IM AZ....DNF also

[knapplaura]

Well,
My IM AZ did not go as planned....was sick the week prior, got to Phoenix at midnight on Thursday.

The swim was a PR by 2 minutes but not nearly what I was hoping for (1:40 versus 1:30). But the day got worse....on the bike my stomach felt sloshy after I hit the water and a gel. Dropped my electrolytes (all but 12 emergency reserve and not enough) in mile 4 of the bike. Backed off fluids for 30 minutes, and it did not resolve. So backed off for the first hour and started Perpetuem and water, my usual. Well, Perpetuem was making me sick, so I switched to water and gatorade but was really low on salt. Was fighting the urge to puke the whole bike ride. The winds were 20+mph as Denise said, headwind uphill.

Getting off the bike felt so shaky, but started on the run. Bike time was at the low end of my expectations, but given 20mph+ winds I was glad to be off of it.

Stomach was upset starting the run, and I tried to scavenge some salt tabs in transistion since I did not pack extra in the run bag (HUGE MISTAKE). Well, struggled to drink water and gatorade and hit the porta john at mile 8 or so. Well, when I got out I was disoriented and a volunteer pointed me the wrong way so I 'restarted' lap 1 at around mile 4 or something. I did not figure this out till much later, when I realized I had been running forever and passed the same points twice but never passed the "Finish" right, 2-3rd laps left sign.

At around 7 p.m. I puked my guts out 3 times running down the sidewalk to the big bridge....it was awesome...gripping the chain link fence and hurling away! And staggering towards a volunteer and hurling some more! Felt better afterwards, so started to run /walk (stupid again) and drink coke and water. Still not enough salt, and that chicken broth tasted sour.

Well, kept going and at race mile 18 saw my mom and a good friend (who flew in from New York to watch). I broke down crying to see them and asked if they would be disappointed if I quit. At that point I had to do 1 lap in 2:00 or so. I was just about to officially start my third lap although I had been on the run course for over 6 hours already with my wrong turn /extra miles. We walked together for 2 miles and they said they would walk with me as long as I wanted them to. Well, at mile 20 I started dry heaving again and just broke down at the aid station. A volunteer tried to convince me to keep going, to walk 6 miles in 1:20 but I just fetl like it was impossible.

I pulled the plug and went to the aid station....and then the emergency room for 3 IVs when I started puking in the hotel room. I talked to my sister, a Physicians Assistant, and she said I made the right call that I could have suffered an even more sever injury by pressing on.

I honestly feel like I made the best choice I could but it is a bitter pill to swallow. I was so afraid my family and friends, especially those who travelled to spectate, would be disappointed in me. But they all were so supportive and loving. I did learn alot....last year I had almost a perfect race and I sort of got cocky and sloppy in my planning.

I learned so much; I am not eager to sign up for another full IM yet; maybe a few halfs? IM AZ in November is about the soonest I even want to think about going that long again. My good friend is doing Placid this summer (she came to watch me) and I want to support her and hope she does not make my mistakes.

thanks for the support,
Laura

[snapdragen]

You know, both you and Denise amaze me. The thought of doing a tri boggles my mind, and an Ironman just floors me.

As far as I'm concerned, you are both Ironwomen.

[salsabike]

Laura, you got so far under such demanding conditions! I hope you are really proud of that--I think you should be, and your strength and determination is inspiring to me.

[Wahine]

Laura - What a greuling day. I'm so glad you pulled the plug. It could have been so much worse. Sorry you didn't finish but it's more important that you are healthy and capable of recovery. You could have done permanent damage.

What a brutal day!!

[Tri Girl]

Laura, you are one tough and smart cookie! I admire your decision to stop when you body told you to, and not keep going on like your mind probably wanted to. It's soooo hard to DNF (I've done it), but especially at an IM. I hurt for you, but I'm sooooooo very proud of you!!!!!
Thanks for sharing your race experience with us. We're all so proud of you for making it so long under pretty brutal conditions!

[Grog]

Admirable decision Laura... My first thoughts were for you when I woke up this morning. Glad you're okay.

[Blueberry]

Laura-

Both you and Denise still ROCK!

It takes a lot of courage to try an Ironman, more to finish, and even more to walk away when the time is right. I think you both did that!

Congratulations!!

CA