Looking ahead to the race, I had expected to stand at the start line, head filled with optimistic thoughts of taking down my opponents for my own inner peace. I was basing this on the speeds and sensations I had during my pre-ride the day before the race.
But later that night, my optimism took an immediate turn for the worse when my hand spontaneously cramped into a tight fist delivering paralyzing and extreme jolts of pain. The hand cramp was most likely a pinched nerve caused by smacking my hand on the bar during the pre-ride. It was exacerbated that evening when I spun on the trainer as the cramp kicked in moments after I dismounted.
Within minutes my eyes welled up and tears began falling, leaving dark splotches on my light pink pajamas. The cramping and pain remained throughout the night, eased only slightly for the race with the help of heavy painkillers and numbing spray.
Now standing at the start line, I considered myself both lucky and stupid. The aggressive thoughts I had planned on for inspiration were gone; now I was willing my cramped hand to hold the bars firmly enough to prevent carnage.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REST (There are also a ton of photos of the guys' race)
On another topic, I've been getting lots of emails about my column in the current VegNews Magazine. Thanks to all for your support!!! As i appreciate all the comments, it has been frustrating for me because I haven't seen it yet myself. Ugh!! For those of you who didnt read it yet, I wrote it on sticking with your new year's resolution to get in shape.
Happy Wednesday!
