I hate that I missed the NH rally, especially after reading the wrap-up and seeing the photos. Looks and sounds like it was a great time. Here's my little saga, or "How my NH weekend completely fell apart..."
I left the office late on Tuesday evening (7/31), after scrambling unsuccessfully to get some stuff resolved before leaving town. My plan was to spend Tuesday night in Virginia, and then make it to Schenectedy Wednesday. So, I get home, finish packing while noticing an annoying tickle in my throat and realizing that I have some work to do tomorrow. Decided, "I can take care of it with a few phone calls in the morning...I'm out of here." Rode a couple of hours, and got a room at the EconoLodge in Roanoke, VA.
When I got there, I have a new voice mail from Matt about meeting up in NY for the last leg to NH. Things are looking up, as I kept trying to clear my throat and got ready to spend the night. "That ac must be blowing right on the bed," I thought as I shivered and crawled under the covers. Next thing I know, I'm awakened by my cell phone ringing next to my head. "Crap...it's already 8:30 and I wanted to be on the road by 7:00!"
The mess I left at work yesterday is NOT resolved, and is more of a mess than it was when I left it yesterday. And, it absolutely must be fixed today (first of the month). I realize now that I should have put together a back-up plan at work. I end up spending close to two hours on the cell phone trying to fix this, and now it's close to 11...and I'm still in Roanoke, VA. On top of that, my joints are aching and that annoying tickle in my throat is now a definite burn in my throat. At this point, I make the decision that this just isn't going to happen this weekend. I tuck my tail between my legs, hang my head, and slink back to NC. I stop on the way, and leave Matt a message of shame to go on without me. When I get home, I send Rob the PM of shame also. Then, I crash on the sofa and wake up a few hours later feeling like crap.
Long story short, I'm now emerging from a days-long fog after a bout with pneumonia...WTF?? I've never had pneumonia in my life...why now? By the way, I learn that this absolutely sucks all the energy out of your body. This was supposed to be week 1 of my ten-week prep for my next half-marathon, and I don't even want to think about running right now.
In retrospect, it was a good call to not push it to make the rally. It was a bad call to not set up better plans for my absense at work...Lesson learned. I won't make the same mistake next month before the Nor-east rally.
I'm glad you guys and gals had a good time at NH. Hope to see everybody at the Nor'east. Ride safe.
Will
