Altitude Climbing Anxiety

[Starfish]

Thanks, everyone, for a bunch of good tips and great support. Most all of it makes a lot of sense, and I appreciate your responses! I have been absolutely swilling water (and have my electrolyte tabs for the ride), trying to eat well, saying "no" to any wine with dinner, and keeping the caffeine to one morning cup of coffee. Haven't been on my bike for a few days, but I'm going out tomorrow morning for an easy ride (which is as hard, or harder to find around here than where I'm from!).

I am feeling better tonight, although still head-achey and my guts are a little uneasy. Although I have not worked out hard at any altitude to speak of, I have travelled a lot to altitude, so I know that what I was/am feeling is related to altitude, not just nerves. It is a very recognizable feeling in my head and my whole cardio system, as strange as that sounds. And, believe it or not, I feel mild symptoms on climbs from sea level, even after just about 3500 feet, right at home in my own back yard under relaxed circumstances.

(But then, as a human research subject at the UW, I also learned that my autonomic nervous system reacts to a variety of stimuli differently than many others' do; and, my surgeon and dentist both know I need about double the pain meds that many of their patients do. Call it in my head, or not, but I seem to be a little sensitive. Based on the research experiments, I don't think it is all in my head, although I absolutely know how amazing the mind/body connection is.)

I went out and drove 2 of the 3 climbs today. The good news is that the routes are beautiful, and the final climb up Mt. Shasta is gorgeous, with a great road. But, these are going to be tough, unrelenting climbs for me. I think they are steeper than my Hurricane Ridge route. However, I am reading a lot of great inspirational stuff this week! In fact, next week I will post a book review.

Thanks again, everybody. I currently don't have anyone in real life who really supports me knowledgeably as a cyclist...just well-meaning friends. This forum is so wonderful. Thank you. Edit: Oops! Haha...I just realized I implied you are not all actually real-life people but imaginary friends! Sorry! I think I have spent too much time alone this week! Gads.

[maillotpois]

hey starfish -

I know you'll do great, but I wanted to caution you about jumping to conclusions about grade steepness (shasta being harder than hurricane) based on driving. you really can't tell grade steepness based on driving. things often look steeper in the car.

example: we have our death ride folks ride passes 3, 4 and 5 in training. years of doing this ride have shown these are the toughest. the night before the event, one of my more challenging participants announced she had driven pass 1 and that is was steeper and harder than any of the others. I simply asked if she had *driven* passes 3 and 4 and she hadn't. the next morning as we're climbing pass 1, she says "wow - this really isn't steep at all. it seemed a lot worse in the car. you *were* right!"

so don't let your drive trouble you. it *may* be steeper, but most likely it is not.

[jobob]

hey starfish -

I know you'll do great, but I wanted to caution you about jumping to conclusions about grade steepness (shasta being harder than hurricane) based on driving. you really can't tell grade steepness based on driving. things often look steeper in the car.

A big ditto to what MP said ! To me, routes always look harder, and hills always appear steeper, when I'm viewing them from a car than when I'm actually riding them.

[Starfish]

Jo & MP - thanks! MP, I had to laugh at your description of "one of my more challenging participants". I think I am getting high maintenance. Uh oh. That is very good and interesting info about your experiences with newbies judging climbs from cars! I appreciate that perspective. Thank you.

This morning, I went out for an easy 40 minute ride just to relax and loosen up. It was mostly flat-ish, with a few gentle hills. My average HR was 8 beats higher than my whole rides up 5000 feet to Hurricane Ridge. And, my maximum HR was way up there...really near my actual maximum. Easy little rises were taking my HR a full 20 beats above my normal climbing rate.

Well, it will be what it will be.

Thank you all so much for your support. It really helps.