Ironman World Championship St. George
The day started bright and early with a 4:25 am shuttle ride to Sand Hollow Resivior. Blake went with me. We sat in the bleachers and watched the sunrise then at 6:15 the professionals began their swim. I was really nervous. Eventually I had to go get ready and my wave began around 7:20. It took me a good 10 minutes to find my groove in the swim but once I had a nice rhythm it went quickly and I was out of the water in 1:17, faster than I anticipated.
I transitioned to the bike and was feeling really good, just trying to keep it at an easy effort. I felt pretty good throughout the ride. I had ups and downs but mostly did well with my hydration and fueling. Right near the end on the final downhill, my head and limbs started tingling and I had to fight to keep my focus.
In the transition area I knew I was in trouble. I was light headed but after about 20 minutes I headed out walking. After a couple miles walking I started feeling better and began to run the downhills. My legs were fine but my stomach was queezey. Then I started throwing up about mile 6. By mile 10 I couldn't walk straight so I stopped. A nice guy named Wayne helped me out and eventually I began walking with him again. He walked with me a few miles and Blake met us as well. When I got to the end of the first loop at 13.1 miles I knew my day was over.
13.1 miles short of finishing, but I gave it all my body would allow.
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