Sweaty

Here is my 1st entry, there is too much to say to introduce myself and recap the last few days but I will do my best to keep it short.

Hello. My name is Liz and I am a Red Sox fan, the best kind there is. I grew up 30 miles north of Fenway and have fallen in love. I don't have a magical story of remembering the 1st time I went but I do get a magical feeling each and every time I go back. The Sox to me is something that is tied very closely to my family and a few specific friends. Being a part of your family and friends makes it more than "just a game."

Not to sound annoying but the beginning of this season I was not great at watching the games. The Celts simply took up most my time and emotion. That was a fabulous season. My dad had a part in season tickets and I was able to go to one game, he usually brought my mom which was fair. My brother on the other hand.... I won't go in to details, but he saw a few important games.

My preparation for this was fair. Physically I tried to continue my gym routine as usual. I was trying to get some spinning in at least once a week. The part of my training that was very very poor was my road experience and my hills. I tried to add hills in to the stationary bike training but there is NOTHING that can compare to what I have gone through in the last few days.

I have been challenge physically many times in my life but this is grueling, mentally and physically. I am inclinded to say this is the most I've ever put my body through. Only comparable to when I 1st started distance track.

The 1st day I was feeling good till the last 10-20 miles. The road was not safe, I had less than nothing left, and I didn't have faith in our directions. When trying to follow road signs we found ourselves climbing a legit mountain ridge.

That is were I would say I lost all my dignity. I defiantly walked up a good amount, swore a lot (more than just saying s or h or f), and maybe I might have cried (only in front of John). Once we got to the bottom I was enraged and before we crossed the fricken Hudson I demanded we checked with our host. Soooo we were way off and most all of us were collapsed and I refused to move. John went in to action looking for a cab to pick us up with 5 bikes. With Alex's legs and a few calls, a giant bearded man showed up to bring us home. I no longer had any social graces at that point, sorry hosts, I showered and changed with very few words to anyone else. I also seriously contemplated quitting.

I didn't even want to admit that I wanted to bail because I knew I wouldn't feel as bad the next day, but I was that broken. I am a very mentally tough person so it was a lot for me to admit it, however I thought I would injure myself or hold up the rest of the people.

Today was much better, some serious hills in the beginning, but the route was much nicer and we ended at Marist. We had a few great stretches of riding and a good lunch. Tonight we will be staying at the Roosevelt Inn, coming highly recommend by my parents. I am looking forward to a good shower, din din in Pough-town and SLEEP!

Happy Riding!