Roswell, New Mexico

July 11
Roswell, New Mexico

I've been really sick.
A couple of nights ago I started to feel hot and feverish and had a lot of trouble getting to sleep. I was alternately hot and cold all night. Even though it was really hot in the gym where we were staying, I woke up in the morning curled up in my sleeping back, shivering. I wanted to ride that day but Nick, our Project Manager, insisted that I go to the hospital. The team's in pretty bad shape: with my addition, we had a full van of guys for the trip.
After some tests, I was diagnosed with a virus called Entranitis. Basically, my body is working really hard to flush the virus out so it's really difficult for me to retain fluids, so dehydration is compounding the fact that I have a virus. I spent a few hours in the hospital getting an IV and resting. Afterwards, all the invalids were picked up and taken to a friendship visit. I wasn't doing too great and spent most of my time in the car. We're heading to lodging now. I fully intend on sleeping as soon as I get there.

July 12
I think the worst is over with. My body is still having trouble regulating my temperature and I'm really weak but I'm not wishing I were unconscious like I have been so I'm getting better. It's tough to stay awake for more than an hour at a time. I got back to lodging at about 5 yesterday and proceeded to sleep until about 11 this morning. All in all, I've probably been asleep for 24 of the last 30 hours. It's been a rough couple of days but I'm glad I was just able to focus on fighting through it.
I'm not sure if I'll ride tomorrow or not yet. A lot of people (mother included) want me to rest but isn't this the time and the place to really try and push through everything?