1130 miles. Charlotte did fine. I think I’m suffering from dehydration. I had the worst leg cramps I ever had through most of last night. I was thinking I wasn’t going to be able to ride today. But, they seemed to go away around 2 am. I drank lots of liquids (and not beer) last night after checking into the hotel and all through the night. I had to keep getting up out of bed and tried to walk the cramps off. It helped a little, but not enough. I was even contemplating a trip to the emergency room. But I finally was able to sleep a couple of hours.
Needless to say, I drank a lot of fluids today. I found a little cubby hole place where I could keep a bottle of water on the bike, so that helped. I still feel exhausted and my legs ache, but not like last night. (I think it’s the muscles that were cramping overnight that ache now.) I guess we’ll see if I get those cramps again tonight. At least I don’t have to get up early tomorrow so I can sleep in.
Now I’m off to the airport here in St. Louis to retrieve my car which I left there Tuesday… expecting to be back Friday.
I should resume regular posting tomorrow.
Thanks for hanging in there while I was gone.
11 comments:
Welcome back.
I have seen and heard in a number of places that adding a bit of salt to water you drink when are exercising or under stress really helps the body to absorb the water.
Years ago, I ran some marathons, and a noted execise doctor was touting this. As far as I can see, it really works. I use about an eighth of a teaspoon of salt in 16 oz of water. I often toss the salt in my mouth and chase it with thewater.
Eating a few bananas for the potassium and something high in calcium couldn't hurt as well.
We need you in top shape to keep those Bit's & Pieces coming!!
The Scoop About a BANANA...
After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again!
Bananas Contains three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration have just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work:
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
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Regular posting is great, but I've enjoyed reading about your adventure!
Hey, we're all patient out here. This is my most regular site to check out, lots of funny stuff and yet usually clean. When you've had a crappy day its good to have a laugh. Hope you enjoy the new bike and don't always get leg cramps.
Your blog is one of the best on the web! You find the best and most interesting stuff.
I thought this website was about jokes not a blog site. Disappointed to see a blog on this site.
Please ignore the post above from Anonymous. I think most of us would in Miss Cellania camp. I like the bits but wish you blogged more.
PS so happy your home safe and sound.
your learning...heat and motorcycles really don't go together, sure you can ride in hot weather but can become dehydrated very quickly. It is best to keep a jacket on, even if it's just a wind breaker, so that your shirt can get saturated with sweat... why???
Because when you ride in hot weather you sweat, and the air flow around you evaporates from your body even though you might not feel wet at all.
It's very important to wear something to retain your sweat and of course drink lots of liquids. Salt can help or even a sports drink.
With dehydration also comes fatigue, and or poor decision making when it comes to split decision making on the road...
So to keep Safe on the road... Keep covered up , if you sweat, you sweat... Don't peel off clothing... Keep it on, and be safe, along with drink lots of fluids... And take breaks, keep your alertness at peak performance... It could save your life...
Lenn R. Neal
PS... I'm impressed on your mileage... got me beat, per day...
Speaking of the hazards of riding a motorcycle, have you seen this? Another reason to wear a helmet.
http://www.evilchili.com/mediaview/13373/Deer_Jumps_Over_A_Biker
I suffer from cramp in my calves on and off quite a bit due to my illness and what works really well is Quinine. If you can buy it over the counter then do that but if not you can get a smaller dose in Tonic Water if you can bear the taste of it.
Works great for me.
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