if it can go wrong.... it happened here

I know it seems like ages since I wrote on my blog, and trust me, it has been. So much has happened that I can't believe I am still here writing, still in New Zealand and still sane.....

Race day dawned with the threat of some light showers in the forecast, but the water in Lake Taupo was absolutely wonderful.... no wind, not a ripple, temperature perfect, and 1200 triathletes nervous and wanting to get going after months of training....

Being a moderate swimmer at best, I situated myself at the back of the pack, and not being really comfortable in a long sleeved wetsuit, I had done a short warm up so I wouldn't panic for the first 500 meters of the swim, which is normally what happens. To make a long story short, the swim was the fastest Ironman swim I have ever had, and it went off without a hitch. No one bothered me overmuch, no bumping, and I had the comfort of being able to see the bottom of the lake for all but 70 meters of the swim... the water was that clear.

When I got out of the swim, I made my way through the long transition to the bike area, approximately 400 meters up some stairs and across a road, all carpeted, got my cycling shoes on and put on my helmet and shades, exited the transition and headed out on the highway for a two loop, 180 km total bike. All those trainer rides were going to be put to the test! The only thing those trainer rides did not prepare me for was the weather, and it got nasty quickly....

About 60 km in, the rain started falling, albeit lightly, and the wind started to blow lightly but steadily.... not a bad thing, as the ride back into Taupo would be with a tailwind... and on the second loop that would be very welcome. I rode well through the first loop, passing some of my buddies and supporters by the motel on the main drag, and headed back out on the second loop feeling pretty fine and really confident. Riding up the only real hill on the course for the second time, I passed two more from our group, the drivers that brought us from Auckland, and they buoyed me with their yells and hoots of encouragement. The rain and wind seemed to have died down, and the second loop seemed to be going as well as the first.... or so I thought.. when I turned onto the long straightaway that led out to the turnound at Reparoa, the wind and rain decided to open it up full throttle... I got cold very fast, and it is the first time I recall ever praying for a hot flash!! I swore they must have moved the turnaround, and prayed that the trip back with the tailwind would offer some relief... no such luck.... itt was horrible, and by the time I got to the second transition, I was in serious trouble. My lips, feet and hands were purple, and my skin white... the medical people took a look at me and wanted to check me over before going on. My core temp was 32C, normal is 36.2C, so they pulled me off the course.... no run for me, no Ironman finish this time...

The good news is, nothing I could have done would have prepared me for this, I learned a few things about racing in the rain, and I had a great swim. Also, four of the people in our group qualified for Hawaii in October, and I am truly happy for them. Pretty neat to know how dedication can pay off!

Part 2 of my tale of woe in the next installment.... hint.... it has something to do with LOSING THINGS!!!!

The almost Ironwoman