Less than four days to IM#2...

[Veronica]

Wow! Two IVs! That's some determination! You've got to be pleased with the swim and bike times, significant improvement there.

I figure if you need medical attention, stopping is a really good idea.

I really like halfs and will probably never do a full IM. Although your first IM kind of inspired me to become a triathlete. You and Running Mommy and Wahine - you all made it sound so attractive.

Veronica

[Tri Girl]

Although your first IM kind of inspired me to become a triathlete. You and Running Mommy and Wahine - you all made it sound so attractive.

That's very sweet, V. Thank you for saying that.
Running Mommy and Wahine were very inspirational to me, too.
What happened to them??? I am a fan of RM's bike shop on FB and see their posts so I know the shop is doing well, but I miss hearing from her and Wahine on TE.

[winddance]

Ya'll are very inspirational to me as well, as I'll be working towards my first triathlon (a wee, baby one!) next Spring. I've never been a runner. Or a swimmer. But this is challenging me in new ways and I really appreciate your sharing your experiences.

You're amazing!

[Tri Girl]

a wee, baby one!

no such thing as a wee, baby triathlon. EVERY race, no matter how long or short is a challenge! Anytime anyone says: I'm *just* doing the half, or a sprint or olympic or whatever, I tell them to NEVER say *just*. Getting out there and doing it is an amazing accomplishment in and of itself!! Overcoming obstacles, committing to a race and following through to make it to the starting line is what it's all about.

Good luck in your training for your upcoming tri!!

[indysteel]

I am not a triathlete nor do I hope to be, but you guys amaze me nevertheless. Kudos to you for all your training and hard work. I know the race didn't go as planned, but good for you for knowing when to stop and for not beating yourself up over it. In my mind, that alone makes you a winner.

[Tri Girl]

I should have said I got 2 liters of IV fluid- not two IV's. I wasn't quite thinking correctly.

Just as a side note: yesterday after work I went back to the lake where I raced, got back on the course at the exact spot I got in the golf cart and DNF'd and finished those last 8.1 miles. I had texted a friend earlier in the day telling her I was going to finish my IM, and she called my husband and a dozen friends who showed up at the lake and surprised me by walking those last 8.1 miles with me. Then as I was coming to the spot where the finish line is- there were even MORE friends with pom poms, cowbells, a toilet paper finish line banner- cheering and screaming for me. I have the BEST friends EVER!!! My good friend even gave me her finisher's medal (which I gave back- but it was super sweet of her to do that).
I finished what I started. I had to. Although I don't regret DNF'ing, I had to finish that darn race- even if it was 2 days later. I had 5 friends come walk that last 8.1 miles with me who did the full IM on Saturday. I'm truly blessed!!!

[Veronica]

That's pretty cool!

Veronica

[SLash]

This has to be the best story of this year's Redman, I love this!

[kacie tri-ing]

I should have said I got 2 liters of IV fluid- not two IV's. I wasn't quite thinking correctly.

Just as a side note: yesterday after work I went back to the lake where I raced, got back on the course at the exact spot I got in the golf cart and DNF'd and finished those last 8.1 miles. I had texted a friend earlier in the day telling her I was going to finish my IM, and she called my husband and a dozen friends who showed up at the lake and surprised me by walking those last 8.1 miles with me. Then as I was coming to the spot where the finish line is- there were even MORE friends with pom poms, cowbells, a toilet paper finish line banner- cheering and screaming for me. I have the BEST friends EVER!!! My good friend even gave me her finisher's medal (which I gave back- but it was super sweet of her to do that).
I finished what I started. I had to. Although I don't regret DNF'ing, I had to finish that darn race- even if it was 2 days later. I had 5 friends come walk that last 8.1 miles with me who did the full IM on Saturday. I'm truly blessed!!!

I am SO inspired. Amazing spirit. Really!!! I am a fan. I would have been crying and crying. Thank you for sharing.

[Blueberry]

TriGirl-

That's awesome!! How very cool - so glad you finished, and that your friends were so supportive. You have some amazing friends.

[Tri Girl]

Thanks, everyone.

I put a race report on my blog (link below) if you're interested.

[Blueberry]

Thanks! I love reading race reports I'll add your blog to my reader - I need more bike-centric blogs!

[GLC1968]

I should have said I got 2 liters of IV fluid- not two IV's. I wasn't quite thinking correctly.

Just as a side note: yesterday after work I went back to the lake where I raced, got back on the course at the exact spot I got in the golf cart and DNF'd and finished those last 8.1 miles. I had texted a friend earlier in the day telling her I was going to finish my IM, and she called my husband and a dozen friends who showed up at the lake and surprised me by walking those last 8.1 miles with me. Then as I was coming to the spot where the finish line is- there were even MORE friends with pom poms, cowbells, a toilet paper finish line banner- cheering and screaming for me. I have the BEST friends EVER!!! My good friend even gave me her finisher's medal (which I gave back- but it was super sweet of her to do that).
I finished what I started. I had to. Although I don't regret DNF'ing, I had to finish that darn race- even if it was 2 days later. I had 5 friends come walk that last 8.1 miles with me who did the full IM on Saturday. I'm truly blessed!!!

OMG, I just totally teared up reading this! You DO have awesome friends and you have an awesome spirit. I'm so impressed with your ability to stick to reason and do what's right for you. And then to go finish it anyway? That's pure gold!

Really, really inspirational story!

(I too, will likely never do a full IM and I'm only going to consider a half if we stop doing the farm thing, so you are a few steps ahead of me in the dedication department!)

[indysteel]

I'm so impressed with your ability to stick to reason and do what's right for you. And then to go finish it anyway? That's pure gold!

Add me to the impressed list. That's a wonderful story from start to finish; thank you for sharing.

[redrhodie]

You have great friends. That's so nice.

And BTW, you look fantastic. You look like an athlete.