Whites level + food poisoning = Unhappy Sarah!

I finally had the opportunity to do Whites level at Afan. I was both excited and nervous as I knew it was hard but it's one of the trails everyone talks about and Ryan loves it so I knew it had to have something good about it. We had a nice big omellete for breakfast and off we went!

Finally got to do it.

The old descent is now the ascent as the old ascent has been closed for some reason. We started off OK but for some reason I was finding it very hard! Not out of breath/puffy hard but body shaking legs dead tired, couldn't breathe hard. At first I thought I was being a baby (so did Ryan) Now I hate up hills anyway so naturally would have a moan but this was something different! I just felt like the bike wasn't working with me. It was tough! It soon became clear it wasn't the bikes fault but I wasn't myself. even at the top the flats were difficult and my body just didn't want to work. I fell over (on a flat!!!) Wacked my shin splints and CRIED! It was horrible and I knew Ryan thought I was being ridiculous as I have done harder rides!

Bruise from falling on the FLAT

I didn't get any better, I found myself sitting down on the downhills as I just had no energy to stand, my balance was off, I could barely lift my leg to get back on the seat every time. I then started throwing up and after a small panic attack, few more tears and the entry/exit of an apple, we headed back.

I really did enjoy the middle section after the wind farm and the final descent (as much as I could, considering).

As disappointed as I was I still knew there was something wrong with me. Confirmed by the next 4 days of throwing up, No appetite and 2 days off work! Doctor said it was food poisoning but I think it lasted too long for that.

On the plus side, I last 7lb. Unfortunately 1 week later and I have put 5lb back on. But at least I am back in the gym! I am very impressed with my muscle memory. I still have a long way to go to get me back to where I was but not as long as I thought. My running is back on. Did 800m in 3.28 which smashed the goal Ryan set me for 3.30. Just got to get my 2.4 down to 13 minutes from 15 now.

I found a great new inspiration -Erin Stern She is a track athlete. Same height as me - 5'8 and 4lb lighter. Watch the video she has up!

Comments

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Sarah Louise Mey

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