It’s the things outside your control…
…that often bring you undone.
My preparation for 3 Peaks (and for Tour) have been on a sound course. Regular long training rides, hill sessions and plenty of coffee and cakes have been part of the diet for some time. Unfortunately I got taken down by gastro when I was travelling for work in WA and South Australia last week. It hit me out of the blue just as I had begun tapering for the weekend. Could not hold down any food until Saturday so energy was always going to be the issue for the 230km ride which has over 4000m in vertical climbing.
Well…I’m not one to die wondering so with the help of my buddies I was riding with, made the start line on Sunday morning. Even in the dark, I was getting the comments “you look quite pale” which was concerning. Bottom line, I made it half way. 2 Peaks. The tank was empty well before so made it that far on vapour I reckon.
That afternoon after being driven back up the hill (tail between legs) in the support car and after having a little cry and a sleep back in the apartment…I started reflecting. Its often the set backs that make you stronger and this setback has had that exact impact on me. I also thought of a good friend of mine who whilst I am complaining about a stomach bug, she is into round 5 of chemo and dreadfully sick 24/7 and has been for the last 3 weeks.
So keeping it in perspective, my resolve on Tour has strengthened even more after this small but meaningful event.
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