I promised myself I would never do this again…Here I go again!
Last year I raced in the 24 Hours of Moab with a 101 degree temperature. My body ached. After each lap, I had to release the gooey discharge that comes from nasty colds. I coughed, wheezed, asked for sympathy, almost cried and actually slept for part of the race. What’s more, I participated in the 24 Hour of Old Pueblo in 2004 and experienced the same thing. One might say that I have bad luck with 24-hour racing. This year is different. I’ve surrounded my house with garlic and haven’t changed my underwear in two months. Well, not really, but you might say that I’m a little paranoid.
Training for a 24-hour race is unlike anything else. It is a mental challenge, as much as it is a physical one. One has to be prepared for 16 mile laps on very technical terrain. Riding at night is also difficult. You have to be prepared to crash. Finally – if you a trying to win – your mental drive can never weaken. This year, sickness is not an option!
I woke up last night thinking about the strain I experienced last year. What’s funny is that the 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. time frame is the hardest part. The body and mind seem to require sleep. In order to counter this block, I have risen every day between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Furthermore, I have worked on my meditation. I figure that quieting my mind will be essential during those difficult hours. My current racing schedule keeps me fit, so I’m not worried about the endurance portion. Again, it’s all about the mind…
The race is on the 15th of October. Stay tuned…
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