My First DNF but due to mechanical issues not the Athlete!!
I was really looking forward to racing in the Big Bear Triathlon for many reasons:
1. It had been on my radar but since I'm only allowed one a month, it was taken off.
2. It was FREE. My coach transferred her husband's entry to me
3. First time someone gave me a race FREE
4. First time I and my coach knew I was in good physical shape to compete in it without training
5. A great prelude to June Lake
6. Third time in Big Bear and I want to spend more time there.
So with all that said, I was excited when we left early Friday and started our journey up the mountain. Both my husband and I forgot how ruthless drivers are on the 330 and we were flipped off, honked at, etc.. heading up. It didn't make for a good peaceful drive.
Once there, we checked into our hotel and walked over to packet pick up. I got to meet Laurin and Jody from Team Tough Chik there. It is always great meeting new amazing Athletes. Afterwards, we found a restaurant that would allow Boogs to eat with us on the patio. Then it was back to the hotel for a good nights rest.
I KNOW it isn't only me but every runner, triathlete, cyclist, etc... we all want a good emptying out in the morning before our race. I usually say a little prayer and ask for one. This morning it just wouldn't stop. So, right off the bat, I was worried about my race. My stomach was upset and I forgot my ginger. Not stressing too much, I popped by bits, drank my juice, ate 1/2 a Ding Bat bar and popped my Ryon Power Motivation and Endurance and electrolytes. I was ready and headed down to the venue.
It was so awesome to see so many friendly faces from Team Tough Chic and Triathlon Connection friends from the Past. Of course my Coach was there. And there was Marc, Orietta, Chad, Alan, Liz, Laurin, Jody and Susan. Even Pat ran into someone he knew from when he did car shows.
It was nice to have Kandi with me. Although I do many races alone, it is always awesome to have friendly helpful faces with you. It was time for my wave to start. I was a bit nervous about the swim because it was a pier start, I wasn't sure how the water would be (although I was told nice) and I wasn't sure how my shoulder would like the swim (which I never know until I am on the bike). I jumped into the water with the other 23 OLY women athletes. I didn't like the fact I couldn't stand up to let the water run through my wetsuit and adjust but besides that the water was nice. Our wave was off and swimming. We had to swim around the Miss Liberty which was a bit smelly of gas. It was much easier swimming towards the pier than swimming out due to wind and current. The second loop was a bit more choppy now that all the athletes were in. I managed getting out of the water and into transition in 36:42. My T1 time was 2:10.
I was off on the bike. Not really knowing the course, I just followed others and the little arrows taped to the street. I knew there would be some climbing and that the road would not be closed. I was a bit nervous at times but all in all was having a good ride. I popped some energy bits when I hit the turn around mark at Snow Valley and before that hard climb back. I also had a half of a Ding Bat Bar. Once I got to the dam and was ready to loop around the lake, I knew I would have plenty of time. I was in aero and cruising. I was making my way through Fawnskin, when a small climb started. I went to switch my gears and they were getting stuck. I started freaking because I was climbing but wasn't moving and clipped in. There were cars right behind me and all I could think of was falling and getting hit. Fortunately, I was able to unclip before I fell. I moved to the side to try to put my chain on and knew something was wrong. It wasn't going on. I walked my bike down to a turn off road, turned it over and started messing with the chain. An athlete came by and asked if I was okay. I told her my chain was broken and to get help. About one minute later an older man with a trailer told me to move because he had to turn down that road. REALLY BUDDY?? At that point what I wanted to do was hurl my bike at his truck. Of course he didn't stop to help as none as the other 50 cars that blew by. I had made it 2 hours and 10 minutes, approximately 25.6 miles into the race when this happen. I was 6-7 miles from transition.
At this point, I knew I had no other choice than to start walking. My phone was broke so I was phoneless and had no way to call for help. No, not one of the 100 cars (by now) asked if I needed help. HINT: IF A CYCLIST IS WEARING A NUMBER, HAS A HELMET ON, WALKING IN CYCLING SHOES PUSHING THEIR BIKE, THEY NEED HELP!!! Boy, I was on fire. Trying really hard not to cry out of anger. Seriously, is there anymore Humanity, Compassionate, Nice, Helpful people left out there. (Another HINT: IF A CYCLIST IS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SICK AND IT'S HOT OUT, THEY NEED HELP. But that is another blog, another time). I really enjoyed the car of young men driving by as fast as they could yelling for me to get out of the way.
Finally, David from the event came by in his truck and picked me up. I had walked about 1 1/2 miles. My watch read 2 hours and 38 minutes. He tried to fix the chain. His exact words were, "In all my years of cycling, I have never seen that happen to a chain. Your chain has gone South. I'll take you back." I still could have made the run but on our trip back to Transition, there was another cyclist down. We stopped to help him change his flat. Four tubes and 20 minutes later, Kevin was up and cycling. Then David was asked to do a sweep of the course to make sure all the cyclist were heading in.
I have to admit, it was kind of fun playing search and rescue after I was rescued.
Once I got back to transition, I started walking my bike towards transition. Coach Kandi and hubby came running to me to make sure I was okay. I was wearing all the tubes Kevin went through so everyone thought it was my issue. If only it was the tubes. Coach Kandi turned to me and said run, you can still do the run. I just looked at her and said, "No I'll take the DNF." My wind was gone from my sails.
There are times when things happen. I didn't let it effect me. I really wasn't looking forward to that run because of my stomach. Although I felt okay, I didn't feel 100%. I was dreading that run with the heat and believe that maybe God knew I would get worse if I ran. So, I packed up my stuff, Pat checked us out of the hotel, and we went to lunch with the DeCarlos and Orietta. Just what the doctor ordered, Sprite, good food with good people celebrating our fitness, birthday, anniversary and telling funny stories of the past. I really couldn't ask for a better day.
When I got home, I jumped in my pool and read. Next race is July 12 at June Lake. I can't wait!
Keep Living, Loving, Laughing and TRI - ing! And don't sweat the small stuff. Try to enjoy every moment of every day!
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| Orietta, Kandi and I - Peek-a-boo |
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| Susan from Team Tough Chik, me and Coach Kandi |
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| The swim around Miss Liberty |
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| Coack Kandi getting her finishers medal - She competed in the Sprint |
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| Good Ole Chad.. Always smiling, hugging and volunteering |
