demoralized

Hi all. I am headed home from Denver,Colorado tomorrow morning. I intended to post several ride reports and such while I was out here, but simply have not felt like it. This has been the most demoralizing trip I have ever had! My goal out here was to ride the Triple Bypass on the 14th (120 miles, 10,300 ft. elevation gain, low point about 7200 ft, high 11,900 ft.). It didn't happen. I travel out here every year - and I ride in the Rockies, crossing mountain passes every year. What happened??? I have no idea, but here are my impressions/feelings:

Day 1 - arrived July 5, put bike together & got ready to ride the next morning.

Day 2 - son and I rode from his apt. in LoDo, out of town to Golden (you know, "Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado...) and up Lookout Mountain. The climb is 4 miles and should not have been difficult. It was HOT against the mountains with no wind. The heat just about did me in. I was pouring more water on my head than in my body! We made it to the top (son summited 3x and came back for me each time), checked out the view near Buffalo Bill's grave, then headed back down. I was NOT happy with myself!

Day 3 - son, his girlfriend and I drove into the mountains to Frisco, parked, and started a ride called the Leadville Loop or the Copper Triangle. 94 miles, three mountain passes (Freemont Pass, Tennessee Pass/Battle Mountain, Vail Pass). I have riden this loop before. It is NEVER easy, but this time I felt like I was totally unprepared. I was dead on Vail Pass and it was NOT FUN. I realized my chances of completing the Triple Bypass were in serious jeopardy.

Day 4 - son, girlfriend and I hiked the Gray's/Torrey's peaks area. They summited, I didn't. I stayed low (12,500 ft. elevation and below) and took wildlife/wildflower photos).

Day 5 - I told son I was not going to ride the Triple. He was disappointed and kept assuring me I could do it, but I was so disallusioned with my performance that I decided I did not want to.

And the rest is history. I was at the finish for my son and his GF to finish on Saturday, but I did not do it. Instead, I spent my days riding the awesome bike trails in and around Denver. I loved the riding, but still can't help but feel that I did something wrong this spring. I trained and trained and trained - beginning in December. I did have to take some time off because of surgery/anemia, and I know that took a toll on me, but jeez!!! What's going on???

Sorry for the rant. I am upset and unhappy with myself and I needed to vent. Thanks for listening.

(((((IFjane)))))

Thanks Knotted.....I needed that!

{{{{{{{{{IFJane}}}}}}}}}}}}

Maybe, just maybe, your body needed something else. Care to share any of those photos? I'd love to see them.

Hugs and butterflies that are happy with you exactly where you are right now,
~T~

YOU DID THE BEST YOU COULD DO ON EACH DAY OF YOUR TRIP - and that is your achievement.

It strikes me the anaemia you have had and the altitude might be why it didnt work out as you would have liked.. if you have 2/3 the haemoglobin you had last time, even with nothing else changing, you would only have 2/3 the cardiac output and therefore 2/3 the oxygen delivery VO2... our regular body functions obviously eat up a lot of the delivered VO2 so a drop of this hypothetical 1/3 VO2 from anaemia would deliver much much much less 'disposable' oxygen delivery for biking and you could well even have been hypoxic at tissue level even before biking with recent anaemia... that altitude is VERY high and if your Hb was borderline, it is really not surprising your performace was not as in previous years. Did you check out your HR at rest in Colorado - if you were borderline anaemic, I bet it was MUCH MUCH higher than at home to try and compensate... BTW I am an ICU RN, so I do know about cardiac ouput and oxygen delivery in some detail-- and it is Haemoglobin dependent..

remember, you did your very best that you could do on the day and NO-ONE can do any better than that. Next year you will do it in full health, God willing, and if you do your best again, like you did this year, I am sure you will achieve your Triple-Pass trip. And it will be all the sweeter an achievement for you.

Love,
batsheva

I feel for you... the heat will DEFINITELY sap your energy right out of you... I always suffer in the heat. I can do the same ride with totally different outcomes depending on the temps... if it's hot, I'm slow(er) and have legs of lead. If it's cool, I'm cheerful and ride great.

I completely understand how frustrated you must have felt. You work so hard to go do something and then it just doesn't pan out...

I hope the next ride reaffirms your ride skills and your belief in yourself too... hugs...

I am so sorry. I know what it feels like but don't beat yourself up over it. As others have said, you did the best you could and that is all you should expect of yourself. The heat WILL do that (am living proof of that) and once it happens, ie on day 1, that's it. It doesn't have a thing to do with whether or not you're in shape and I think you did the right thing by bowing out.

I feel for you....but please know your body was telling you something and by respecting that (which you did), you will ride it another time. Think about everything you did do and please post pictures :D

Jane--I'm really sorry that your trip was disappointing. Don't be so hard on yourself. All of us have "off" times in the saddle, especially when we don't have enough time to adapt/acclimate physically to weather/altitiude/etc (the first few rides out in the Heat & Humidity humble me every year). This gives you an opportunity to look over what you did to prepare and tweak your training plan for next time. Sounds like you made the most of it, exploring around Denver. Sometimes riding for smiles, not miles, is the way to go.

I had altitude issues a couple of times when I went to the Rockies, and they just about did me in.

Coincidentally I discovered I was pretty severely anemic a little over a year ago.

I think we know why I had difficulties prior to that, right?

Last year, after being treated for the anemia, I returned to the Rockies. Didn't have the probs I had before, but wasn't 100%.

But this year we went and I had no probs.

My guess is that your body just wasn't quite ready to handle the altitudes and exertion because of your previous anemia. Try again next year and I bet you'll rock it.

I'm sorry your trip was disappointing! I wish it would've turned out the way you hoped, but it sounds like your body was not as willing as your mind. You did a 3 summit 94 mile ride on day 3? WOW! :eek: I'm super impressed with that.
Keep your chin up, and please don't be too hard on yourself (much easier said than done). There is always next year... and you'll rock that ride when the time comes. ((((((Jane)))))

Wow Jane - I only dream of accomplishing the ride you did do!

Well, it took me 2-3 days to acclimatize to Boulder and then anytime we went up to an elevation above 6,000 feet i couldn't stand it. Tingly, sweaty, horrible. I was able to ride on a trail in Boulder, but any other activity was out. When we drove up to Rocky Mountain National Park I cried and screamed the whole time until we descended to about 8,000 feet. I have never felt so awful before...
Of course my husband and son felt nothing and my son came in second in an 80 mile race 3 days after we arrived. While I think I am in better shape now, I absolutely refuse to take a vacation at elevation. I suppose if I had weeks to get used to it, it would be OK, but with so many other places to ride and visit, I have decided that mountain passes are not for me.

Don't beat yourself up, you tried the best you could, even when your body said no, you tried. I can only imagine doing a 94 mile ride through the mountains or any other higher elevation. Just that alone is something to be proud of. And, along with that, to ride in that heat, wow. The heat will zap your energy, plus all of the initial energy you were putting into this trip is a heck of a lot. Maybe your body just wasn't ready. It's ok, just take this experience and use it to your advantage.

(((((IFJane)))))

I'm so sorry that you were disappointed! But don't beat yourself up about this. You rode SMART, and that is something to be proud of. No matter how much we train for something, sometimes our bodies have a different agenda.

I agree with the others, I've seen what anemia can do (I battled a severe case 2 years ago) and I would put money on that as one of the problems. I'm also not easily acclimated to altitude (I had some real issues when hiking in Wyoming a few years back) and I can only imagine how hard biking at altitude could be. I'm impressed with what you did do!!

And I concur...care to share any pictures? :)

(((([[[{{{{IFJane}}}}]]]))))

I didn't know about anemia and altitude, but it sure makes sense. add heat to the mix and I'm not sure I would have been able to do it either!
I hope you enjoyed the other aspects of the ride. your son summiting 3 times... that would have driven ME nuts.
I'm glad he's in such great shape though!


pictures??

I think you should follow up with your doctor. You are probably still anemic or have reduced capacity iron stores. It took me about 15 months of heavy iron supplementation (90 mg daily) just to bring my ferritin stores up to "decent". You may also want to have your folate levels tested - this can cause pernicious anemia that responds poorly to oral iron supplementation.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I feel much better just reading about some of your experiences. I arrived back here in VA last night and will get the bike put back together tonight. Then I will go out for a "smile ride" (loved that comment, Velobambina!). I love my bike and want to have fun on it....not feel like I am dying.

As for the iron deficiency - I am on supplements right now, but am supposed to go off soon. Maybe I need to have that re-evaluated. My doctor told me to take them through the end of July and then go on a multi-vitamin with iron.

Pictures! They are still on my camera and the camera is at home. I will bring it tomorrow and post some. Warning to LBTC - I am NOT a great photographer but more the point and shoot type. :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IFjane

As for the iron deficiency - I am on supplements right now, but am supposed to go off soon. Maybe I need to have that re-evaluated. My doctor told me to take them through the end of July and then go on a multi-vitamin with iron.

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Your doc should be retesting your serum ferritin every 6 months or so to see if the current dose of oral iron is working for you. Not everybody reabsorbs and utilizes iron at the same speed. Additionally, high intensity and endurance athletics impose higher iron requirements.

For example, when I got diagnosed with anemia, I started taking a moderate dose. It did help raise my ferritin up from almost undetectable to "low normal". I felt better but still not good. I had to double this dose in order to get up into the middle of the "ok" range. At that point, my doc recommended I drop back down to the original dose and two months later I was back to "low normal". So, long story short, you have to figure out what works for your body, your mileage may vary, st. disclaimers here, etc. :rolleyes:

I don't know anything about anemia, but from what the others have said, it sounds like that seriously affected your cardio capacity.

I will vouch for the heat. The week of the 4th was awful. I used to live in AZ, so trust me, I know heat. This has been the hottest summer we've had in a long time.

The Copper Trianlge in itself is a huge accomplishment. I'm hoping to attempt it next year. I've driven most of the parts, it is some serious mountain climbing.

FWIW, they say acclimatization generally takes about 2 weeks. That's a lot of time for most people to spare on a vacation, but if you can swing it I recommend it. I know I notice more fatigue for about a week and a half after coming home if I've been at low elevation for a while.

I'm sorry your trip wasn't what you expected. I like your idea of a "smile ride". We need those every now and then to remind us why we like cycling. :)

HappyAnika - I'm sorry I did not get in touch with you and the other TE'ers who are out there. My experience on the ride bummed me out so much that I sort of retreated into myself. With any luck I'll hook up with you all next year.
I have ridden out there every summer for years and I will have to say that this is the first time I have had so much trouble. The only other difference this time (aside from my anemia) is that my son lived in Breckenridge until last year, so my stay was at 9600 ft. elevation instead of 5280. Not sure that made any difference at all, though...

Again, thanks for everyone's insight and advice....and good wishes. You all are the best!

Sorry to hear of your struggles. To bad you didn't get in touch with me because I rode from Frisco to Keystone on the day of the TBP. We climbed up to Montezuma outside of Keystone. You could have ridden with us and skipped the Montezuma climb if you didn't feel like it.

Sounds like you might have pushed yourself to hard. I don't think staying in Denver hurt you because skiers are told to spend the first night in Denver before they hit the mtns. Our skier friends complain about tiredness the first couple of days, some, depending on fitness level and length of time they stay are worn out the entire time. Bicycling is much harder than skiing.

I assume you were well hydrated. The hotter it is here the lower the humidity. Even though I was drinking while riding, on the hot days, on Ride the Rockies I drank 1 or 2 water bottles of water at each sag stop, approximately 20 miles apart. I was really surprised because Accelerade usually keeps me going but I wanted water more. When we're in Summit County I start hydrating right away as I'm much more dehydrated than I am in Denver. I have to watch my old cat very carefully up there because she tends to get dehydrated much more easily and I have to keep her fluid level up. Even in the winter its easy to get dehydrated so I drink 12-24 oz of water when I get up in the morning.

This post from the Serotta forum explains what might have happened.

http://www.serotta.com/forum/showthr...&highlight=btc

This is from GPDavis2's post.

"Could be a big mistake for a couple of reasons. First, the most recent info is that one starts a gradual decline in altitudes that reaches its lowest point about 5-10 days after arrival. That would put her at the bottom of her altitude acclimation at the start of the ride. Second, she will be tired from riding in prep for those days, which will also help put her at the lowest point for the 6-7 days of the BTC. I did exactly what she is planning the first two times I rode the BTC. Then I learned (read more). Last time I rode I arrived the day before and was in much better shape until the end of the ride. No reason to get fatigued before the ride by doing the unfamiliar (riding at altitude). Either don't go out early or do so at least two weeks early so you start the ride after you on your way back up the acclimation curve."

It sounds like you were here 2 weeks early but pushing yourself very hard.

When you do a ride like the BTC or RTR most of the time you are between 6-8,000 ft with the occasional mtn pass climb so it is easier to acclimate than something like the TBP.

BTW, on Sunday I tried Vail pass from the Vail side and only made it 2 miles from the camp ground. It's a pretty tough climb and I was feeling my legs from Sat. I have yet to try Lookout Mtn.

I too feel a period of acclimatization when I come back to Denver after being at sea level.

Don't feel bad about yourself, I've spent years skiing here before I moved from Ohio and I know what it's like to suddenly try to exert energy when you're not used to the altitude.

OK, what? 3 days 2 big rides and gray/torreys!?! That is a lot of activity and elevation gain coming form Virginia. It sounds like you have gone this hard before, but sometimes you need to take it slow. The heat, altitude, and anemia... sounds like it ruined your trip.

But I think not, you did two great rides and climbed (almost) a 14er. That is a pretty good score. The 14ers are over worked anyway, I do the 13ers...

Hope this doesn't discourage you from returning to Colorado and giving it another try.

sarah

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sarahkonamojo

OK, what? 3 days 2 big rides and gray/torreys!?! That is a lot of activity and elevation gain coming form Virginia. It sounds like you have gone this hard before, but sometimes you need to take it slow. The heat, altitude, and anemia... sounds like it ruined your trip.

But I think not, you did two great rides and climbed (almost) a 14er. That is a pretty good score. The 14ers are over worked anyway, I do the 13ers...

Hope this doesn't discourage you from returning to Colorado and giving it another try.

sarah

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Oh Sarah - you don't have to worry about me being discouraged and not wanting to return to CO! I try to make it out 2x a year, though last winter I did not get out there to ski. My dream is to move out there someday. In fact, Ft. Collins is on my "I want to live there" list. :D

I've done Grays & Torreys in the past (and Lincoln....and I rode up Mt. Evans - in a car! - once during the race - glad to hear they are closing the road this time) and really had no desire to do it again. Taking photos of flowers was much more relaxing and fun!

Kathi - Wish I had known you were in Frisco! I have ridden to Keystone and up to Montezuma many times over the years and would have loved to have ridden with you. Vail pass from the Vail side is what killed me on the Leadville ride. When you think about it, you really start climbing at Dowd Junction, climb all the way through the Vail Valley & then REALLY start climbing once you get out toward the campground. Makes me tired again just thinking about it! Lookout Mountain wasn't horrible - 4 miles, I think - but it's HOT because it is all on the east face of the mountain and there are few trees.

The Serotta forum entry is very interesting and an eye-opener. Maybe next year I'll just arrive the day before? My son told me the same thing - to either be out there at least 2 weeks ahead (I can't - not enough vacation time!) or come and do it right away. Or not. Maybe I'll just come out, hook up with y'all and not do an "epic" ride!