We all struggle. We all slip-up, backslide or fall off that proverbial wagon. Yesterday, I did. If you've read my bio you know I am a Cyclist. I registered for the Horrible Hundred, a ride event put on by the Florida Freewheelers in Clermont, Florida. Clermont is home to Sugarloaf "Mountain" which is about as close as we get to any true peaks. I signed up for the 70 mile option. This ride was exactly as advertised - Horrible. I completed the ride. My failure was my fuel and nutrition. On Saturday, the day before the ride, I drove the three hours to Clermont. Thought I'd visit some friends, get to sleep early and hit the road. I met an old friend for lunch and had dinner out with another friend. I ordered well, but it wasn't enough. Not for a 70 mile bike ride. On Sunday morning, I could barely get one of my usual pre-ride waffles down. Between the nerves of the task before me, sleeping in a strange bed without my dogs and husband, I was an absolute basket case. I managed to get some coffee at the start line, which helped. At the aid stations, I had bananas, a shot of pickle juice and some soda. I kept refilling my bottles with water and electrolytes. I did have a pocket full of gels. If you're not familiar, gels are used by many endurance athletes as a quick and convenient full source. Easy to consume while running or cycling without stopping. It's mostly sugar sometimes with a little caffeine, a bit larger than a ketchup packet with the same consistency. Super sweet and they come in many flavors. Not the best plan, but it does what it's supposed to. My specific failure? I didn't plan enough. The days leading up I didn't plan meals or snacks. I'm usually better than that, but I slipped-up this time. I was excited to see friends I hadn't seen in ages and see a new place. 

I did finish. I thought about quitting many, many times. But, we kept on. The post-ride lunch was not appealing to me at all. I appreciate the offerings of BBQ pulled pork, potato salad and Mac and cheese, but not after many long hours on a bike. I had a bag of chips and a bottle of water. I drove home depleted. My husband made chicken Caesar salad for dinner and it was perfect! Everything I wanted. 

My advice for trips, rides, races or other activities? Plan ahead. Google restaurants ahead of time, check out their menus. This will help you stay on track and keep the focus on the activity not your diet and nutrition. Don't say no to a night out with friends, just play it safe and plan ahead.