After today's session I thought I would try Club Lime's steam room. My legs were a little smashed and I was feeling the hurt towards the end of today's ride. Actually the hurt was a good feeling, I can usually tell when I'm ready for a 24 hour and I get the legs where they feel like they can just keep it going even if they do hurt ;), it is a good sign. But I've only just got myself back to a good level (after the setbacks) and there is still a long way to go to be pushing it too hard.
So it was my first time in the cooker and I have to say I suffered. I felt OK but within a few minutes my heart rate was up over 140 I was dripping sweat, and lying with my legs elevated was making my toes feel like they were on fire. I held in there for another 5 minutes till I went for some cool air. It is not one thing that takes it out of you just it all put together. I did this a 2 more times till I thought I heard an oven timer go off. I took me a few minutes till my skin went back to a normal color and I started to feel good again, it really made me feel like I had a fever.
So why do it?
Eliminate toxins
Rejuvenate and hydrate the skin
Boost the immune system
Enhance the respiratory system
Relieve stress and relax muscles
And hopefully increase red blood cells
I also had the feel good feeling you get after a hard session. So for less than 30 minutes of time there are plenty of benefits to be had. Plus it is something slightly different to jumping in the spa and squirting myself with massage jets :).
So overall things have been slowly coming back together and really been enjoying the riding. Did a solid session with Jase and Gary over a week ago now but it definitely pushed me to my limits and the fun factor was right up there. Another solid session with Clayton over the weekend pushing hard through the whole ride.
Plus a new bike a Giant XTC 29er the new 2011 model that has already seen about 15 hours in just over a week, but more on that later. Still deciding what I will ride for this weekend at the single track mind 7 hour at stromlo, I'm hoping to either have my new freehub arrive for the powertap (which is now setup for the 29er), or my new saddles, I don't expect they will be here by then though.
Haematocrit level will definitely rise when you are dehydrated. Not quite the same as blood boosting though! Hot \ Cold therapy is one of the best ever recovery things that you can do for your body! Looks like things are looking good for October!
ReplyDeleteHope so :), funny you say that about hot/cold as I was looking at the showers in my little breaks thinking maybe I should have a cold one.
ReplyDeletea quick question - i am seriously thinking about the giant 29er. i do lots of enduro riding, less technical. also do lots of tough climbing. any views around on the pros/cons of a 29er? any advice greatly appreciated. alex
ReplyDeleteHey Alex,
ReplyDeleteI love both bikes, F/S 26er's for the tight track's and 29er's for the open faster tracks. 29er's are great for steep climb's with the extra grip and the hub being higher you don't get the front lifting or the rear wheel slipping. They can also hold a higher speed with the momentum of the bigger wheel. But the 26er's accelerate quicker and are easier to throw around in the tight stuff. The Giant 29er HT is a great bike especially for the $$. I don't think anyone would regret buying one unless they were wanting something super quick for XC racing in single track, the 29er will still do it just not as fast and playful as some. Hope it helps.