My tough ride last weekend

Hi ladies... Thought I'd share my latest ride report.

For context: The longest ride I've done so far has been 34 miles at an average speed of 13mph in northern Connecticut with rolling hills. This past weekend, DH suggested we go back to CT and try for 50 miles on a route no hillier than the one I'd done before. I felt I could do it since I was perfectly happy and not worn out on the 34-mile ride.

Here's what happened...

So, the whole trip was to be 50 miles. I was happy as a clam until about mile 42 - averaging 13mph. Then, we turned onto a road that was a slight incline for a long time. That's when exhaustion hit me, and DH started giving me a hard time for going too slow. (ie "If you don't pick it up, I'm going to fall over." This from a man who can perform a trackstand. He has funny ideas about how to motivate people... :rolleyes:) I took a five minute break and really would have been okay for the rest of the ride, except that I missed a turn while speeding downhill in front of DH and couldn't hear him yelling through the traffic noise and wind.

So, because of that, now the ride was going to be more like 60 miles. We had been on the bikes over 4 hours, and the whole time I was doing the mental math figuring out how much of the ride was behind us. I was psychologically prepared for 50 miles, but not 60.

At mile 56 after reaching the top of a hill, I laid my bike down in someone's driveway, sat down in a heap, and told DH to go home and come back for me in the car. I was exhausted, my legs were weak, my girlie parts were sore, and my feet were burning. When he said that I had to get back on the bike and make it at least to downtown Collinsville one more mile away and downhill, I broke down crying hysterically. (Not my proudest or prettiest moment!) I believe I said something like... "I can't go anymore! I've tried so hard to believe in myself... to stay positive! I just can't do it anymore! I've already ridden farther than any other women we know would even attempt to do!" etc. etc. :o

Anyway, he convinced me to pedal to Collinsville. It was a much better and safer place to wait for him to get the car. I sniffled and snivelled all the way there and then sat in the shade and waited for him to come get me. My odometer for the trip read 56.97 miles. When DH got back to the house and car, his odometer read 58.89. I gave up with two miles to go, but they would have been mostly uphill, and I really don't think I could have done it.

So, I found my limit... But, it will make me stronger for next time. I'm still proud that I rode 57 miles. The roads were absolutely beautiful, and like I said, I had a great time for about 4/5ths of the ride.

I went to the park for a regular training ride today after a couple days off. I swear I felt stronger. :)

Woh! You rode about 68% further than your previous longest ride!

Good job! You rock!

New to the forum- does DH stand for "dumb husband"?
You did a great job throwing your leg over the bike for even 10 miles. I hope you feel great about yourself. Congratulations!

Thanks! DH is forum-speak for Dear Husband or Dumb Husband depending on the context. I'll let you surmise which one I meant. ;)

My DH used a similar tactic when i was at my "end" on the last leg of a very long ride. He said "if we continue at this pace, we'll get to Portland by midnight" fortunately, even as tired as I was, i was better at math than him and i knew that i'd probably get there no later than 5 (got there a little after 3) so all it did was annoy me.
But i've been right where you were. Sometimes the DH just doesn't get it, and doesn't say the right things, even though they mean well. Did you eat right?
a break with a snack is always nice when you are starting to get that tired and cranky.
You DID ride almost a metric century you know, nothing wrong with that.

You did awesome rij73! I was there myself once. Hubbies, sometimes they can be such . . . well you know! You should be proud of yourself for almost doubling your mileage! I applaud you!

Not much more training and you will do a metric century with no problem! You did good...and don't think you are alone in the crying circle...I would venture to say we have all been there!!! still do on occasion...:o

***In hubby's defense...I do notice that is how they motivate, encourage and/or muster through difficult situations! I alway think Football Coach when I hear my hubby pushing me to push myself...fortunately for me it works!!! I like that he pushes me farther & farther all the time! My hubby has truly made me want to be a better person (but that is a whole 'nuther thread)

Good Job!!! :D

Thanks, gang!

Yes, hubby means well, but he doesn't understand that I'm the kind of person who needs lots of praise and no pressure. He's the kind of person who can't stand praise and thrives on pressure. I've tried to explain it to him so that he might change his tactics when dealing with me, but I haven't succeeded. He just doesn't get it. It's a good thing that his many good qualities outweigh the bad ones, though. :p

Congrats on your ride!!! Great job! Living in central CT myself, I know that a lot of the terain around here appears to be uphill (occasionally with the corresponding downhill), and I am very familiar with the area surrounding Collinsville. So, awesome job and keep it up!!! Don't let the DH get you down :)

Awesome ride!! And yes, you will get stronger from it - you'd probably be able to do the last 2 miles next time. Sometimes you need to throw in the towel.

And I completely agree - my DH tries really hard to be nice and motivate me. But when I'm climbing a hill and everything is hurting, there is absolutely nothing he can say that will make me happy. Best to just leave be in my little zone.....

CA

My husband is always so nice about not rubbing in the fact that he's a lot stronger than me, and he waits for me a lot. I feel like I'm very fit and ride well, but he is built for muscle and I'm built for endurance.
On a recent 46 miler he was kickin' my butt and I was really pushing hard to keep up with him. We were in a traffic area and had to ride single file. We were starting to loose the light and got home just in time before it got dark, so he really had to push us.

Rij73, I think you did an AWESOME ride! You rode that many miles of hills?? I can tell you, my legs would have been Jell-O by mile 30. You go, girl!!

If it's any consolation, I'm usually the the one that sprints back to the car to pick up the guys. :D

Quote:

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He said "if we continue at this pace, we'll get to Portland by midnight" fortunately, even as tired as I was, i was better at math than him and i knew that i'd probably get there no later than 5 (got there a little after 3) so all it did was annoy me.

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LOL!! :D :D