Glad to be here

Well as some may already know, the race didn't go completely as planned. The short version is that I posted my first DNF(Did Not Finish) yesterday after basically collapsing on the run course.

The detailed version goes like this. I had a wonderful race, It was the first time that I felt comfortable in the open water. Not once did I get disoriented or did I get that lactic acid build up that makes contemplate if I can make it. In fact, I swam a 45 min 1.2 mile and I honestly felt like I was only out there for 15 minutes. Granted there were moments that snapped me out of the "zone" like at the first turn where the volunteer accidentally whacked me in the head with his surf board or near the finish when I ran head on into a guy who, being so disoriented, swam perpendicular to the entire course. But thats what open water swimming includes and I was glad that I beat my planned time and did so with minimal effort.
As for the bike, well even though that is where the fatal flaw that killed my race day occurred, it to was a good time. For the first 25 miles I was able to talk it up with a fellow competitor who was holding my same pace. It was a great way to pass 25 miles and I am glad for that. The flaw happened when I was able to stay in the "zone" and actually push through 15-20 mph headwinds for the 30 mile stretch and not lose speed. Looking back I probably didn't eat enough on the bike to match the exertion, but hey that is what the first time is about - to learn some lessons. Anyhow, I still feel I was within my limits when I came off the bike, unfortunately a stronger headwind and a weaker nutrition did me in.
Coming off the bike, you could tell I was hurting, but I pushed on. I found myself walking, which I have never done before, and would try to pick it back up to a run. I would go 1/4 mile and then the legs would lock up and I would have to walk. It wasn't until the 3 mile marker when I literally ran into a medic on a bike that I finally realized that I was done. I decided that it was better to drop out, lick my wounds and actually be able to race again in a month than to push on and do God knows what to my body - since it was already shutting down.

To sum it all up, of course I am a little upset I didn't finish, but I am happier that I at a place where I know I can overcome the rat race mentality and do what is best for my body and not my ego. I am glad that I was able to enjoy a wonderful vacation with my friends and glad to have learned some lessons out on the course. Anyway, there is always Half-Max and other Half's around here. (right Dishman).