Race Schedule and Results

Monday, August 30, 2010

Well...

The short version is I did what ever athlete hates to do...

A big fat DNF.

BUT, there's a lot to the long story. Like the 96 degree high. Or the 90% humidity. Or running out of water at the 80 and 95 mile aid stations (meaning we got some around 65 and then again at 106). Or the shortage of sag vehicles and ambulances because there were mounds (and I'm not exaggerating here) of people laying all over the roads.

Oh, and the fact that 28% of the other participants DNF'ed. Yep, you read that right - 838 people started the race and didn't finish.

To put it lightly, it sucked and was BY FAR the worst day of my life athletically.

But I'm strong and am slowly accepting the cards that I was handed.

I'll write a huge long report with the gory details in the next few days. Thanks for following me and all the support! You guys are awesome! :)

14 comments:

Stevi N. Honaker said...

Colleen- I am soooooo thankful you were not one of those athletes on the side of the road. Pushing ourselves to a certain limit as recreational athletes has some give and take.

I was getting really worried about you and the reports of what was happening on the ground were not good. Please stay stong...I know this had to be so hard for you. I'm soooo proud of you for all of your training and I think you told me it is about the journey. You had one heck of a journey, and yes this too will only make you stronger. ((((HUGS))))

Alisa said...

As I said, I've been a lurker for awhile now. My heart goes out to you. However, you are STRONG and you know you are strong.

There were lots and lots of reports about the conditions. Definitely HARSH.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts when you feel like posting them.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I heard about how bad it was on the course, I am glad you are ok health wise, there are always other races, other events, this will just make you that much stronger. The fact you were out there, doing it, is more then what 99% of the world is doing. I am still impressed by you.

Lori said...

I am so proud of you for recognizing when you had hit your limit...like Stevi said, this will only make you stronger!

Jon said...

I had no idea that the conditions were that epically bad! What a bummer! We all know you are MORE than capable of doing these, it just wasn't your day.

There will always be another Ironman out there for you to do and we will be there to support you!!!

Christi said...

Bummer! I am so sorry to hear about your rough day. I know that you will overcome this race and become all the stronger for it.

Kristen said...

To see the sadness on your face broke every bit of my heart yesterday, but I was able to smile again knowing how strong you were the whole day. You had an incredible swim. Your bike was going so well (until the water issue). Remember, it wasn't just yesterday's race, but everything you've done this year to prepare. EVERYTHING. That is what matters. That is why you're still MY Irondiva and in my heart, yesterday you became an Ironman for the third time. I'm so proud of you. xoxoxo

Carolina John said...

Sorry to hear that Colleen! That's why IMKY has always scared me. too hot! but 800+ people dnf'd? wow, even I didn't see that coming. Geez that's nasty.

take care of yourself now and rehydrate!

Beth said...

Your swim and bike were awesome, try not to be too down (easier said than done I know) but you are an amazing athlete and will bounce back from this!

Jumper 2.0 said...

I hope you don't take this wrong, but, not bad for a worst day athletically.
You swam 2.4 miles, you biked 112 and covered 9 miles on the run.
That's still quite an accomplishment. Especially for the type of day and the lack of fluids they were able to provide.

Aimee said...

Like others have said, try not to be too hard on yourself. You had no control over those conditions, which were horrendous, and you did the best thing for yourself!

Kim said...

colleen, you made the right decision, as much as i know it hurts. you could have landed in the hospital, and im glad that you are okay.

Aunt Nan said...

You'll always be my Irondiva. You and Tom overcame unbelievable conditions and DNF or no DNF you are incredible. Tom did a super job in spite of the day and I am more than proud of you both. I love you both. Mom xoxox

teacherwoman said...

Sorry to hear about your DNF. But, it sounds like it was quite a difficult course and such. You're still an Ironman to me. :)