The Ironman journey continues

Anyone who takes the journey to tackle an Ironman knows that its sometimes not the race that defines you, but the process that defines you. As most of you know, I had to pull myself from the race this past weekend and I have found it difficult to find the words to explain.

Long story short, I had been on some medications for two weeks leading into the race that really wrecked havic on my system. Though my body was tapered and rested and ready to race, it was not quiet ready for the strenuous day it was about to endure. Around mile 10 of the run I was having chest pain that was really scaring me. I am not talking high heart rate, I am talking pulses and "grabs". I know my body very very well and I knew something was not right. I went to the medic and they took an EKG and immediately said I must report the ER. I was put in the ambulance and spent the rest of the evening at the hospital having tests after test. The medications were not allowing my body to cool efficiently/nor stay hydrated. The dehydration was so extreme it was causing heart palpitations which was what I was feeling.

Of course I am sad I didnt get to finish what I started, but I am also smart enough to know that there will be plenty more races ahead in my life. My self as an athlete is not defined by a race outcome, particularly one that I really had no control over. The process and journey I was led on throughout the weeks and months leading into the race were almost out of body experiences. The challenges from the long training sessions, the fatigue, the highs, the lows, the adaptations. The people. I was so well prepared for the race that I knew I could do it and I was excited to be there on race day. The Ironman spirit was full blown on Saturday and I cant stress enough how much I enjoyed being out there with the other athletes, the fans, my friends and my family. I seriously cant way to take on my next Ironman and I am already planning the rest of my season. Next time I will make sure I dont take that medication before the race :) Thank you SO SO much for all the calls and texts and concerns in particular to some of my very close friends and athletes and you know who you are on.

Living to fight another day.....See you at the races.

Heres some of my favorite pics from the day:

Me and my mom before the swim. She is my #1 supporter and I was so happy she was here.

Excited to start the swim in the balmy 81 degree water!

Exiting the water in roughly 58 minutes. Not too bad a swim for me.

Pumping my way up the "hill" out of transition. 95 miles to go!

Knowing how to take turns on this course was super important.

My best "fake it till you make it". Seeing everyone on the course was the best part of the run.