ADDISON'S SUPPORT ADVOCACY BLOG: 9/18/11

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Yet another failure. Wasatch.

Jeff, Dennis, me, Tony

The start

Yes, yet another DNF and ridiculously early in the race as well. Here's what happened...This is probably the best I've been prepared race wise as far as knowing what to expect, what I had packed, realistic pacing chart and medicine preparation. I got to SLC a day early so I was not rushed, confused and tired. My running preparation was nice, nothing too spectacular or hardcore. I had a good summer with some incredible trail runs. I found running sneakers that I love and with Drymax socks, not a blister all summer. The race started and I walked and trotted with Jeff for the first 13.5 miles. At 13.5 miles, yes, the stomach started going despite or perhaps because of the medicine preparations I had made. I ran for two minutes, walked for one for as long as I could and that wasn't long. I took Zofran like it was going out of style. The nausea was overwhelming. I dropped at 28.5.

Regardless, I enjoyed everything but the nausea. Seeing old friends and meeting new ones is always AWESOME! The third of the course that I saw was gorgeous. The volunteers were incredible. As a matter of fact, I was given a great "you did great and quitting was the right choice" speech from a really good looking former second place finisher of Wasatch. It was great to catch up with Jeff during the time we spent together on the trail. At the end Niels, was so, so kind to me and my sorry ass. He walked down the trail with me, rubbed my back while I threatened to dry heave and made me laugh. Niels, if you read this, thank you so much.

What went wrong? I got sick much, much earlier than I ever do when I run alone and when I'm not racing. The nausea was NOT a result of under training. I'm definitely thinking that it was either too much HC, too much salt and too little water or some combination of the three.

Will I attempt another 100? Yes, I hope so. This was my most depressing DNF. I was as prepared as I could be. I DID SOMETHING to create the nausea, very sad. Very preventable. I can't let Addison's get the best of me. I can't allow adjusting medicines on my own to be a barrier to what I want to do. Come on Ancient Oaks 100 acceptance!