Howdy from the Team Bus,
Thanks so much to everyone for the cheers, and comments. It has been quite the experience the last 4-5 days, and the more road we covered, the more Team Type 1 signs we saw. It truly has everyone on the team, mgmt, and staff included extremely proud to be a part of this team.
So how'd it end? When it comes down to it, I was racing against the best of the best in cycling, and doing so after not having done any real racing since last March. That in itself was a challenge, but I was getting through. Ont he early days, we had saran (know idea on spelling) wrap around our shoes, and tape around the wrap on the ankles. This caused my left ankle to flare up. Not so bad on the bike, but miserable walking. On stage 3, this turned into some knee pain, and on stage 4 they were both bad. Excuses, no. I did need to be 100% to have a chance at fighting it out, and I was probably running at 75%. Unfortunately I am not that talented. When it comes to the diabetes, I was close to having it all figured out.
So yesterday, I nailed the Blood sugar before the start., I did 2u of Apidra at breakfast, and took in about 150gm carbs, and a solid amount of protein and fat. I sat at 160 for a bit before starting to trend down. Drank some Gatorade, and got it up to 225 and flat at the start. We took off neutral for a bit, with the sun shining. For the first hour we were going 30+mph non stop. It was crazy, but was feeling ok. I had a Dex 4 liquid blast 10 minutes into the stage, and then a clif shot no too long after that. Legs still ok. Then we hit some rolling hills, and when standing the pain in my knee became somewhat agonizing. It got to the point where I was using just my right leg when standing, and that one was wearing out quickly. At this time, attacks were going left and right, and the field was becoming lined out. Chris Jones got in a solid break with some A+ riders, which unfortunately got caught. It was about this point where we were flying uphill, with no top in sight, that I pulled the plug. It was a tough decision, but a smart one.
The guys road solid, and we got Matti in 13th and Kobza in 18th.
Yesterday's stage had over 11,000ft of climbing in it, and a lot of solid riders did not make the finish either. Had a funny moment on the 3rd stage, when I was catching back up through the cars, and I saw to my left that Lance had stopped to stretch... I was about 10 cars back, when I saw him, and 2 teammates drop back for him. So as he got back on the bike and came by me, and yelled "hop on buddy," which I did. It was nice having the Astana train pull me back up to the front of the field. Good times...
All in all, this has been a great race, a great experience, and hopefully will help jump start me to a higher level. Next on the race docket for me is Tour of Taiwan, March 8-15. It is a cool race, and I am excited to get back and go for some stage wins!!
Last night, I jumped up to 13u Lantus. Which had me good for all but a few hours last night. I am going to switch to 2x day dosage, and see if it smooths me out at the 10:30-1:30 time frame. Will keep you posted. Now it is time to relax a little, recover a lot, and begin to focus on training for the rest of the season. I plan to come back to this race next year, and give em hell, and hopefully have more stories from time off the front, than time off the back...
Thanks so much for your support, and the comments!
Phil
www.TeamType1.org
http://twitter.com/PhilSoutherland
22 comments:
What an awesome experience! Congrats on toughing it out under less-than-perfect circumstances. I've had a blast following you and can't wait to see how the remaining TT1 guys do in the next stages.
Good luck in Taiwan!
What an incredible job. Thanks for sharing your experiences. If I had a third of your determination, I would get a great deal more done.
Phil, You impress me. Good job on staying in the race as long as you did. See ya in Solvang. CHiP
Remember Phil that heros aren't always those who finish first. This is only the beginning. Awesome job bro!
Congratulations on yet another huge accomplishment and thank you for sharing the journey with us. It was amazing to watch that race knowing there were 2 guys with type 1 riding with that crowd, especially given the number of great athletes *without* diabetes that already left the race.
You guys continue to awe and inspire me, and frankly if not for TT1 I probably wouldn't have found the motivation to work through my blood sugar issues on the bike.
Thanks for showing all of us that it's possible to be a world class athlete with type 1 diabetes, I can't wait to see what you do next.
Awesome effort. While road is not my bag (and never has been), it is really weird to see you racing with the World's best. It has been great for me to get to know you again through the blogs and facebook. You needs to know that the Tallahassee crew will always have your back and will help out however we can. Good luck overseas and keep the blog posts coming. Kent aka Red Dragon
At least you had some one-on-one time with Lance! :-)
Wow, what a ride!! Great job! You are so inspiring for other diabetics. What you are doing is showing me that I can probably do more than I think I can. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Phil, you are an inspiration to all...not just people with type 1 or 2. Thank you.
You are still our hero! Well get'em next time! I can't freaking wait to see the rest of the season!!! :)
Do those Astana chumps know who they were riding with?
Hey Phil!
I've never met you in person, and only recently started following your blog. Your thrilling ride at ToC has been nothing short of amazing, especially because you have shared so much of yourself and your experiences. Those with and without Type 1 are equally as awed by your story. You and Fabio are simply AMAZING. As an age grouper triathlete who has learned a lot about dealing with Type 1, all I can say is my helmet is off to you guys....Keep sharing your stories because they are so compelling and inpirational and keep us all on edge wondering where the bar will be lifted to next. I am doing an Alpe d'Huez simulation climb in my Power Spin Class in Marblehead next week with my teammates and Lynn Bessette and Joe leading us on. When I can't go any further, thoughts of you guys will push me upward and onward. Thanks and all the best to you guys in Taiwan! YOU ROCK! ; )
Heard your interview with Frankie and Joe a bit ago on the Amgen tracker--you're the man. Heck of a race; sorry you had to abandon. As a diabetic who loves to ride, your blog is facinating to me! Wish I'd have found it sooner. Thanks for all that you and TT1 are doing. Good luck in Taiwan next month...
dagone saran wrap
you have me hooked on this sport........ and your cause.
T H A N K Y O U
Hey Phil! You have a done a great job and really made great strides for other people out there dealing with diabetes. Thank you for sharing how you have managed your diabetes during the race. I have learned a lot from you.
Next year buddy!
This year was amazing and inspiring. I look forward to seeing what you all do in the months and years to come.
Hey Phil, I'm the wife of a TT1 triathlete (Tom) and I just want to say what an incredible job you and the other TT1 riders have done not only for the sport of cycling, but also for Disbetes. We've enjoyed following your journey and look forward to everything that lies ahead!
You're pretty freaking amazing...
:)
Sound like you gave it a good fight! Best wishes for a successful season and safe travels back home!
Phil, you guys rode hard and put in a solid effort. Good job. With 84 completing, the team numbers look good for the first big race of the year. Keep putting in the miles and keep the rubber down. Look forward to keeping an eye on you guys in Taiwan. See you around.
Always proud of your racing. Thanks for representing Jesse out there ;)
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