Foiled again at Bighorn

Lots of writing, pictures and video when I get home and get a better internet connection.

Thanks to my husband for putting up with me in my pursuit of seemingly unattainable goals like this one. Thanks to Meara and the other women of Teton Valley for running with me. Thanks to all of my wonderful friends who have sent me emails, texts and messages via my forum and FaceBook.

I don't know where to start. I didn't finish the race. I barely made it to 38 miles. It was a very disappointing performance. I don't know where I went wrong. I'm not at all disappointed with the race or upset that I'm here, just that my body didn't respond the way that I had hoped.

This race is incredibly well run. The race directors are very enthusiastic, the goody bags have great stuff, the volunteers were AMAZING and the whole town seems interested and excited to have racers here.

Race day was gorgeous, not too hot or too cool. Right before the race started, I was fortunate enough to see many people I recognized including a friend from Estes Park that I knew 20 years ago! As soon as the gun went off and the race started, my hands swelled up very, very fat. I was unable to really exert myself right from the beginning. I was unable to run much and did a lot of walking right from the start. From miles 13 - 18, gut problems were brewing. By mile 18, I was dry heaving. From mile 26 - 31, I felt much better. From 31 - 38, it was a death march and I was very scared that I would not make it to an aid station. I vomited, dry heaved and slept on the side of the trail. At mile 38, I was eventually able to get a ride out to my car.

All that bad stuff aside, the course was STUNNING! My new sublingual hydrocortisone worked nicely although it dissolved very slowly, almost too slowly for me. My hip felt awesome and aside from my stomach, my body felt great. Even after 38 miles, I am not sore anywhere but my shoulders. Lack of soreness leads me to believe my training has been adequate for the conditions. My clothing was appropriate (I stayed warm enough when the sun went down) and I never ran low on water.

I'm not sure what I did wrong. I don't know why I was so sick. I've done runs of equivalent distance and time at home but have not ever had nausea. I awoke race morning with mysterious dark circles under my eyes. Today is "migraine day", the usual day I get migraines in my cycle. I don't know if either thing has anything to do with my terrible tummy performance?

Should I do Swan Crest if it happens (there's some controversy and permitting problems so the race may not happen)? It's very rural, I guess if I do it, I should be prepared to spend the night out in the woods.