Square Wheels Posted July 21, 2019 Share #1 Posted July 21, 2019 I was excited about doing the Mt Washington century this year. I had no plans to do it fast, I failed at that last year with a 6.5 hour time. I was just going to ride it. Then life got in the way, along with several colds and the flu. I never get this sick. Then the past couple of weeks have been rough. Such is life, so I decided on the 44 mile route. My wife and I did this once before when we didn't have time to train. It's still a beautiful ride. I just went out on a 20 mile ride this morning. Less than a mile in I was exhausted. Heart rate went way up, power was way down. I bailed out and turned it into a 10 mile ride. Even that pooped me out. At this point, I am thinking of not even doing the 44. This makes me sad. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisL Posted July 21, 2019 Share #2 Posted July 21, 2019 Yeah sometimes you have to adjust your goals but the ultimately you are riding and that’s a good thing. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted July 21, 2019 Share #3 Posted July 21, 2019 Give your body a little recovery time. You will spring back really you will. 44 will be yours 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #4 Posted July 21, 2019 Dude! Your body has been through a bit of a hard time the past couple of weeks. Gotta ease back into things! It's probably even a little early to ease into things. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share #5 Posted July 21, 2019 4 minutes ago, Airehead said: Give your body a little recovery time. You will spring back really you will. 44 will be yours The ride is Saturday. I don't think I can do it. We'll see how I feel after I try a couple of easy runs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #6 Posted July 21, 2019 It is hotter and humider than hell today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
late Posted July 21, 2019 Share #7 Posted July 21, 2019 One of the hardest things to do is to accept the new reality, that you are no longer the person you used to be. After my cancer, I wound up in PT several times. I kept injuring myself. I actually don't know how many times, but I do remember it happened again and again and again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #8 Posted July 21, 2019 9 minutes ago, smudge said: Dude! Your body has been through a bit of a hard time the past couple of weeks. Gotta ease back into things! It's probably even a little early to ease into things. She's right, SW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share #9 Posted July 21, 2019 This is a minor setback. I am not sure yet why I am so exhausted. I just climbed the stair to swap the laundry, that wiped me out. Maybe I still have a virus? This just isn't my year. The run up was my slowest time yet, mostly from not raining. I won't do the century, I may not ride at all. I need to get back in shape. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petitepedal ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #10 Posted July 21, 2019 Sometimes you gotta just say WTF and go with the flow!! I have done 2 rides this year..some is due to the shoulder thing..so is due to the lack of motivation..and the fear of making the shoulder worse. Rest and recover...one bad year does not make a lifestyle change...you will get better and ride 44 miles..just not the 44 you had planned on doing. Hang in there and work on recovery....says the woman who was using 20 & 25 pound weights and is now using a 1 pounder!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #11 Posted July 21, 2019 9 minutes ago, Square Wheels said: This is a minor setback. I am not sure yet why I am so exhausted. I just climbed the stair to swap the laundry, that wiped me out. Maybe I still have a virus? This just isn't my year. The run up was my slowest time yet, mostly from not raining. I won't do the century, I may not ride at all. I need to get back in shape. Definitely not the end of the world and definitely not permanent. Cut yourself some slack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onbike1939 Posted July 21, 2019 Share #12 Posted July 21, 2019 21 minutes ago, Dottie said: Definitely not the end of the world and definitely not permanent. Cut yourself some slack. Listen to Dottie..........God....I never thought I'd say that. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #13 Posted July 21, 2019 6 minutes ago, onbike1939 said: Listen to Dottie..........God....I never thought I'd say that. Just a twinge of joy, right? I mean just for once -- that had to feel good. Admit it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted July 21, 2019 Share #14 Posted July 21, 2019 41 minutes ago, Square Wheels said: I won't do the century, I may not ride at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted July 21, 2019 Share #15 Posted July 21, 2019 Echo on all the good stuff. I remember when I could do a 40 mile ride as the first ride of the season. I would be slow and sore after, but I’d bounce quickly. Now I am like you in that I have a hard time getting up one flight of stairs, even though I climb stairs as a matter of course. I am so unfit, and I do worry that something is drastically wrong with me. Take it slow, push on the pedals and you’ll do it. If you don’t want to, don’t be hard on yourself. Summer sucks as a time of the year to jumpstart fitness, ease back and you’ll get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted July 21, 2019 Share #16 Posted July 21, 2019 Can I have your stuff? Not all of it, just the good stuff. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share #17 Posted July 21, 2019 3 minutes ago, donkpow said: Can I have your stuff? Not all of it, just the good stuff. Yes, all my stuff is good stuff. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted July 21, 2019 Share #18 Posted July 21, 2019 Just now, Square Wheels said: Yes, all my stuff is good stuff. That's okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share #19 Posted July 21, 2019 Just now, donkpow said: That's okay. Send me you bank account info, for the shipping fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted July 21, 2019 Share #20 Posted July 21, 2019 Just now, Square Wheels said: Send me you bank account info, for the shipping fees. Oh don't worry about that, just give me your address. I'll come over one of these nights when you're in the hospital and pick it up. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted July 21, 2019 Share #21 Posted July 21, 2019 8 minutes ago, Randomguy said: Echo on all the good stuff. I remember when I could do a 40 mile ride as the first ride of the season. I would be slow and sore after, but I’d bounce quickly. Now I am like you in that I have a hard time getting up one flight of stairs, even though I climb stairs as a matter of course. I am so unfit, and I do worry that something is drastically wrong with me. Take it slow, push on the pedals and you’ll do it. If you don’t want to, don’t be hard on yourself. Summer sucks as a time of the year to jumpstart fitness, ease back and you’ll get there. When N.Y.C.Is Your Gym: Meet the Athletes Redefining Fitness in the City’s Parks 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share #22 Posted July 21, 2019 Just now, Page Turner said: When N.Y.C.Is Your Gym: Meet the Athletes Redefining Fitness in the City’s Parks See, I looked like that just a month ago What happened? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted July 21, 2019 Share #23 Posted July 21, 2019 Just now, Square Wheels said: See, I looked like that just a month ago What happened? Early release? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #24 Posted July 21, 2019 7 minutes ago, Square Wheels said: See, I looked like that just a month ago What happened? You woke up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted July 21, 2019 Share #25 Posted July 21, 2019 7 minutes ago, Square Wheels said: See, I looked like that just a month ago What happened? ...one of the mysterious things about fitness is how quickly it disappears. Especially given how long and hard you worked to achieve it in the first place. It's a lot like money in that regard. 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #26 Posted July 21, 2019 1 minute ago, Page Turner said: ...one of the mysterious things about fitness is how quickly it disappears. Especially given how long and hard you worked to achieve it in the first place. It's a lot like money in that regard. That is very -:;)$& profound! Not to mention pithy. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted July 21, 2019 Share #27 Posted July 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Square Wheels said: This is a minor setback. I am not sure yet why I am so exhausted. I just climbed the stair to swap the laundry, that wiped me out. Maybe I still have a virus? This just isn't my year. The run up was my slowest time yet, mostly from not raining. I won't do the century, I may not ride at all. I need to get back in shape. ...this is yet another teaching moment for the well researched connection between chronic stress and physical exhaustion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share #28 Posted July 21, 2019 7 minutes ago, Page Turner said: ...this is yet another teaching moment for the well researched connection between chronic stress and physical exhaustion. I try to offset my stress by continuously meditating, as well as appreciating things in my life. Both of these are newish to me and both help, a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
late Posted July 21, 2019 Share #29 Posted July 21, 2019 Do you garden or anything else that might expose you to ticks? Just went through that with the wife, she also lost her energy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted July 21, 2019 Share #30 Posted July 21, 2019 2 hours ago, Square Wheels said: I try to offset my stress by continuously meditating, as well as appreciating things in my life. Both of these are newish to me and both help, a lot. ...this probably explains why your new avatar squirrel looks calmer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted July 21, 2019 Share #31 Posted July 21, 2019 3 hours ago, Square Wheels said: See, I looked like that just a month ago What happened? I thought you were white. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zealot Posted July 21, 2019 Share #32 Posted July 21, 2019 Don’t know what you’ve been through this year, @Square Wheels, but as mentioned cut yourself some slack. And instead of saying “I gave up”, maybe say, “I’ve readjusted...” Life happens to all of us. Take the punches when you have to, lick your wounds as necessary and get back up. Nothing in our ‘plans’ is written in stone. Quite a few years back you and I had discussed meeting at Mt W for the hill climb. I backed out that year due to the issues I was having with my shoulder (and some others). I’ve finally ‘fixed’ the shoulder, so who knows, maybe after the recovery period and some serious training, we could still make that happen in the future. I’ve still wanted to make that climb again. Peace ? 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share #33 Posted July 21, 2019 25 minutes ago, jsharr said: I thought you were white. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Further Posted July 21, 2019 Share #34 Posted July 21, 2019 To give up is to quit trying, you ain't even close to giving up 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpy Posted July 21, 2019 Share #35 Posted July 21, 2019 It is too dang hot to ride in this heat anyway............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted July 22, 2019 Share #36 Posted July 22, 2019 This is a HUGE bummer if you have trained and sacrificed for it. It's a "Meh" if you haven't. I have skipped a couple events I signed up for, and while I regret losing the entry fee or associated costs, I think I generally weighed the pros and cons accurately and realized it was best to skip the event. I also once cut an organized century short at the 90 mile mark (wife picked me up). I didn't want to, but I was beat down, and would have just suffered for no reason the final 15 miles. C'est la vie. The real issue is that you are beating yourself up. You don't deserve it, and it definitely won't help you to tackle the hard stuff you really are facing. From a Square Wheels Cycling Forum perspective, feel absolutely free to bitch, moan, feel sorry for yourself, brag, talk smack, whatever, but try hard to leave the negative stuff HERE and not in you actual real life and in your head. Vent as much as you need here or other places where it doesn't impact your chances of getting better and riding the century NEXT year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post onbike1939 Posted July 22, 2019 Popular Post Share #37 Posted July 22, 2019 11 hours ago, Square Wheels said: See, I looked like that just a month ago What happened? Here you go SW......something to make you feel better. Doing my bit Earlier this week I hosted a cardiac event you know….wanting to do my bit like…. l had lots of help mind so I can’t take the credit I mean I just lay there as lots of lovely helpers turned up and not one of them over fifteen as far as I can tell….. buzzing around in their soft-soled shoes doing all sorts of things….you know… sticking things on and ripping them off sticking things in…and leaving them in… pumping things up then letting them go down writing things down for others to read propping me up…then lowering me down opening up the curtains…. then closing them again everyone had a great time really while I just lay there watching it all as this seemed to be what was expected….. anyway…no-one got a wink of sleep went at it all night long they did these young people….never stopped for breath…. all in all the whole thing went well hand on heart I think I can say …..it was a huge success. 3 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longjohn ★ Posted July 22, 2019 Share #38 Posted July 22, 2019 19 hours ago, Square Wheels said: This is a minor setback. I am not sure yet why I am so exhausted. I just climbed the stair to swap the laundry, that wiped me out. Maybe I still have a virus? This just isn't my year. The run up was my slowest time yet, mostly from not raining. I won't do the century, I may not ride at all. I need to get back in shape. You can do this, I’m sure Dottie will loan you his bike. I get my stamina and fitness back fairly quick after a medical setback (surgery or illness) I think it’s harder for the folks that let themselves put on 50 lbs or so while laid up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted July 22, 2019 Share #39 Posted July 22, 2019 15 hours ago, Further said: To give up is to quit trying, you ain't even close to giving up This. Just taper your expectations and do what you can. This riding thing should be your stress release, not a cause of it. Just tell yourself it is not in the cards for this year and set a realistic goal for next and if you can only ride 10 miles you can only ride tem miles. Get out and enjoy that 10 miles. My wife just got cleared to get back on her bike and did her first ride of the year last week. While she used to do up to sixty miles, she is now doing 9 or 10 and is done. She, like you, is feeling a little defeated. Focus on what you can do, not what you can't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted July 22, 2019 Author Share #40 Posted July 22, 2019 I probably can do the 44, but I don't think I'd be happy. I went for a 1.7 mile "run" this morning, that too was very hard. My wife and I will talk, but it's feeling like I won't be riding it at all this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted July 22, 2019 Share #41 Posted July 22, 2019 27 minutes ago, Square Wheels said: I probably can do the 44, but I don't think I'd be happy. I went for a 1.7 mile "run" this morning, that too was very hard. My wife and I will talk, but it's feeling like I won't be riding it at all this year. Why? Make it work. Sign up, ride what you can, call the wife and have her come and pick you up when ever and where ever you feel like you have had enough. Small steps. Or set a goal. 10 miles, 20 miles, whatever. Leave a car there with your rack on it, or have the wife meet you there and celebrate with an adult beverage someplace. You can do this, just do it on your terms, not theirs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Posted July 22, 2019 Share #42 Posted July 22, 2019 You are smart to listen to your body and not create any unnecessary stress by trying to make some artificial deadline. This is a temporary setback, but you need to take the time necessary to recover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MickinMD ★ Posted July 22, 2019 Share #43 Posted July 22, 2019 22 hours ago, Square Wheels said: I was excited about doing the Mt Washington century this year. I had no plans to do it fast, I failed at that last year with a 6.5 hour time. I was just going to ride it. Then life got in the way, along with several colds and the flu. I never get this sick. Then the past couple of weeks have been rough. Such is life, so I decided on the 44 mile route. My wife and I did this once before when we didn't have time to train. It's still a beautiful ride. I just went out on a 20 mile ride this morning. Less than a mile in I was exhausted. Heart rate went way up, power was way down. I bailed out and turned it into a 10 mile ride. Even that pooped me out. At this point, I am thinking of not even doing the 44. This makes me sad. At least you can do 10 while recovering and you have the ability to build on that! I, who would sometimes go for a 13 mile run in the '80's, ran with my teenage cross country team in the 90's and '00's, have to find ways to motivate myself when I get tired early in a walk or ride. So set three possible goals: the max. I think I can achieve, the probable I think I can achieve, and the least I'll settle for achieving. That way, I don't get discouraged if one of the higher goals isn't reached and stay motivated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted July 22, 2019 Share #44 Posted July 22, 2019 2 hours ago, Square Wheels said: My wife and I will talk, but it's feeling like I won't be riding it at all this year. That makes it sound as though you are not going to be banging her this year at all. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted July 22, 2019 Share #45 Posted July 22, 2019 8 minutes ago, Randomguy said: That makes it sound as though you are not going to be banging her this year at all. at least not reverse cowgirl. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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