I was reluctant to post this ride because out of respect to my wife, the ride didn’t quite go as planned. After discussing it with her, she encouraged me to post it because she felt it was important to share with others why its critical to 1.) know your limits and listen better to your body, 2.) be prepared as a medical provider as my role shifted from Ride Leader to medical response, and 3.) that “I was right”, a true rarity.
My wife started a new diet about a week ago where in phase one, she limits her carb intake – actually, more like throttles it back to zero – but recently read that the first phase is not necessary for her because she is not trying to get a good grasp on her eating habits; she already eats very healthy and isn’t overweight, but is looking to trim up. For those wondering, the diet was a result of her getting a physical by her PCP who suggested the diet to help trim up while getting regular exercise. Her lab results that the doctor ordered “were perfect” and she is otherwise in tip-top, great condition. My wife is VERY healthy.
The rest of the diet in phase one, along with the zero carbs, has recently caused her to get light headed (extremely low blood sugar), to the point that when she got out of the truck in the parking lot, she got dizzy. This should’ve been a flag and indicator that running the Apache Wash Loop after that while on an empty belly wasn’t wise. About 2 1/2 miles into the loop, she needed a water break, got off the bike, got dizzy, light headed and weak in the knees. Then she passed out while in my arms. I let her down to the ground, ensuring that her legs weren’t precariously under her body weight and wouldn’t injure herself. In the past, I’ve just held on to her with my arms hooked under her’s until she comes to, but I wasn’t prepared for her to pass out this time, so I had to get her to the ground safely.
Thankfully, I had some high-carb snacks and electrolyte powders and was able to stand over her to provide her shade while she recoup’d. All in all, we were trailsided for about 30 minutes before she threw up and regained composure. That always ends up making me feel better, but boy I hate to puke! We decided to turn around and hike the bikes back to the truck until she was comfortable getting back on and riding out.
So, a shorter, less shred kinda ride, but very worth it for the experience and practicality of everything. After all is said and done, lessons learned are well vested. She’s taking phase one less seriously and skipping to two as directed, maintaining hydration, and getting ready to get back out on the trail with more confidence.
Getting old is harshin’ my vibes, man!