IMCA

 Ironman Canada

Green Lake with my beauty- part of the run course

I have contemplated many times how to start this blog. I have read alot of really great blogs (Val), heard some really nice feedback from close friends and fellow pros (Ruth, Jess, LC, Jocelyn), and had alot of just really great friends reach out to me. This all helps with the sorrow of a DNF but when you are low you feel like you are low by yourself (your not!), BUT only YOU can snap yourself out of it.

Before I continue let me say Whistler Canada is one of the most beautiful places ever (with one HELL of a bike ride)! It was really a quiet enjoyable trip regardless of the race outcome. Who says you cant enjoy life just because you dont see a finish line....

Peak-to-Peak Gondola Ride View

So, WTF happened?
Two weeks before the race I was out on my last long ride and was a mere 2 miles from home, mentally preparing for my brick race simulation when next thing you know I was hit straight on by another biker. I whiplashed forward, banged my head, broke my aero bar and then fell flat to the ground. I sat for about ten minutes while others nearby helped and thought wow my head really hurts, but I actually know what happened so No signs of a concussion right? After ten minutes I even got up and road my bike home but decided to save my brick for another day. I seemed ok, my HRV and HR seemed normal for a few days and so I went about my taper routine. And then it hit...about 5 days later, nauseau and headaches. Shit, a concussion. I cut out everything in hopes of making the start line for the race I had poured my heart and soul over. Extreme taper if you ask me.

A few days before the race I was honestly feeling pretty good and had high hopes and was optimistic. A little extra rest never hurt anyone. But a 1 hour workout is not a 10 hr workout and so my body digressed.

Race Morning:

Rainbow Lake

The SwiM:
I had a pretty decent swim. Swimming with the first pack for the first lap and then chaos on the second lap as we turned into the Age groupers. I some how took one wrong breath and next thing you know was spit off the back. I exited the water in tenth and that was fine. Long day ahead.... Time: 57 mins

Coming back through town, PhotoCred:JH

Onto the bike: I set out with about 4 girls who got on their bikes around the same time. We played a little cat and mouse but kind of settled in when finally on the first straight away to Callahagn. This would be the first real climb of the day and could probably start to chew the field apart. I was riding really well. I felt great! I mean I never even thought once that my day was going to come to an end. Up the hill, down the hill and now on to Pemberton. This was about 2 hrs into the race and I noticed my power start to fade. Quick! Eat, Drink, Eat Drink. Get those calories in. This strategy usually works well. Except the power never responded. I descended into Pemberton after now climbing about 4k and thought I could use the flat section to get my power back up esp after a long descent. Except it never came back. It was getting lower. I was now riding lower watts then I ride my basic endurance rides and almost a whole 35 watts lower then I started the first two hours. This. was. Depressing.  I knew  I was not having a " bad" day. I knew it was the concussion.  I knew my day was over. Why in the world would I run a marathon if I Could not give my 100%. Actually, I suppose I was giving my 100%, but this was not what I trained for. My body was telling me to stop, recover, and try again another time.

Whistler Olympic Village Rings

And so thats how it ended. I knew I needed to listen to my body and pull the trigger. NO race is worth your health. While its never easy to make a decision like this, I hope that you too will find the strength to get through whatever it is that you may struggle with and find ease with your decisions. Live to fight another day.