Saturday, January 31, 2009

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.

16 comments:

GoBigGreen said...

Oh drat! I hope you feel better. I was thinking 'bout you today when i was riding down near the boat house.
Hope you feel better soon:)

Beth said...

Double drat!!! But I am soooo super impressed with how you are taking care of yourself and listening to your body. You are my shining example!! Juice! Chicken noodle soup!! And I hope you feel better soon. Thinking of you Marit!

PS If I had to guess - I would say the culprit is the running race. They have a way of hurting in more ways than one... ;)

Pedergraham said...

Feel better soon, Marit. It sounds like you have a good plan. Furry friends are always THE BEST when you just want to lay around and rest. (They wonder why we don't do it every day!)

Dave said...

Hope you get better soon! Meredith's in the same boat, and I'm the one repeating "Don't get sick...don't get sick..."

Michelle Simmons said...

I think it takes more discipline to skip the workout due to being sick than to ride 5.5 hours. Good call. Hope you feel better soon!!

Charisa said...

Feel better soon! Don't worry, we have all year to do awesome rides when you are healthy :)

m said...

So sorry you are sick. Feel better soon. I love the kitty pictures. I am a slow texter. That would be me taking 8 mins to write something.

Jen Rife said...

Sounds like there is something going around in blogland... Everyone is sick! Feel better soon!

Missy said...

The funky chunky monkey has hit us here too. Blah, I hate it. At least you have some soft furry company but daytime TV blows. It always seems like a good idea and then it's forced on you, barf.

ADC said...

Hope you are feeling better soon. I hate it when it happens especially at weekends. Have fun with hubby and the kitties.

Anonymous said...

i'm impressed by all your planning the night before. oh well, it was definitely the right decision, and mini-monster is so cute as always! get better soon!

BreeWee said...

Bummers Marit... at least you have adorable snuggle partners!
Feel better soon :)

Unknown said...

Feel better soon, Marit!

Kim said...

I hope it wasn't the power of suggestion - me with my sore throat last week! I tried to take it easy too and it helped so I am sending YOU good vibes now! I love the pictures and how you are taking care of yourself. It's way important to do the right things now so you can be 100% healthy later. I love the picture with the Kitties and their remote controls too!! How cute!

Steve Stenzel said...

I hope you feel better soon!!! I can totally relate: I drink plenty of water, take my vitamins, eat OK (sometimes...), wash my hands after pooping on them, etc. Then I'm sooo bummed when I get sick.

Feel better!!! Rest up!!

Oh, and carbo pro is the bomb!!!

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