#29 - How much is too much?
Over the past months, I have extended my reach. I’ve put myself to the test, and more often than not, I succeeded.
Looking at others for examples, when I didn’t feel up to the challenge, I pushed myself to heights I didn’t perceive as possible. Those examples of ordinary people, just like me, pushing themselves to reach incredible goals, have really helped me to achieve what I wanted. To keep going.
But today, I find myself in doubt. As I write this post, I’m close to 24 hours before the gates open for the next edition of the cyclontrack event at Francorchamps. The first edition I took part in, was a challenge because of a great example of Belgian weather. Cold and wet, to the point where visibility was poor at best. The second edition for me, was a challenge because I may have pushed myself over my limits. That’s when I crashed on returning home. I didn’t even have the feeling I crossed the line while riding around on the track. So stating that there’s a risk involved in the things I’m trying to do, would be fair at least.
Will I reach the top tomorrow?
And then there’s tomorrow. I’ve been looking forward to the ride for a while now, wondering what could be possible. How many laps can I do? Can I finally climb Raidillon in a straight line, or would I have to zig-zag to reduce the incline just a little? Would I be able to climb Kemmel Straight and Blanchimont in a higher gear this time? But with temperatures reaching 35 C tomorrow, just breathing may be a struggle for me already. I’ve always loved the sun, but I’ve never been one to perform well in anything over 25 C. Give me a sunny day in winter and I will thrive. But as soon as the temperatures go up, my performance goes down.
I’ve been taking advice from my dietician regarding food and drinks for the entire day tomorrow. Preparing before the ride. Making sure my body has everything it needs, even to get started. And then, what I should eat and drink during the ride of course. And during the cool down. I can assure all of you I will be leaving home, packed for what may seem to be a hike through the valley of the Nile. Not just a ride under 40 Km. If I decide to go, it will be with the clear understanding I can turn around, at any time. Especially during the ride. I’m not
going to push for new personal bests, other than riding in the hottest temperatures I’ve done in decades. But the final decision wil be tomorrow. And from this point on, I will be eating and drinking with the challenges ahead in mind. This isn’t the best time to take gambles with my reserves. This isn’t the time to drain the batteries before, during or after. This is the time to make sure I can perform in pretty severe conditions, and do so in a safe way.
