Okay....I need to whine

[CyclChyk]

You have every right to whine about not being able to finish the ride you apparently had so many hopes of completing. My DH suffers severe allergies and it can really be a pain in the a** when it comes on at the WORST time.

Also, you were weak from being sick. This probably got your immune system down, making you more susceptible to allergy attacks, and the usual pills not working. Especially if the doc had you on any type of antibiotic.

Why your whining should really stop there is because you went out there that first day and DID IT! You didn't make excuses even though you were tenacious about your ability to perform on the hills. You even pushed yourself to finish when you were wheezing and anxious.

I'm impressed. I think you should celebrate your accomplishment and don't sweat the small stuff. Next year, like you said, stay away from any young-un's; train like crazy on hills, and then.... Knock 'em dead!

[Bikingmomof3]

I am so sorry you became ill. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Feel proud about your accomplishments! You went out there Saturday and you did it! Also realize it is normal to feel mad/sad/angry/frustrated for not being able to go out again on Sunday. I can only imagine how you must have felt/feel. You will kick butt next year!

I am contemplating the Hilly 100 for next year, if I can ever get back on my bike that is.

[SouthernBelle]

Feel better. Like me, you learned you just can't ride when you've got an ickiness that involves breathing. Wheezing sux.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Poor thing!!
Treat yourself good, eat good stuff, get LOTS of sleep and it will improve faster.
It's awful to feel bad in your head.

[bacarver]

Indysteel -

Sorry to hear about your respiratory problems. Breathing is a must for cyclists who ride hills. I developed wheezing symptoms only a few years ago (I'm 46). House cleaning and exposure to paint are my triggers. I must learn to carry my inhaler with me when I ride. (I'm still trying to pretend I don't have a problem.)

Wanna hear something really WEIRD? I almost offed myself a few months ago by taking a drink of water too quickly after riding up a very steep hill. I had stopped (incredibly hot day) and tossed a mouthful of water into my throat to get some fluid on board. The water shot straight into my lungs and my larynx went into an immediate spasm. I was doing some MAJOR air sucking for about 30 seconds. Nothing going in OR out. Scary. I sat down and my thoat suddenly relaxed and I could breathe again. I later read an article in the paper and found out that this is called "dry drowning". I was close to passing out. I'm much more careful with my water bottle habits these days.

Stay healthy!

Barb

[Cindyloo]

Sorry to hear about your sickness! Right now I guess ragweed is blooming and is reeking havoc on sinuses everywhere. Until the pollen calms down I am on the trainer and it sucks.

[chickwhorips]

Wanna hear something really WEIRD? I almost offed myself a few months ago by taking a drink of water too quickly after riding up a very steep hill. I had stopped (incredibly hot day) and tossed a mouthful of water into my throat to get some fluid on board. The water shot straight into my lungs and my larynx went into an immediate spasm. I was doing some MAJOR air sucking for about 30 seconds. Nothing going in OR out. Scary. I sat down and my thoat suddenly relaxed and I could breathe again. I later read an article in the paper and found out that this is called "dry drowning". I was close to passing out. I'm much more careful with my water bottle habits these days.

you have no idea how many times i've done this. (its sad actually) i use to joke that i was the only one that could drown myself in the desert.

[indysteel]

You guys are so sweet. Thanks for all the encouragement and well wishes. I actually feel a bit better today and am hoping that the worst is over. Hopefully, I'll be able to ride a bit by this weekend. I'm not a good patient as you might have gathered.

I really need to stop being so hard on myself. All season I've compared myself to people who've been riding a long time and it's led to no good. What can I say? I'm a Type A Virgo!