I already knew I could have gone further when I crossed the line. Primarily injury had cost me, but a million and one other little things added up to quite a few more miles. Again injury largely contributed to two hours off the bike, but that is way too much! From my first 12, I was well on track for 400miles.
So that desire to go further is burning. Maybe not next year, PBP (possibly on a tandem) is a project that will eat up my energies again (if not on a tandem, I would probably go for a proper time this time around).
I really did #%^* myself up though - I have never had such a hefty cold/cough in my life - I am still very croaky, but am on the way out of it. Clearly my immune system was at such a low by the end that this cold really beat me up.
I had a trip to the clinic that is part of Pearsons in Sheen for a massage - I should have done it earlier, but my sickness was so awful. Nothing ruptured or torn by feel, but some massively swollen muscles. Needless to say, it hurt, but it feels better already. It was also my first trip on bike for 5 days (albeit only 4km each way!). I will attempt a spin out this afternoon, just gentle stuff. I am riding up to my parents in the Peak District next weekend for Le tour, so hopefully everything will be back on track by then.
I may take a leaf out of several long distance TTer's book (including hippy) and use calf guards next time. I must certainly stretch better and all the things we are meant to do. As per many of us, I come from a background of moderate pace for extended periods - pushing things to tempo effort for hours on end is a new game and needs some lessons to be learnt.
I am in no way disappointed with 375 miles (or whatever I end up with officially), it is still beyond my expectations before the event - I had no clue how I could ride 600km in 24 hours. I know I am good for 400 with a little extra luck and no injury. Beyond that, well, depends how hard I work! But, I am still very pleased and proud to have hit that distance.
I am also eyeing up the 12 hour - we will see though, I have some other plans for early September that may make the 12 impossible.
So glad to have ridden the 24 - it is something that more people should consider trying. It is so different to audax (though there are many similarities on the surface), it does make it clear that audax is a different challenge and in most ways much more straightforwards. The mental fortitude that audax has helped me develop certainly helped massively in the 24. It would be very easy to step off the bike on the 24, I nearly did in the last couple of hours. Packing on a long audax might involve big logistical challenges (trains home etc.), whereas it would be easy on the 24. The 'reward' of a control doesn't exist on the 24 (on an audax, ride for 50-80km and you can have a sit down, cup of tea and a bit of cake) - I found that quite tough to reward myself like that.
Amazing feeling afterwards though - still processing having ridden so far (for me) in such a short period of time. Bonkers.
