Mike Across America

Today was my first visit into the environmental chamber at Sanford’s National Institute for Athletic Health and Performance. This 300 sq. foot room looks like a “meat locker” to me. The difference is instead of being a cold environment – it’s a hot environment. The staff at the Institute can manipulate the temperature and humidity from 40 to 120 degrees and 0-100% humidity. Today they simulated the desert of southern California – 105 degrees with 25% humidity. I rode at 170 watts for 1 hour. My average Heart rate was 130 and average cadence was 93. I lost 2.6 lbs while riding. After calculating my sweat loss and fluids consumed during the ride, they determined I sweated at a rate of 2.3 liters per hour. I need to drink more when riding!! The staff will analyze my sweat to determine how much sodium and electrolytes and in what proportion I lost. Then they can advise me on what I need to do to help replace the fluid and minerals to maximize my performance. I’ll be going back into the “chamber” several more times in the upcoming months with different temperatures and humidity to calculate these same factors. So on June 9, 2010 I’ll be ready to face the temperature/humidity in RAAM as efficiently as possible. Stay tuned.

It was a great time having Dick Beardsley here Feb. 23-25. For those of you who don’t remember, or never knew, Dick ran a 2:08:53 marathon at the Boston marathon in 1982. It was the “Duel In The Sun” race between Dick and Alberto Salazar. Go to U-tube and search for it – you won’t be sorry. Dick shared that experience along with the trials he has endured since then, which make the 2:08:53 seem “easy” in comparison. Go to his website – dickbeardsleyfoundation.org to learn more about Dick and his amazing life. If you were able to attend one of his presentations, you know what an inspiring person Dick is. If you know Dick personally – you already knew it! Dick did a great job in promoting my RAAM participation and the fund-raising we are doing. We are using RAAM to bring awareness and funding to the Sanford Research Centers at Sanford Medical Center and Dick’s foundation, the Dick Beardsley Foundation. Click the links on this site to learn more about them. Please help us by making a contribution and a huge thanks to the many of you who already have.

On February 27 I’m planning an 8 hour ride at Endurance Fitness (Benson Rd./I-29). Jason and Amy Miller, the owners, have graciously agreed to host the ride and they are inviting anyone who want to come and be part of the day to join me. The are requesting a $10 donation (going toward my fund-raising) to ride anytime with me between 8:00am to 4:00pm. They have 11 Le Mond bikes that riders can use or you can bring your own bike and trainer. If you plan on using one of their bikes, call 274-1900 to reserve your time. They have a DVD projector so biking videos will help to make the time pass quickly. Having riders with me on these long indoor sessions really helps me get through the 8 hours. Bring some fluid/calories and a good attitude and we will have fun!

Dick Beardsley and I have known each other since 1978. We were team-mates at SDSU and became best friends. Dick and I have shared many great experiences together and some not so great. Dick is well known for his “Duel In the Sun” Boston marathon in 1982 when he and world record holder, Alberto Salazar, pushed each other to one of the closest and fastest marathons ever. Dick was on my crew when I qualified for RAAM last year. His support was critical to my success. When things were not going well for me, Dick’s positive spirit and energy kept me going. He has agreed to be on my RAAM crew this summer. He is also coming to Sioux Falls on Feb.23 through the 25th to help promote my ride and aid in fund raising. Dick and I will be at SDSU – Rotunda D on the campus – Feb. 23 at 7:00pm. We will be at Sanford Wellness Center from 11-1 and Family Wellness from 5:00-6:30 on Feb. 24 and Schroeder Auditorium in Sanford Hospital at 6:45pm on Feb. 25. If you want to be inspired/motivated/entertained come and meet Dick. When people ask me how I’m going to be able to ride 3000 miles in 12 days or less, I tell them – “I have Dick Beardsley on my crew”.

The “Bicycle Dreams movie night” was held on Feb. 11 at Uno Zoni’s and was attended my approximately 52 cycling enthusiasts/friends. To say the movie was riveting is an understatement! It really shows and explains what the Race Across America (RAAM) is all about. A big thanks to all who came and to Uno Zoni’s for hosting us.

There is always something to be working on for RAAM. Obviously, training never ends – except if I’m ill – like this week. Another cold forces me to take a break. I really don’t mind a 5-7 day break to shake a cold. Some people train through them – that has never worked well for me. I just relax and try to enjoy a forced rest. I always wonder if I’m training too hard and my immune system weakens enough to let a cold virus take root. Or if it’s just “bad luck” that I was exposed to a virus and “caught it”?

Whatever the case I don’t sweat these temporary “vacations” from the indoor trainer. Missing a week here or there will not make or break my race in June.

We now have our lodging at the start and finish lines arranged. Mary Coordt, a very good friend and 2:44 marathoner, has arranged two homes for us near Oceanside, CA to stay in prior to the start. We have motel rooms reserved at the finish in Annapolis, MD (we will also use the RV until Monday, June 21). The vehicle rentals are confirmed (2 vans and a 25 foot RV) and the crew are making their travel arrangements – one way flights to San Diego, CA and from Baltimore, MD to home.

I meet with Dr. Verle Valentine, Sports Medicine Medical Director this week about medical equipment/needs for RAAM and I’m hosting the “Bicycle Dreams” movie on Thursday, Feb. 11 at Uno Zoni’s in Sioux Falls.

This is really just the big stuff. Now the finer details about equipment, nutrition, sleep cycles, training, etc. will continue right up until the start. Plans, Plans, Plans!!