PenteKing’s BodyBlog

As many of you know, I’ve been training assiduously for the Tour de Cure. This bike ride is designed to raise awareness and funds for diabetes research. Back in January, I signed up to go 70 miles in one day. That day was today.

The organizers kicked off the event at 6:00 a.m. PST. They had coffee and bagels and Vitamin Water in abundance. In addition, there was fresh fruit (banana, which are especially critical because of their potassium content) and energy bars. After checking in and signing the waiver form, we were ready to go. The century riders started at 7:00 a.m. (Yes, there were folks who rode 100 miles today, God bless them.) My group started an hour later.

The weather cooperated by being cool and overcast, and it’s a good thing because at mile 30, they threw a hill at us that had everyone singing the blues. It went from sea level to 3,000 feet on an eight degree grade over 4.5 miles. It was BRUTAL. My lungs felt like they were on fire, and my legs were rubber, but I made it to the top without stopping. (I averaged only 4 - 5 MPH on the climb, but hey, YOU try it!)

There were no mishaps, no injuries, and no lost riders. Afterward, the organizers awarded prizes (I didn’t win), fed us lunch (BBQ chicken (go figure)) and then let us go home.

Personally, I’m going to spend the rest of the day with a glass of wine in my hand and my feet up. I’m tired, I’m sore, but I’m exhilarated beyond all belief. I did it, and I feel wonderful.

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at 5:08 pm and is filed under Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.