I knew at the outset today had to be a big day. I wasn’t able to ride yesterday and the forecast is terrible with a big storm warning. So I was secretly hoping to get 10 runs in and do 3000m in total. Well I did the 10 runs but the overall height total came in 19m short at 2,981m. So I got my 2k trailforks badge but no 3k one. Disappointed because I definitely wont be attempting 10 runs again.
As per my pledge I didn’t have any food or water on the ride (though I did preload with a big breakfast which made the first run rather uncomfortable. Lost a massive 5.35kg over the whole ride which explains why I’m feeling pretty toasted this evening (well that and all the riding).
Back facing camera
You may be wondering what it feels like to be that parched. Around run 7 I became keenly aware of both my thirst (mainly in the dryness in my mouth) and sources of water. Stopping briefly at the plateau I was very conscious of the sound of a dog drinking from the container at the fountain.
Run’s 9 and 10 became significantly harder although at no time did I feel any mental impairment (though that might be because I must already be mentally impaired to undertake this). And I had to walk up a couple of the steeper sections. By this time all my thoughts seemed to be focused on water and other things I might drink when I got home (I was really craving some sugary fruit juice).
When I finally did get home and weigh myself and then get that first glass of water it was a bit like when you’ve been busting to pee for so long that you can’t properly relax and you start wondering what all the rush was for. The water was great but not nearly as satisfying as I had imagined. I was careful to ration replenishment out a bit and I’ve been drinking water fruit juice and beer regularly since then (yes I know the beer is probably a bad idea but it’s so nice).
So 43 litres sweated overall so far and 29 vertical km completed.
Now I’m sort of hoping for terrible weather tomorrow to have an excuse for a rest.
Beer of the day: Deep Creek - Geisha. If I’m honest I’m starting not to be able to tell the difference between some of the these hazy ipa’s and in my state anything going down the gullet would taste fantastic. So it’s gets a thumbs up but I’m not sure I’m a reliable source.
Song of the day: Simple as that but The Pineapple Thief. I really like this song but I really haven’t explored this band’s music enough. I’ve listened to the album the track come from, Magnolia, and it’s all good listening. A bit lighter than a lot of the tracks on my playlist.