Im 28, and this is the first time in my life I not only DNF something and felt so utterly unprepared for the circumstances. 5 miles in I was wondering where all the miles and hours of training went, by 10 I knew I was in deep trouble, 10-20 I was mentally dancing with demons and was a complete grind. I dont know if mentally I forked up, or nerves, or just a combination terrain and not nearly enough training etc. I have never dug down so deep into myself and come up with nothing to help the situation, just a non stop grind with nothing in the tank. I paced my self, eat right, nutrition plan cadence like I have been doing for a month.
On to the good news, I was 285 this morning which means I have lost 30 lbs in this attempt, I have tasted defeat and already looking forward to training all year, lose more weight and come back with a vengeance next year.
Some pics of the event.
I have a lot to respond on this post, so I'm going to make a list.
ReplyDelete1. You didn't fail. DNF's are learning experience and nothing more. You have a lot you can and will learn from this experience.
2. This was a huge distance for the amount of time you've been cycling. I have never ridden 60 miles and I've been riding for 3 years. My 56 mile ride in my half-iron is the longest I've ever ridden, and I train 8 months for that. And I walked the worst hills of it too.
3. You have lost 30 pounds in just a few months. I wish I had your dedication in effort on losing weight. I've been working out to meet specific off-season training but I haven't really made the commitment to eating less and getting skinny like I need to. And you're just getting started.
4. Look for a shorter race. Start smaller and you'll do so much better, and think about how much better prepared you'll now be for a 20 mile ride!
I think you should really be proud of your effort and how far you've come so fast.
Tuna - was clicking around and discovered your blog on MTBR. Before I comment on your most recent post I would like to say that I admire your commitment and applaud your effort to get back in shape. I hope you continue to blog and let this aide in your inspiration as well as others who may find you out here.
ReplyDeleteOn to your post re: the MOCO Epic. I have been riding for a number of years and can say that 62 miles (44 of which is single track) is a big move, your not riding a road bike. Saddle time for an experienced "fast/expert" mountain biker is going to be 5 hours, still pretty fast at 6+...Keep in mind the guys that are doing this have trained many months and built up a base of many 20, 30, 40, 50 mile rides on their legs and bodies. I guess what I'm saying is that knocking off the first 3rd with less than a month of riding under your belt is pretty impressive.
I wouldn't feel bad, you obviously have the mental part down. These are beautiful statements; "I was mentally dancing with demons", "I have never dug down so deep into myself". Suffering is the secret sauce, all the fast kids do it. Lots of guys will tell you your not going hard enough if you still see in color, feel all of your body parts, and can hear more than the voices in your head. It doesn't get easier, you just get faster.
I wouldn't look at this as a DNF, just a sizable deposit in the bank. Next time you are out pushing yourself, digging deep, and coming up with nothing; remember how you felt this day, revisit this dark place in all of its physical and emotional glory. Then recognize how far you have come, how much pain you can with stand, force a smile, dig deeper, and keep going.
Keep up the good work!
Hey Brother, looking forward to reading the first post of Spring 2011!!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Also discovered your blog through MTBR. I applaude you!!! Your next objective might be to complete more than 19.55 miles next time. My very personal opinion: focus on your health first, then think of training. Contrary to what most people think, physical performance and health don't always go hand in hand. Lose weight (fat) first by learning to eat the right things, and this might be something new for you: let go of everything that has any type of grain, cereal, flour, pasta, etc. Also eliminate sugar and processed food. Basically, eat eggs, bacon, meat, fish, chicken, green leafy vegetables, some sweet potatoes. Drink water, no juices or sodas. Don't measure anything, eat until you feel satisfied. You have to shift your body into fat-burning mode. Being at the weight you are at means you have a broken metabolism, you have to fix it. Forget about cholesterol, it is honestly a myth. Training won't make you lose weight, it will make you hungrier. I have learned all this through reading medical blogs. There is a lot of research going on and your doctor is most probably not aware of the latest (last 10 years) of research regarding nutrition. I could write tons of stuff here but you should refer to blogs like http://www.heartscanblog.org/ , http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/ , http://www.paleonu.com/ . These guys are doing serious research on what we should be eating to be healthy, which is the first step to being able to do more. You love biking? Believe me, I do too. At 53 years old, I can't think of anything else most of the time. I'm pretty active (so is my wife) but we bike for pleasure. I once had a goal to do an Ironman thriatlon, but not anymore. Training that way now seems to be counter to good health. Again, look into medical research, don't listen to stuff people say. Those blogs link to many other ones from researchers all over the place. All science-based. If you're able to "clean" your eating habits, it will have a profound impact on your health.
ReplyDeleteYou are a young guy, with fantastic will. Believe in yourself, read so you understand what you are doing.
Cheers
Johnnydrz