24 Au MMII

The Dark Hour. A Monday and I think the second Monday this week. Running out of August and summer. Contemplating, pondering and reflecting.

Has it all gone wrong, horribly and irrevocably bad to insane or is there cause to hold out Hope?

Yesterday was the last and final GDR for the 2020 HH100 training season and it was a killer. At 129 K (80M), my original estimate was 5-6 hours closer to 6 and I honestly don’t know what the final time was.

Stops prolonged the time in the sun, heat and the effect was darned near devastating. I have noticed when dehydrating mental acuity decreases, clarity of thought drops incrementaly and this can be anywhere from problematic to dangerous. Very dangerous considering one (1) small misjudgment and they’d be running down my next of kin. Well, NOT YET.

I walked into the cool shade of casa 4901 shortly after 2:00 pm. I started shortly after 7:30 (6.5 hrs?) and there was a PLANNED stop for fluids and light fuel, a Medical /mental health stop and even a short nap but I did finish the full distance. Weight at finish was 168.6 which was good but the remainder of the day was lost as I recovered, relaxed and got reacquainted with normal fluid balance aka homeostasis.

Yes, Emma and Fans, I pushed self to the limit EVEN THO the HH100 won’t go on NEXT Saturday.

WHY?

(therapist)

IDK. I guess it takes more courage, character and guts to keep going than quit?

IDK. Maybe I am ahead of the curve for next year. (?)

IDK. Perhaps I am nuts. HOWEVER, in denial and will NOT admit that guilt. Like a fox.

So shall we move along briefly?

As I mentioned it is Monday and after prolonged solar exposure yesterday I think today is indoors, as cool as possible with repeated and multiple immersions to check water temperatures in the cement pond, admin work and artisan projects.

And whatever fires pop up.

This morning before coffee I was 175.2 (lb) and not happy with that. The GOAL was under 170 BEFORE heading to WF and the ride. Six days left, two (2) shorter training rides and frankly NOT hungry at all it seems. High protein, fiber-rich and cold versus not cooked is being preferred.

Limited alcohol but let’s be real. One beer and/or one cocktail has successfully tended to make things a little happier. AND I have NUMEOUS articles that state 1-2 has health benefits. From the INTERNET !!

Well it’s starting to get daylight and dawn approaches.

I discovered on Spotify a new feature I kind of like. Artists are posting their own playlists of favs apparently. Ike Rielly’s is ABSOLUTE KILLER. Crooked Blues with old, old Masters (Lightning Hopkins, John Lee Hooker) and even Bob Dylan doing blues. The Doors are represented.

As one (I) would expect, lyrical with stories and energetic backing quite enjoyable AND no ackohol needed.

ITS NOT EVEN BREAKFAST.

That too.

Narrow Way … Bob Dylan. *****

Ike ... 'I used to want to die young, but it's too late now.' (Let's live like we're dying)