I'm not hoping for pity. I absolutely hate being weak. As a child, to appear weak brought beatings from my mother, only rubbing my nose into my weakness. The hardest thing for me to ever say is, "I'm weak and I'm in so much pain," which is why I must humble myself and say it now. I want to be so tough like all of the other riders I meet. It's humiliating for me to admit I can't go as far as everyone else, ride those long miles and push through. I've come a long way in the last year, but I don't see myself ever riding an Iron Butt ride and that really frustrates me.
Taking precautions against flare ups only goes so far. At some point over the last 48 hours my body has just reached it's physical limit and has begun to rebel. I had set the agenda from Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD and I knew this may be difficult when we set out. In doing so, I knew the chance I was taking.
If it takes all day to get 300 miles today, I'm willing to do it. We may take a break after every 50 miles, just to give my muscles some rest. I intend to finish this journey. I've felt this way in the past and I know I'll get through it.
My goal in sharing this information is to encourage you to push through when you want to quit. You are stronger than you think you are. Pain is temporary, and in pain, there is such amazing growth. Don't quit on yourself right before you get there. You never know what's waiting for you around the bend and you'll be so glad you came all the way.
I give you a lot of credit for riding 300 miles per day with Fibromyalgia - it is not a temporary pain. I know - my Mom had Scleroderma (a member of the same rheumatoid family).
ReplyDeleteYes, I recently rode an Iron Butt (1,000 miles in a 24 hour period) and paid the physical price for a week afterwards. My 55 year old body (beat up from 30+ years of competitive volleyball) screams at me because my mind continues to think I am 18!
I have to remind myself to "ride my own ride." This last, long-long trip I was on, I was forced to lower my daily miles which completely frustrated me. I have now adopted the philosophy "build a bridge and get over it." Easier said then done! Hang in there Sash!
I give you a lot of credit for riding 300 miles per day with Fibromyalgia - it is not a temporary pain. I know - my Mom had Scleroderma (a member of the same rheumatoid family).
ReplyDeleteYes, I recently rode an Iron Butt (1,000 miles in a 24 hour period) and paid the physical price for a week afterwards. My 55 year old body (beat up from 30+ years of competitive volleyball) screams at me because my mind continues to think I am 18!
I have to remind myself to "ride my own ride." This last, long-long trip I was on, I was forced to lower my daily miles which completely frustrated me. I have now adopted the philosophy "build a bridge and get over it." Easier said then done! Hang in there Sash!
A lot of riders don't have fibromyalgia, and several more of us like me can tune out the pain. It takes a lot of Iron Will to push through what you're facing.
ReplyDeleteTina, so sorry to hear you're in pain. You should be proud of yourself for riding the distances that you do...many would never attempt it. You may not ride 1000 miles in 24 hours but you do ride great distances over several days. Hang in there and take care of yourself...someone once said Pain is weakness leaving the body...based on what you've described you're one helluva a strong woman.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Curt
Live Free. Ride Hard. Be Happy.
I don't think anyone pities you Sash. You are a very strong woman. I don't know if I could get on the bike that many days in a row.
ReplyDeleteBe proud of what you've done and your ability to work though it all.
I feel your pain, I was diagnosed in 1998 with it, but I have pretty much beat it. And don;t have flares very often anymore. Now I fight RA, and I Am giving that shit a run for its money as well. Never ever give in to it! Water is your friend, anytime you have a chance to get in a pool take it!
ReplyDeleteSash, like Michelle said ... be proud to ride your own ride! There is no weakness in any of your achievements.
ReplyDeleteI am just starting to ride with my husband this spring. I was wondering about they type of helmet and things that would be easier on my body. He just bought a gold wing for me for me to be more comfortable. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI am just starting to ride with my husband this spring. I was wondering about they type of helmet and things that would be easier on my body. He just bought a gold wing for me for me to be more comfortable. Any suggestions?
ReplyDelete