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Steve,
You're almost addicted now (at least to Ridecamp and
finding out everything you can first!). :) I had a terrible pain on
my first 50....thought I just might die. My nurse sister thought I was
having a heart attack (I was only 36 at the time). Turns out I had
displaced a rib. :) Subsequent rides got easier but I have battled
more "soreness" and fatigue than pain. I take MSM which has helped a lot,
especially with joint pain. Arnica montana helps a lot. Also tell
your wife to buy a big tube of A & D ointment and use it liberally in
delicate areas. And keep it with her. :) It does get easier
with time though I'm not sure if you just get used to it or if you just go
numb. :) I have had a good adrenaline rush the last few rides which
helps a lot. I do think different rides will feel differently depending on
terrain and the weather. I did my fastest 50 this year in 4 hours and 42
minutes and felt great but it got colder as the day wore on and rained (I
actually think I saw substance to that rain and suspect it was trying to snow!)
and later, I was VERY stiff and sore...muscle wise. I took a centered
riding lesson last year that taught me TONS. Just having my weaknesses
pointed out and learning how to correct them has saved me A LOT of pain, I am
certain! Changing gaits helps as I get really fatigued on flatter trails
that don't have much variation just doing the same old thing mile after
mile. I prefer a little more challenging course with hills and single
tracks...so does my horse. Keeps you more alert and focused and from
getting bored. :) Some rides are better than others and we all have
trails that we prefer over others and that our horses just do better on. I
think most times I ride on a scale of 2-3 for pain and/or discomfort and
sometimes more but much less nowadays. :) Good luck. JUST DO
IT...and remember what works for one (person or horse) may not work for another
so keep trying until you find what does work!
Maggie
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