Blue, congrats on a good finish. You finished, amoungst a tough group. You could've thrown in the towel with the pain you were in, but you didn't and that means a lot. You didn't DNF.
I can't tell you how many times I've been out on a course and thought what the hell am I doing here. I've been in races where I've spent more time in the porta potties than the run course. RnR is right, you suited up and that makes you better than most. Not only that, you finished under tough circumstances.
Congratulations. You're tough.
Living life like there's no tomorrow.
http://gorgebikefitter.com/
2007 Look Dura Ace
2010 Custom Tonic cross with discs, SRAM
2012 Moots YBB 2 x 10 Shimano XTR
2014 Soma B-Side SS