Hammer Time

I was suckered into investing in Hammer Nutrition products this fall. Well...not suckered, more like enticed. As part of my renewed focus for 2011 I knew that my nutrition while riding could use some work. I was all over the board and for a Type 1 diabetic cyclist that is not good. I'm going to try some new regiments and nutrition supplies and I was drawn to Hammer products because of their very organic approach to fuels. I feel the less processed the energy source, the better and more efficiently my body can break down and use the nutrition.

Here is what I'm starting with:

HEED Sports Drink: High energy electrolyte drink - subtle tasting, all-complex carbohydrate formula goes down easily and supplies you with consistent, long-lasting energy and the electrolytes you need to keep pushing the pace.

Hammer Gel: Hammer Gel has been the benchmark of concentrated carbohydrate energy gel, primarily because of what it doesn't contain - Hammer Gel has no added refined, simple sugars, and no artificial colors or sweeteners.

Perpetuem Solids: long-lasting, consistent energy source

Endurolytes Fizz: The quality and effectiveness that you’ve come to expect from Endurolytes (capsules and powder) in convenient, rapidly dissolving effervescent tablets. With Endurolytes Fizz you have a deliciously refreshing alternative to fulfill your body’s all-important electrolyte requirements.

Premium Insurance Caps: AKA: cycling specific multivitamin

I Accept the Challange!

The Challenge:

100 miles or 100k loop consisting of 11,000+ feet of climbing along mostly singletrack, doubletrack or dirt roads, spanning 4 counties through some of the most remote and scenic areas in the rolling hills of Mohican Country. Climbs of nearly a mile, with elevation gains of 300+ feet, rock gardens, streams, and more!

I'm officially registered and have a room reserved! The only way to go after last year is up! June 4th is the day!

29

Some people may say what the heck does 29 mean. Well...it was my blood sugar Friday night after I inadvertently OD'd on insulin. It happens, I just miss calculated my carb intake and got my ass whopped by a hypoglycemic reaction. It started off with a light-headed feeling and then progressed to sweats and a wicked stomach ache. It felt like I was going to ralph! I was low earlier but had a large glass of OJ and a granola bar. Should have done the trick. I would have been SOL if I didn't have that because my blood sugar would have dropped way lower than 29!

My hero Molly hopped right up our of bed to help! Did I mention this was around midnight??? She helped me get by shot of liquid glucose open (thank you CVS for making the package way harder than what a hypoglycemic person can handle to open) and some additional snacks for me. I the morning my blood sugar rounded out at 124! Crazy diabetes night!

Here are the WebMD symptoms of hypoglycemia:

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can be different depending on how low your blood sugar level drops.

• Mild hypoglycemia can make you feel hungry or like you want to vomit. You could also feel jittery or nervous. Your heart may beat fast. You may sweat. Or your skin might turn cold and clammy.
• Moderate hypoglycemia often makes people feel short-tempered, nervous, afraid, or confused. Your vision may blur. You could also feel unsteady or have trouble walking.
• Severe hypoglycemia can cause you to pass out. You could have seizures. It could even cause a coma or death.

If you've had hypoglycemia during the night, you may wake up tired or with a headache. And you may have nightmares. Or you may sweat so much during the night that your pajamas or sheets are damp when you wake up.

I think it's safe to say I was well into the moderate level!

Proof

That Cleveland is the second snowiest city in the US! Umm...I can't believe I'm bragging about this. :(

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/snowiest-cities-in-america.html

Snowiest City?!?!?

An article yesterday listed Cleveland as the second snowiest city next to Denver. Having lived here all of my life, I BELIEVE IT!

It makes it tough for cycling but the snow doesn't last long. I was able to ride well into November this year. It may have only been 20 degrees out but as long as the legs still move and wheels still turn, I'm riding! My cut off is snow, as soon as it starts snowing and they start salting streets I'm done and migrate indoors for riding. We get so much snow that the streets are always caked in salt and brine solution. Great for melting snow and melting carbon fiber and bike parts.

This is what my dog thinks of winter!


In the Spring I'll venture back out after we get a few hard rains to wash away the salt. This usually happens at some point in mid to late March. In between I ride on the trainer and do Spinning classes at the gym to keep at least a minimal level of fitness.

I guess I'm just happy that we only have to deal with roughly 3.5 months of snow vs. more. There is ample time for riding!

Here is my car yesterday after a 45 minute meeting at Goodyear HQ

2010 In Review

Well, I accomplished most of my goals and left a few on the table for 2011.

Goals Accomplished:
- Raced in more MTB Races this year
- Road more miles this year
- Kept my A1c below 7.0

Goals yet to be accomplished
- Finishing my first 100km or 100mile MTB race
- Breaking 3,000 miles in a year

2011 Goals are pretty simple a straightforward
- Finish the Mohican MTB 100
- Race in at least 4 races
- Break 3,000 miles
- Keep my A1c below 7.0

I will elaborate more as the year goes on!

Happy New Year!!!

2011 will be great! Look for many more posts this year! Have a great year everyone!