First, I finished. I am happy to complete the event. Not just happy but very accomplished. 2nd, the spectator support was absolutely amazing. Third, the transition and the helix running and riding was pretty damn cool. 4th, I pushed the bike hard. Maybe blew myself a little for the ride home, but wanted to try. 5th, the run took us through Camp Randall Stadium. What other race does something that cool? 6th, the weather was cool. Not 90 degrees like the day before or the day later. 7th, the finish chute brought me to tears.
But, oh my lord, that was a long day. I chatted with another girl at midnight when we were cheering in the final racers and we summed it up. The swim was choppy, the ride was windy, and the run was hilly. Further, I had my own unexpected issues. My cleat almost fell off during the bike. I probably spent 10 minutes finding a screwdriver to keep the two remaining screws in place. Second, I felt like I lost my gut on the run. Felt nauseous on the bike and had to use the outhouse at least 5 times on the run. Couldn't keep food in me. Not vomiting, the other direction. Perform turns out to be a fairly good drink. It was hard because I knew I had to keep getting I'm some calories, they just kept coming out. Erik said he felt crappy all day and is convinced we ate something bad. I have never had gut problems like that on the run and have used the exact same nutrition plan for long rides all year. Getting through that marathon was difficult. Did you see the times though? Slow. Everybody cooked themselves on the bike. My run, I thought, was horrendous, until I saw the times. I followed what you said though and focused on form. Especially on the steep downhills. My hip hurt very little, but I felt it could creep in. It almost hurt worse sleeping that night. I could not roll over on it.
Mentally, I was not super into the event. Not like the past couple of years, where I embrace the long day. I really had to force myself to enjoy it. I don't think I enjoyed more than five minutes of the run. Watching my times was demoralizing, just felt like I was in a crappy place all day. Looking at the times, if my run had gone well I was probably better off than I had thought.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts.
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