For the first time in a LONG time. I had a huge weight lifted off my back.
Last year when I dnf'ed I felt horrible about it. I swore I'd be back to get that dnf monkey off my back. But last year my life was much different. Ironman was all I did. It was my identity. Over the last year my life has changed dramatically. I'd like my new identity to be getting women riding. And of course maybe into triathlon as well.
Going into this race I was doing it for others. Because they were so excited for me and thought it was soo cool that I did Ironman. You know the whole "chubby girl does Ironman" thing. But I now realize that deep down in my belly- I didn't want it. To put your body through the months of training and extreme pain, you really have to want it.
So I'll hang up my ironman shoes for awhile and focus on helping others. Maybe in a couple of years I'll be ready to race one again. Who knows, maybe the move to November will be better??

On another note..

I was sad to see that Laura didn't finish. But from what all my friends said, it was BRUTAL. They said the day just got worse. When the winds died down the temp's spiked. So you got beat down by the wind, and then finished off in the oven... UGH..
I hope she's ok. She made it far considering the conditions and that she'd been sick.
{{{{{{{Laura}}}}}}}}}}