A lot of people were wondering why I didn't go for it at the @onedollarultra last weekend, well this is why! That first picture really sums up the day.
In the end, I'm still really disappointed by the result, but time has given me some space to be proud of the effort. My "A" goal is always to go as fast as I know I can. And I know I can get deep into the 8:20s, at least. But my "B" goal is to regret nothing as far as effort is concerned. And I left whatever little I had completely on the course in California.
With about 7 miles to go in the run, well after all my goals seemingly evaporated in the heat, I realized that if I really dug I might be able to salvage under 9 hours still. Maybe. So I dug. It felt like a sprint for the better part of an hour, and for the last 400M it was. And that's probably why I spent the next 45 minutes in the med tent.
But that sprint earned me a few things. First, I got my Kona slot by the skin of my teeth. Second, 6 seconds under 9 hours. I honestly didn't know if I did it until I got off the floor. Third, I can keep my head held high because I didn't throw in any towels. Even when I'm not at my best, I want to give my best effort. ESPECIALLY when I'm not at my best, because that's when it's hardest to do it.
Disappointed and proud can live in the same place I guess. And I'm going to use all that to fuel my shot at revenge in the Ironman World Championships in Kona next October.
Then maybe I'll try to run 200 miles in the next @onedollarultra ...
#IronmanTriathlon #Triathlon #EnduranceSports #KonaQualifier #SwimBikeRun
