Bikes, Butterflies and Bonk!

Sunday was a beautiful day here in Texas,. It was warm with a slight breeze as my hubby and I headed out on a 20 mile mountain bike ride!

We always try to plan something outdoors, that brings us back to a bit of the normalcy we loved so much before the hospitalization and chemo began back in November.
We spent the first week off with the flu, not exactly the plan, second week off, we got away to Oklahoma and did some hiking, 4 miles day one and 8 miles on day two. It was just what we needed!

This third week off we decided to ride 20 miles. It felt wonderful from the moment we hit the trail! The trees, fresh air,breeze, and riding the trails
all  felt great! One thing I kept noticing were all the butterflies that seemed to ride right along with us, a sure sign of Spring. It felt so good and calming to be out there.

We rode in 6 miles to a rest area and decided I still felt good, so onward to the next rest area at 10 miles. Here we had lunch and rested for a while.

As we headed back the first thing we noticed was how that wonderful "breeze" that had been at our backs was now wind straight on!
I knew I was in trouble right away. I rode for a mile or two and then just got off my bike and started walking with it. I was spent...nothing left. Tried taking a gel shot, it helped a bit with energy but my body was telling me "you are done". BONK!
We made it back to the first rest stop and with an enormous feeling of defeat told my hubby I could not go any further. We had rode 14 miles at this point. So, I waited while he rode the remaining 6 miles back to our car and drove back to pick me and my bike up.
He said those last 6 miles were brutal and we were both happy with the decision to have me wait.
Sometimes it is hard to know where that line is between  Butterflies and Bonk. Listening to my body telling me to stop was essential. No matter how bad I wanted to finish.
The following day, Monday was chemo day. I did not feel well going into nor coming out of chemo this time. My body was simply not getting the rest it needed.
So, lesson learned. I know there needs to be a balance and we will continue to  get outdoors and do the things we love...just maybe at a different pace for now.

On the other side; My muga scan did come back showing some improvement with my heart, still not in normal range but moving in the right direction!
The first of 3 tumour marker tests came back yesterday. My CEA has dropped again down to 10! This is great news and great praise! It started at 347 before chemo,then dropped to 77 and now to 10!

2 Corinthians Chapter 12

⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.