. At mile 5 I didn't think I was going to be able to run another 1/2 mile. I told myself just make it to six then go inside to the treadmill. I took a salt pill and it made a huge difference!  Lesson learned!! Im sure people thought I was totally out of my mind. I would have to agree with them! I did get some strange looks!! I just kept running the loop. I even had it in me to do the "Laura" for the last few minutes of the run!  16 miles done!! 4 hours and 14 minutes. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't fast but I made it!!

       During the last lap of my 16 miles. 

 I was going to take a nap but my two training buddies back in PA did a swim on top of the 16 miles, so I did what I had to do.  Put the black speed suit on and go to the beach.  I didn't swim long due to it was really ruff and I was beyond exhaughested. I even got a little sea sick. Another lesson learned.  Take ginger pills before a swim when the water is ruff. 

         

 

Century Ride Conquered!

The Roger's Century Ride has been on my calendar for a few month. It would be my first century ride (100 miles), starting in Northeast, PA and ending in Niagra Falls, CN.   After last weeks rides, I was not too nervous about it, but I still didn't know what to except after being in the saddle that long. (I did had a good idea what body parts would a little bit sensitive.). If you ever thought of doing a century, the Roger's Ride is a great first one!! Lots of stops to stretch, snack and potty! Plus it is fairly flat and beautiful! Roger has the trip down to a science and it couldn't be more organized. (Coming from professional travel planner that says a lot!) Most of the roads I felt very safe.  Riding through Buffalo, NY was an good city experience and it was nice to do it in a large group. 

            Mile 75 Near Buffalo, NY

Two highlights of the trip were coming across the Peace Bridge. They closed a lane for us to ride across the bridge!  What a view!!! I wish I could have stopped and taken a picture. Also, coming into Nigara Falls was amazing. There was a rainbow waiting for us! 

    Shari, Kevin and Laura in Niagra Falls

      First Century Ride - June 4, 2016

After a short 2 mile run we decided to treat ourselves to a delicious meal at a  restaurant called the Skylon. It was a rotating dining room 775 feet above the falls. 

             A Toast For a Great Ride!!

What I learned on my first century ride:

Body parts may go numb at some point, but the pain will resurface.

There are many terms and hand signals  used in a group ride that I never knew: stopping, slowing, breaking, pole..... just to name a few. Only one hand signal was conterdictory in my book - when you put your hand on your head. In scuba diving it is the sign of ok after you jump off a dive boat and in cycling it means you need help and for the van to stop. I will try not to confuse the two! 

At the 90% point in most of your training your demons will start talking and tell you that you will not make make it. Mile 90 was my breaking point. I wanted to stop riding and call an uber. (Is there Uber in Canada?) Everything hurt and my brain was in a fog. But, the feeling you have after you push yourself through the last 10% is amazing!  

The most important lesson:

Don't stop in the middle of the road.....

          Roger's Century Ride 2016