These three letters are probably the hardest three letter I have ever typed : DNF.
I didn’t make to the swim finish today at Ironman Florida . The strong current accentuated my weakest leg in the triathlon. I was throwing up and exhausted toward the end of swimming, and was pulled out of water.
Yesterday I was all worried about the strong wind and low temperature on the bike, but today I would do everything to taste that hard ride.
I gave myself sometime alone on the beach before I head back to find my family. Mike Reilly walking passed me. That was not the way I imagined to meet him. I am sure he has seen everything.
As a motivated and hard working woman, I very rarely tasted any major failure in my school, career and even during this Ironman journey . Until today.
Mother nature is truly humbling and will pick up the weakest ones. It’s brutally honest.
Unpacking the carefully packed bike and run bags,the true sadness really settles in. I realize how brutal the other side can be.
It’s tough but it’s an experience. 2 months ago with 2 herniated disc, 3 weeks off, I was not even sure if I can do any Ironman event but today I stood at the starting line at the beach.
The journey does not change, I will continue to work on my fitness. Rising again from this will make me tougher. Today the ocean swimming is not something I will ever forget .
I always want to be a good role model for Emily , and today my experience showed her another side of the glorious story, something she will also inevitably experience one day in her life. But I will show her how we can get up and fight again.
Thank you to my coach, my family and all the friends who have been supporting me during this journey.
