Average Speed: 8.72
Max Speed: 27.25
Total Miles: 1,624
Today was a lot harder than I thought it should have been. Maybe I haven't recovered fully from the long day in the desert and maybe I've used up all my reserves. On the other hand, the mountain ranges in this part of NV run orthogonal to the road so it's over a range and down into a valley then up and over the next range repeating. One hopes the valleys aren't too deep so you don't have to climb the same elevation repeatedly. I estimate that I had to climb ~4,000 ft from Wendover at 4315 and that includes having to walk the last mile on Pequop Summit.
Nevada road is the best so far - great surface, shoulders 6-8 ft wide and comparatively little debris lying about, and no road kill at all. It's gone from dodging insects on the pavement to dodging little lizards. Motorists have been very considerate so far also.
So, as for the energy factor I think I could use some tips. If my reserves are exhausted what should I be eating? Blubber, maybe, malted milks? Suggestions will be appreciated, as they are needed.
West out of Wendover - a preview for the day
From the top of the hill (2.3 miles) west of Wendover looking west toward Silverzone Pass
A peek at Pilot Peak
First of two marked passes - a third is unmarked
This must be after the pass - can't remember
From west of Silverzone looking across the valley toward Pequop Summit
That hole in the tree might be the only real shade around
The good news ......... and the bad news
There'll be nothing higher than this until Carson Pass in the Sierras
Looking sort of east from Pequop Summit
From just short of Wood Hills summit you can see Pequop Summit in the distance and the intervening valley, Independence Valley, below. This was the routine fro 60 miles today.
Plan to move to Elko tomorrow - after scoring some bananas. Send food advice please.
You need some good simple carbs to keep that energy level up. A quick fix is to eat something with honey on it. Honey is a good source of simple carbohydrates. I am really enjoying reading about your travels
ReplyDeleteChris Lardy
I do not suppose my food preferences would do the trick: Cheetos and peanut butter cups. But how about energy bars? Don't know the most effective ones, however.
ReplyDeleteI would guess rest is the answer. Your old body is breaking down faster than it is building up. As far as diet goes, remember the guy who starved eating MacDonalds? Just eat all the food groups and a lot of them. You are, of course, making sure you haven't contracted an illness. You don't have resistance to Western organisms. Take it easy. Good food is one thing, giving it a chance to work is another.
ReplyDeleteawesome pictures. they really show the vastness and repetitiveness of the basin and range. and it looks like a pretty desolate place as well. I hope the freeway riding is good, thats great the surface is in such good condition. as for food good for energy, I don't have many good suggestions I can only think of things that you are probably already eating, fruit, nuts, eggs, fish. as for a quick fix on the road, energy bars might have the most energy but arent very satisfying. I always like tuna while on the trail. there is a grain called quinoa that is supposed to be great, maybe there are energy or granola bars that have it, but maybe not in nevada. I agree with louie that rest is always a good solution. You have been making such good time the whole ride, there's no rush on the home stretch.
ReplyDeleteFolks I know who have trained for triathlons and the iron man,talk about using Goo (not sure of the spelling.) An energy substance that you squirt in your mouth while running and biking to provide energy. I have no idea how healthy it is/isn't or what is in it. I know that it can be purchased at bike shops.
ReplyDeleteBut, I agree with Louie and Patrick. You have been pushing hard and at this point you are ahead of schedule so I suggest letting your body rest.
Take Good Care, Ann
It sounds like you've depleted your energy and fluid stores. I agree with Louie and Patrick as well. Taking an extra day or two to allow your body more recovery time is a good plan. You also might consider a multiple vitamin + a multiple mineral tablet which may help to replenish micro-nutrients and minerals.
ReplyDeleteI think using a fluid replacement other than water every now and then might be something to try. Sports drinks are a choice, but trying Pedialyte or an electrolyte replacement drink might also be an option.
If you drank your cabernet that may also be playing a role. Alcohol depletes vitamins and minerals - one of the reasons we all feel 'hung over' after indulging. That in combination with the extra long ride in hot weather was probably enough to affect your performance - even a day or more later.
If you have internet access, check out this link for some good ideas on muscle recovery: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sampleworkouts/a/RestandRecovery.htm
This article also includes a section on "eating" before, during and after exercise.
Wiki (for all it's inaccuracies) has a good article on exercise physiology at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_physiology
Your chemistry background should make for easy reading.
The articles remind me how complex these metabolic processes are and how prolonged exercise and heat can be a very challenging combination.
Take a couple of days off, rest, replenish and stay safe.
OATMEAL, every morning.
ReplyDeleteAll the above options are good but if you are not taking a multivitamin any food will not absorb correctly,remember us (old) guys need em.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are great! I like Avocado, I eat it by itself with a little salt. I have never used as much energy day after day like you have though.
ReplyDelete