Why We Eat, Part 1

Went for a long ride in the park today. I seem to have over-dressed, as my body temperature was noticeably high in hands (thick gloves), neck (extra warmer) and feet (booties). Lesson learned.

I felt like I planned pretty well for the ride as I knew it, though the curve-balls that were thrown throughout the day taught me a thing or two... I ate well before, drank an electrolyte HEED that I got at the Expo yesterday, brought a full bottle of water and the remainder of a sipped-on Vitamin Water Zero, tossed a CliffShot in my pack and one in my pocket and away we went!

Bike computer didn't really work until lap two or so, as I didn't realize that it wasn't reading until then, so the distance says 30.3 miles, when it was closer to 36 or 37 for me. Longest ride yet. I would have to say that, all things considered, it was a pretty good ride. I got pretty bonk-tastic about halfway through so pulled over to stretch and eat/hydrate. Once that went into my system, I felt as good as could be expected for the remainder of the ride.

Points to consider:
1. Started out at a pace that was neither smart nor functional, re: I was trying to keep up with the speedy tri-bikers out there so that they would think I was as sexy as they...
2. Once I started to lose my strength, I waited too long to eat, so it took longer to recover.
3. I had to take a hit from my inhaler twice... er, three times. Once this morning I primed (early, because I was planning an earlier ride), then primed again a couple hours later when the ride actually took place. This should have been more than sufficient... however, (refer to number 1 for why) I had to hit it again about 3 laps in. No bueno. Probably the weather, possibly my recent under-the-weather-ness, likely also the allergens. Something to be mindful of next Saturday for sure!
4. I was really psyching myself out about the race next week. Getting on my own case about being slow, about being tired, about being sweaty, about my gloves not going on, about my chain falling off (twice! See number 5)... Generally causing a perfectly wonderful ride to become a mental Gladiator match. Lay off, Speer. Lay off.
5. My chain fell off. Twice. WTF.
6. I (asshat) took the hill on the 6th loop. Yep. We won't go into why, let's just "consider" it.

So, 36/37 miles. My Cateye says I averaged 14mph, which is high for me when you take into account the distance and the fact that it's Central Park, not exactly flat. Feeling good now. Learned a thing or two about feeding my muscles (hence the title) and found out the hard way that you're supposed to eat before napping. Woke up with every muscle in my body literally screaming at me for food. Fortunately for me, there's an Energy Kitchen around the corner.

Good to learn these things on a breezy Sunday afternoon in the park near my home rather than discover them mid-race in Brooklyn. Thank you to all involved for the valuable experience.