The best laid plans

Sometimes,in spite of our best efforts, something still goes wrong. Sound familiar? We get two flat tires on a ride, but only carry one tube. We cook a gourmet meal, but realize half way through preparation that we forgot an ingredient (or two). And my personal favorite? We run a half marathon in race flats, and our legs stop cooperating 9.5 miles in. (ahem).

So last night in preparation for my long bike ride today, I did the following:
I laid out my ride clothes, going through my drawers and closet until I had found socks, arm and leg warmers, under layer, jersey top, shorts, and gloves.

Next came ride nutrition, salt, and cash. VERY important when riding for 5.5 hours.Don't worry, I wasn't planning on only consuming three gels. What you don't see are the power bars and carbo pro. Those were stacked neatly in the kitchen, next to my pre-ride breakfast.

And finally, what long ride could be complete without one's trusty bike?Bottles were at the ready, helmet was resting over the aero bars, tires were pumped, and glasses were nestled in the helmet.

I made a filling dinner of barilla enriched pasta, a big salad, was drinking plenty of water, and was in bed before 10 pm.

And then, something totally unexpected happened.

Sometime around 3:30 I woke up, scratchy throat, sweaty, and with a racing heart rate. Super!

Iwon'tgetsick!Iwon'tgetsick!Iwon'tgetsick!Iwon'tgetsick!

But it didn't seem to matter how much I changed the mantra, my body was doing one thing while my mind screamed for something else.

I tossed and turned in bed, debating about what to do. By 4 am, I knew that riding long would be stupid at best. So I texted my ride buddy (and Ironman.com celeb) Charisa, with the bad news.

Hi! Am bailing on ride bc high rhr, night sweats, and questionable throat. Not sore, but something is off. Will do my own thing in case i go downhill. Sorry! Am sad to miss but think this is the right call...

I started writing the text at 4, but didn't actually send it until 4:08. Either I'm really slow at texting, or was just really tired. Probably the latter.

And now it's seven hours after the text. My throat is getting worse, my nose is stuffy, and the temperature is either hot or cold. Classic case of getting ill.

The really hard part?

I'm manic about taking taking care of myself. I get enough sleep, I watch my nutrition, I listen to my body and at any sign of illness - elevated heart rate, night sweats, the whisper of a tickle in the back of my throat - I take it easy. Back off without regrets.

If its one thing I've learned: exercising (for me) with a sore throat or stuffy nose only leads to much much much WORSE illness.

So today and tomorrow I'm taking it easy, staying in bed, watching trashy TV, and reading. I'm bored already. At least I've got a Mini Monster to keep me company. Lately Anabelle has been burrowing under the covers, curling up, and falling asleep. I swear that she's half marsupial.

It just goes to show that we can't always be prepared for what's around the next bend. Life is full of surprises, unexpected turns, and the moment that you think you've got things figured out. WHAM! You wake up in the middle of the night, sweaty, with a sore throat, and high heart rate.

Fantastic!

But I'm making the best of it, spending quality time with Nathaniel and the kitties. I'll catch up on all the blogs and enjoy the extra sleep and chicken noodle soup. And hopefully - fingers crossed, with a cherry on the top - I'll be better soon. That's the idea, anyways.