I had big plans to tackle 50 miles on the bike this morning. I wanted to get my ride in before it got too hot and with enough time to make it to the beach this afternoon to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

My day started off with a 4:45am alarm.

I got up.

Took my very sleepy pup outside.

And made myself my normal pre-run/bike fuel.

I was out the door by 6am and headed to the Suncoast Parkway, about an hour from my house.

I got to the parkway and got my helmet, shoes and sunscreen on, and took my bike out of the back of the truck. When I put the wheel back on I realized I was missing the cap to my wheel’s axel.

There was no way I was riding with out it.

For the next 30 minutes I searched everywhere in the back of the truck. Unable to find it I started to get incredibly frustrated. Holding back tears I asked the guy in the car next to me if he had a flash light I could borrow. He helped me search under the seats and under the car. It was nowhere to be found.

I got back in my car and called my Mom in tears. I’m pretty sure I scared her half to death with my sobbing so early in the morning but quickly got out the reason for my frustrations.

It was ridiculous. I realize this is not a matter that someone should hysterically cry over, trust me. But, I couldn’t stop. My Mom offered to go to my house and get the extra axel and meet me half way. Have I mentioned my Mother is incredible?

On the drive to meet her I started thinking about why I was so upset. It was frustrating, yes, but what was the reason for the full-blown meltdown?

The best explanation I can come up with is that it was a culmination of things. The stress of the morning, mixed with my exhaustion from training, topped with my nerves about my fast approaching 70.3 all hit me in that one moment. This all led me to blubbering, over an axel.

I pulled myself together and decided I couldn’t let it ruin my morning. It was now several hours later than I had planned to get out on the bike but I was dammed determined to do it.

The weather actually wasn’t too bad today. It was hot but not nearly as bad as it’s been. I was really comfortable on the bike and immediately felt better. It’s amazing how a little sweat can turn your mood around.

I made my first stop at mile 20 and had some Gu chomps.

By mile 30 I felt like I needed something more so I stopped and had a Bonk Breaker.

That was the last stop I made. I felt a lot better on this ride than the last 50-miler I did two weeks ago.

After my ride I came home and got ready for the beach. I was a little late but still made it out there. The weather was beautiful and it was a great way to unwind after a hectic morning.

While laying in the sun I realized my bike had left me a reminder of this morning’s ride.

What can ya do?

Have you ever gotten really upset over something ridiculous? Do you find there is usually an underlying reason?