Catherine Carson

The 53-mile American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure was my first cycling event. I took Joint Promotion weeks in advance to help with some knee inflammation, and when I got up at 5:00 a.m. for the ride, I downed a Spark with breakfast; it made me feel less jittery and more focused than the few sips of coffee I had later at the race site. I felt great, though I was scared for the first twenty-five miles. I wasn’t used to drinking while on the bike, and having a packet of Rehydrate in my saddle bag really helped me hydrate for the second half of the race.

This being my first event, I didn’t know what to expect. I was coasting at my goal speed, hitting the mile markers at perfectly timed intervals, until the wind hit. After three hours, I was at a point where I expected to have only half an hour to go. With the wind and some light hills, that half hour came and passed, and I still had no idea how far I was from the finish. The last few miles were a pure mental game, as I didn’t see anyone ahead of me or behind. I was nervous that I was going the wrong way, that I wouldn’t have the energy to backtrack if needed, and I felt my blood sugar drop. I had a pack of Post-Workout Recovery with me to look forward to, and when I finally saw another guidepost, I knew I had to be close to the finish. I don’t know enough about these events yet to understand when to eat and what to eat. I’d never exercised for more than two hours at a time, when I would normally go home to a Post-Workout Recovery and dinner. I look forward to it after my regular workouts, and I feel a difference in my energy level and amount of soreness if I don’t take it.

Because I didn’t feel hungry for most of the ride, I thought the orange slices I’d had at the last rest stop would be enough. A couple miles before the finish, a wave of hunger hit. I know from working out that if I feel that hunger even during exertion, I need protein and carbs fast. When I finally passed the finish, just past four hours, and dismounted my bike, I shook all over. There was limited food at the event, and even after eating a piece of chicken, beans, and a piece of bread, the Post-Workout Recovery was what stopped my shaking. I knew I needed it then, and I’m really glad I brought it with me.

Catherine Carson - Winter Park, FL
http://www.advocare.com/06092685