John's Triathlon Journey Follow my journey to becoming a triathlete!

There is a point where one just needs to realize that your wrong and everyone else is right.  If you’ve followed me this year you’re probably tired of reading about how I’m sick again, and again…. and again.  Well, I finally realized that I was in a downward spiral.  I went to the doc and she took one look at the ongoing trend and decided that I needed to take a break.  So, under doctors orders I’ve taken off the past week and have begun a 10 day regimen of antibiotics to take care of any lingering sinus infections.  After finishing the week off, I have to admit that I am feeling better and sleeping better than I have in a long time.

Before the mando time off, I enjoyed the “Jackson County Brevet” in north Georgia.  I signed up for the full century ride (100 miles) and felt confident that I could finish.  (I’ve been stretching my Saturday morning rides quite easily).  The morning started off with a later than expected start.  The event started just after 8 a.m., which was an hour later than we should have.  The heat was already climbing and the humidity was up there as well.  We had around 300 athletes with only a handful planning on doing the full century.  Once we got underway I was very careful to keep up with my water and caloric intake.  Last year I struggled with nutrition during events and I was determined not to have the same issue this year.

I planned to stick with the wife so that we could share the experience.  She’s picked up the sport and I have to admit she’s quite the cyclist.  After the first 14 miles (it went quick!) we enjoyed our first SAG stop.  Refill, eat and back on the bike.  The ride was rolling hills and pretty fast.  Karen started to fall back a little, mainly because there were some good downhills where my weight helped me pick up some serious speed.  I rolled into the 28 mile SAG feeling good, but I could tell it was getting pretty hot.  Karen was only about 2 minutes behind so we stood together waiting to fill up the water bottles.  I watched the other riders while waiting in line.  I was a little confused because most were going in one direction, while a few seemed to be making their own routes.  What I soon found out was that most of the riders were only doing the 60 mile route!

Karen and I pressed on.  The roads became very lonely and there were no houses… just abandoned chicken farms and rolling farmland.  I lost Karen at some point, which caused me a little concern.  We were on back roads and I would have no clue if someone stopped and grabbed her.  I saw only 1 other rider for the next 22 miles…. and it was HOT!.  I stopped at the end of “Where the F am I road” and waited.  After about 4 minutes I saw Karen headed towards me.  She looked strong, I was getting hotter standing on the black top.  We rode together for another 2 miles until we found the 50 mile SAG.  I was feeling it at this point.  I was not drinking enough water…. even though I was trying.  By mile 58 I was dehydrated and falling behind Karen.  No amount of gel packs, electrolyte tabs or sports drink would bring me back now…. I stopped sweating and felt nauseous.  Karen put me on the SAG vehicle and I rode the next 6 miles to the 65 mile SAG station.  The temp at this point was a cool 99 degrees… plus 10 or so at ride height over the rode surface.  Karen and I knew it was time to catch a ride back to the start finish… best decision of the day…

So.  lesson learned.  Get healthy, listen to your body, eat and hydrate better!  Of cousre, the next day I had another sore throat, sinus headaches and body aches.  Thats when I decided to see the doc.  Tonight was the first night back since then.  I hit the bike right after work (yes, hotter than hell) and managed to put in a very good bike workout.  I planned to do a 5k run afterwards, but then realized that I was risking a relapse.  I finishd the bike strong and decided to hold the run for tomorrow night.  At this point, I’m looking forward to the Wednesday night tri club workout.  I plan on doing all three (sprint distances) and then taking Thursday night off.  With a vacation coming up  I’m building a 20 hour training schedule that will include weights and ab’s.  I’ll post the workout here when I’m finished, just in case my grandmother wants to do some core training or swim/bike bricks.