Essentially my demise began the first day. I allowed my core temperature to rise to an unhealthy level. On the first night on the climb out of the Rio Grande Valley, my night crew got the fireworks show of a lifetime! Living color projectile vomit from the bike followed by at least forty-five minutes of convulsions on the bike (poor Aaron Rumple had to clean the bike). I recommend that this is NOT the way to start RAAM.
I spent the rest of the race (as it was) trying to recover my electrolyte balance. By the third day I had developed what I fondly called a 'belly- ball'. It looked as though I had swallowed a watermelon, my legs looked like stumps (I couldn't see any muscle cuts, fluid filled the voids). I couldn't see the bones and tendons in my wrists. I was not urinating though I had plenty of fluid on-board.
By the time I had reached Wolf Creek Pass, I was beginning to lose my mind. The chemical imbalance was causing me to be irrational. I rested for a couple of hours on the mountain, woke up and tried to begin anew. I still had the belly-ball (Wyatt quickly claimed non-responsibility, he said, "It's not mine, I've been fixed"). So that was the big joke. By the time I reached Cuchara, I again was losing mind control. I vaguely remember descending, I was really concerned for my well-being. Then suddenly a switch clicked, I felt terrific for about 10 minutes. That's not enough.
Well, this imbalance began to take its toll. My tissues became weak and they began to breakdown. First my crotch, then my feet. I rode briefly on a 'Muffy' saddle but we didn't have the right seatpost to get the correct adjustment. I went to a Spenco gel saddle cover and this worked for a while. I developed several hematoma on the bottoms of my feet. In Ft Smith my crew went out to get flat pedals with toe clips so that I could wear my street sneakers (I was wearing them and using my Look pedals at the time, dangerous but necessary as I could no longer wear cycling shoes).
I went along pretty well with this set-up. I still had the belly-ball. With some advice from Rob Sime's (my medical guy) wife Ann, the crew pushed potasium and water. My legs were becoming recognizable and I was peeing every 30 minutes (this all was good because it indicated that recovery had begun). But the damage had been done. Soon, I couldn't stand the saddle sores, they had become deep and numerous. I stopped in Conway Ark intending to quit the race. The crew got another seat post for the Muffy saddle and bought another pair of shoes for variety (an addition to the Amelda collection).
I set out again after five hours off the bike. I felt pretty good for the first hour or so. Team Bicycling passed me. I spoke briefly with Lon and Pete, Joanne cheered me from the side of the road. This helped but I was too far gone. At one point I explained to the crew that if I could finish this RAAM, this would be my personal crowning achievement; better than the trans-con record. This was so hard that if I could finish this I would be so proud regardless of the time. I couldn't do it.
I had the motivation but my body rebelled. The ball of my right foot was purple and the pain was excruciating. The saddle sores were so bad that now, almost a week later, I am a little apprehensive about mounting the bike.
I made the decision to stop, the crew concurred. It was very heartbreaking. I got off the bike and went around the back of the van. I saw my 161, I reached out and stroked the number. I thought to myself with tears steaming down my face, 'This is the last one, number 161 will no longer race. You have failed yourself. Your last one and this is what you have done with it.' I broke down and cried. I ached inside and out.
We went to a motel in Lonoake Ark, slept then headed toward Savannah. I needed to be there. I needed to see and feel the triumphs of the other racers. They did not let me down! I love this race! I love the RAAM family. I felt honored to welcome the racers into the elite family of solo RAAM finishers. I got to hold the ribbon for Rob, Dave and Jeff. I got to see Jeff finish with a great rookie time!
So the question remains: Will I be back next year? Well, when I was on the road, I told Shermer (as usual) that this is my last race. I will not forget the pain, I will not do it again. As I watched the others come in, I began to soften. Okay, I will do it in '98 or '99 depending on when Wyatt wants to go. I called Wyatt (he was home already) and told him this. There was a long pause...He said, "You'll be back next year.". I was quiet, then I said no, '98 or '99. He said, "Muffy will be back next year and you won't let her have it so easily.". I was quiet then said, "How can you know me so well?". So now I am writing proposals for next year...
My crew this year was terrific! Rob Sime, Perry Smith, Cynthia Livingston, Patrick Brady, Terry and Jan Wilson, Andrew Bohannon, Aaron Rumple, Mark Patten and, of course, Wyatt Wood. They were willing to give 110% and I knew it and felt it. I had the moral support that riders can only dream of. I thank each and everyone of you for your committiment and support. RAAM is a team effort, and I had the best!
I have four crew members lined up for next year and I am looking for more. I will carefully screen each volunteer to hone the strongest team possible. Please send inquiries to me, I will not need a committement until Dec 31. So if you are interested do not feel shy if you cannot yet make a committment. Obviously, there are no guarentees but I will bust my butt (literally) for another championship. Wyatt will not be able to crew next year but if I recruit enough experience, we ought to be able to do well in his absence.
Here's to another year.... Seana