Tired 7/17

It’s time.

Yup, it’s time to take a break. I need off the bike. Today was one of those deal-breaker days.

I’ve been exhausted all week long, I can’t focus on my work, my thoughts are all in a muddle, I can’t speak clearly and I do stupid things. I’ve probably pissed some people off. I’ve also been coughing- I can’t figure out whether it’s because I ran out of one of my asthma meds, dehydration or it’s just the after effects of Cascade.

It came to a head today… it was at around 5:30 PM and I was having a great IM chat with Sam. I realized that the group ride from downtown Salem left at 6 so I bolted, threw on a jersey, mixed some bottles and jetted out the door. I didn’t feel too bad. I got down there just as the “fast” group was taking off.

It’s been pretty rare for me to go on group rides recently… and I was surprised at how small the group was- only 12 riders. In years past, the group was over 30 and ballooned to over 60 at times. I don’t know what’s happened. Hmm… 12 riders, it’ll probably be tough but bearable.

We started north through Keizer- to where it opens up into the flats. The crosswind was horrible. I felt horrible- and I felt pegged. Not how I usually feel during these days. I take the first sprint but I felt like I was in slow motion- no snap.

We rolled on north, then headed east on Waconda. We popped up a small incline where I felt ok. Not spectacular… and rolled toward another stop ahead sign. I got ready to go, went- and another form came streaking by. I sat up. Something wasn’t right. I wasn’t feeling well.

I turned around- said goodbye to the group and started rolling back south on River Road.

It felt like an eternity. Each pedal stroke was an effort, my legs felt like lead weights that I had to consciously push and pull. This didn’t feel like the easy spin that I’m used to riding. I look down at my Garmin… 13.5 mph. Miles ticked by at a snail’s pace- I thought to myself, I can make, just a little further, to that tree, to that building. At times I thought about calling no joy and making the phone call for rescue. I felt defeated.

I sequestered those thoughts and willed myself to ride. I stopped having fun. I coasted into Keizer, stopped at a light and I hear “Hi Kenji!” I see a little guy looking at me through a window of a navy blue Subaru. I immediately recognize him, “Hi Emmett!” I look forward and see the familiar face of Tina Brubaker.

“Hey Kenji”

“Hey Tina”

“What are you up to?”

“I was out on the Scott’s ride and called it quits. I felt horrible.”

“That’s smart. You listened to your body. Most people don’t.”

“Yeah, I need a couple days off. I need a break.”

“You’re making the right decision.”

The light turns and Tina and Emmett take off for a treat at DQ.

The decision is made. I’m taking a break. I start pedaling- and it’s easier- the pedals move.

My legs feel better- as if they realize they will get the rest they need and deserve.

I need to recuperate- physically and mentally. I need to survive just one more day…