Not all races are supposed to be great ones. I learned that on Saturday. I was humbled more so than I have ever been during a race. I try to be real about how my training goes 100% of the time on the blog, but honestly after this race, I didn’t want to talk about it. It was just bad. A couple days passed and along with the soreness in my legs dissipating (with the exception of my right calf), my embarrassment/ego bruising faded as well. Here is what happened:
The day started off great. The race started at 9am which meant that I actually slept in until 6! This is quite unusual on race days, and I actually felt rested. I had a bowl of cereal and a banana for breaky, loaded up the truck, and headed out to the race site. Here was the view from our hotel that was a mile away from the starting line:
When we got to the venue, the hubs helped me put air in my tires, and there was a bike mechanic walking around the transition area asking if anyone needed any last minute adjustments. He came up to us, and said that if we needed anything during the bike portion to just have one of the volunteers call him, and he could help change tires, etc. I told him that I was extremely happy about this since I HATE changing tires!! Remember that conversation folks for later in the story!
I started getting a little nervous, but the hubs and some friends kept my mind off of things. 
The Swim: 43 min 51 sec
I loved the start and the logistics of this particular swim course because the half ironMEN and relay teams (white caps) started five minutes ahead of the half ironWOMEN (yellow caps). I did not have to worry about being run over! Plus, the course was very well marked. The women out there were great. They kept joking about how they could be shopping right now instead of doing this. There were some 60 year olds in there!
And we were off!!
The swim went in a triangular pattern. The first 700 meters, I was really freaking out and trying to catch my breath. I felt like I was suffocating in my wetsuit. These ladies were fast! By the first turn, I thought I was the last yellow cap left in the water. I tried to find a good pace as I made the turn.
On the last turn, I finally found my pace and passed a few more white caps. I never passed any yellow caps. ;(
Getting out of the water was a painful experience, and I looked like a dainty lady stumbling over the rocks instead of running over them like a “hardcore triathlete.” hehe Yes, that woman who looks like she is dancing like a robot, that is me.
I was so dizzy coming up out of the water. It is weird to be in a horizontal position for over 40 minutes, then to force yourself to be upright again in a hurry! Other people were stumbling as well!
Transition 1: 6 min 23 sec
I was so tired from the swim that I had a hard time getting my wetsuit off, and I was kind of out of it. I need to work on this transition in particular.
We had a changing tent which was nice, but it made me forget about the urgency and talking to other ladies about the swim was inevitable. I found out that I wasn’t the last yellow cap to get out of the water so that was a good thing! I really need to learn to shut up during transitions!
The Bike: 4 hrs 42 min 03 sec
Up until the bike, even though I threw up on the swim, I thought that I was doing just fine. I don’t claim to be a great swimmer, and I was just happy that I made it of the lake alive without being eaten by a huge 8 foot catfish. Have you ever seen River Monsters?
Anyway, it was going just fine until about a mile before the 2nd aid station. I heard my tire pop. I have no idea what I ran over. Then, I heard all the air come out of the tire. I road it to the aid station and jumped off my bike to change the tire. I took out my tools, managed to remove the damaged tube, ran my fingers along the tire to make sure there was nothing else sticking it, and put the new tube in. I was so proud of myself for actually changing my tire in record time.
Now time to pump up the tire. I looked in bag. NO CO2 cartridges. NO pump on my bike. What?!!!!!!!! How could I forget one of those things?!! I asked one of the volunteers if they could call the mechanic and have him meet me there. They called and were told there wasn’t a mechanic. What????!!! What about that guy in transition before the race started? No one had any clue as to what I was talking about.
Then, I asked the volunteers if they had a pump. They had a bike pump in one of their cars. We tried it. It didn’t fit my valve on my tube. They drove up to their house around the corner for one of those pumps that you plug into the car. That didn’t fit my valve either. They drove my tire up to the fire station to see if they had something there to pump it up. Nothing. Meanwhile, I’m watching everyone and their mom pass through the aid station on their bike. I was helplessly stuck there. I made the call to Steve to ask him to come pick me up. It sucked. I was holding back tears.
Then, one of volunteers called one of his cycling friends who had nothing to do with the race. His friend rode down to the aid station and pumped up my tires. Evidently the back tire had a little leak, but I only had one tube. I thanked his friend profusely, called my hubs to let him know he didn’t need to come pick me up, and I was off.
I looked down at my watch. FORTY-FIVE MINUTES had passed. Although I passed 3 people on the bike for the rest of the ride, I was not a happy camper. First of all, they were in their 60′s and 70′s. I’m in my 20′s. I should be passing them.
Second, how could I be so stupid and forget a vital piece of equipment needed on the bike? I spent the rest of the bike ride bawling and mentally berating myself. I’m sure it did not help my pace at all. I’m not really proud of that time on the bike. I let my mind get the best of me in bringing me down. I really just wanted to crawl under a rock instead of dealing with the endless amount of hills combined with my utter embarrassment over the whole situation and the fact that after I passed those 3 people, I didn’t see anymore cyclists ahead of me for MILES!
Transition 2: 3 min 48 sec
I sort of just went through the motions of getting myself ready for the run. I wasn’t really feeling it. I was so upset, still! I’m not perfect, and I have my five year old moments.
The Run: 2 hrs 13 min
Once I got out of transition, and I started running my mood changed dramatically. My legs felt fine! I looked down at my garmin, and I was running at an 8:30 pace for the beginning at least. I started passing people, finally! Then, I started talking to people to see what lap they were on. You see, there were two laps of the half marathon course. Most of the 20 people that I passed were all on their second laps, and I was on my first. The other runners were great on this course. Almost everyone that I passed was like, “You go, girl!” or something like that. And I was cheering people on too. It really helped lift my mood.
Well, almost everyone was nice. I was passing a guy going up a hill, and I mentioned that I really wanted these hills to stop, then I laughed. He mumbled underneath his breath, “Has anyone ever told you this before? I hate you. I want you to go away to the finishline.” I thought, ‘how rude!” and then I just ran faster. He probably had a bad day like I did. I didn’t blame him after I thought about it. We all were a little loopy out there.
I came around to the turn around expecting to see my husband, and I didn’t see him there. The crying started up AGAIN. I swear, I was a basket case of emotions on Saturday. It sucked. My body was so tired, and I was not having a very good day. I can’t even describe how hurt and disappointed I was not to see my husband there. It was as if I was holding me breath waiting to get to the surface to take a breath, and the surface ended up being 10 feet higher than I thought it was. The crying lasted for about another 3 miles. I was out there by myself anyway on the last lap besides maybe about 10 racers and a few volunteers.
When I got to the last aid station, they had already packed up their table, and the cups of water were set on an ice chest.
Now I know what it is like to be one of the last people finishing at a race. Wow. This sucks.
I finally ran through the finishline with an official time of: 7 hrs 49 min 42 sec. Immediately, I started crying again. To add insult to injury of being one of the last people to finish the race, they had run out of medals. I fell into my husbands arms, happy to be alive and finished with one of the hardest things that I have ever done in my life.
After a couple of minutes of crying, and people staring (oh yes, they did). I asked him why he wasn’t at the turn around. He said that he didn’t even know where it was at, and he would have rather been there than sitting in the grass by himself for the past 2 hours. It was all a misunderstanding.
On our 1 1/2 hour car ride home, the hubs mentioned how much I smelled.
“This is what a half Ironman smells like!” haha
Then I lifted my legs up on the dashboard, and the smell got worse.
“You really smell like S^&t!”
“OMG, I know! Wow. I’m sorry you have to smell this for an hour and a half. Thanks for being out there for me today.”
I stretched and pulled my right foot to where the bottom of my shoe was facing me. There lied a piece of dog poo. Hmmm. No wonder it smelled like S^&t!
So, even though I probably spent a good 3 hours crying out of the 7 plus hours I was out there on the course, threw up on the swim, got a flat tire and completely forgot the means to put air in it, the race running out of medals, and to add a cherry on top, stepping in dog poo at the end of the day, I wouldn’t take any of it back. You want to know why?
Not every race is meant to be a good one. In fact, I probably learned a lot more about myself during this race than any other race I have competed in. I could have quit at so many points during this race (and trust me, I wanted to), but I didn’t. This race was physically demanding for sure, but all the physical did not compare to the mental anguish (self-induced) that I put myself through that day. If I hadn’t kept mentally punishing myself for the stupid tire pump over and over and over again, it probably wouldn’t have been that bad, and my time would have been so much better! I need to learn that, especially in a race, S^&t happens (literally and figuratively) and to keep focusing on the negative will only make it worse. I needed to accept that it happened, get over the whole tire thing, and focus on what was next.
Another thing I learned: Pack with all triathlon stuff with a list so as to not forgot anything! I will never forget a bike pump or CO2 cartridges again!
A Half Ironman is no joke, and for anyone to do it as their first triathlon is crazy. This wasn’t my first triathlon. My body handled it quite well, but it was my mind that got me in the end. It was very humbling.
Some thanks in order before I end this extremely long post:
The Hubs: I was so pissed at you for not being at the turnaround, but I no longer want to kill you. haha. We both (mainly me) probably needed to work more on communicating exactly what I needed you to do during the race along with locations. Thank you for being out there for long without any beer!
Friends and Family: Thank you for always listening to my long and dramatic training/racing stories even though I know you are bored out of your mind!
Bloggie and Twitter Friends: Thank you so much for always taking the time to encourage me even though you don’t know me in “real life.” This blogging community is one of a kind, and I’m glad to be part of it. 
I really don’t want pity from anyone so please don’t comment “well, at least you finished!”. This is me, this is my life. Most of the time it is roses, but sometimes it’s dog poo and no medals. I was laughing about the race the next day. If I didn’t have a sense of humor about most of the crap that happens to me whether it is self induced or not, I would not have a very happy life. Life is too short not to laugh at yourself and learn from your mistakes for that matter.
On the plus side for next year: I will have a huge PR for this race!!!
genesis September 21, 2010 at 9:22 am
i was supposed to be a spectator for this race. a friend of mine competed in this race and tried to get me to do it.
hey at least youre honest and told us about every little thing. this is why youre a real blogger. you tell it like it is. i truly hope to meet you in spokane sometime soon. feel like doing a half next month (10/16)?
Nicole September 21, 2010 at 1:16 pm
haha. No on the half marathon! I’m taking a month off from all things tri related. I think I need a break!
Hope to meet you too! We seem to be crossing paths.
Heather (Where's the Beach) September 21, 2010 at 9:24 am
Big hugs to you. I am still so impressed with your perseverance. You didn’t give up, you didn’t stop. That takes far more guts and gumption in my opinion. I still think you rock!
lindsay September 21, 2010 at 9:26 am
Beautiful course! Great job!!! Have a great recovery week.
Angela @ A Healthy Fit September 21, 2010 at 9:27 am
Oh man. What a race. Good for you for not giving up, not to mention completing a half ironman!!!
I laughed out loud at the pics of you “dancing like a robot”. Hey- at least you can laugh about it now!
Sonja {ActiveFoodie} September 21, 2010 at 9:28 am
Congratulations on passing the finish line, regardless of what the time was
I had tears welling up reliving your experience. You are right, not every race can be a great one, this one will just make the next one that much more sweet! Kudos for pushing through and crossing that line, sh$* does happen, and we learn and come back stronger. When is the next race? 
Nicole September 21, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I’m done until next season!
Briana September 21, 2010 at 9:39 am
I’m so so impressed with your performance, devastating or not. What an amazing thing to say you’ve accomplished ! Think about it,, when you tell people you’ve completed a half ironman, you don’t need to give details like your time, standing, etc. Just the fact that you’ve completed one is impressive enough without that info
So stand tall, and know that you’ve done something great ! And congrats !!
Abby September 21, 2010 at 9:44 am
YOU DID IT!! YOU DID IT!! It may not have been all that you were expecting..BUT YOU DID IT!
I am super, super proud of you!! Especially because you puked and didn’t quit (I would have). And I would have quit after the whole tire incident. BUT YOU FINISHED. And you beat that really mean guy!!
YOU ARE EPIC.
Nicole September 21, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Aww. thanks!
Elaine (Mom) September 21, 2010 at 9:45 am
Nicole,
Your mother is sooooo proud of you! You’ve reached an important milestone in your life, one for which you have worked extremely hard to earn, and one that only a handful of people conquer.
Love,
Mom
Joyce September 21, 2010 at 9:52 am
As a former geek-first tri done athlete myself, I admire your persistance and being human. Puking while swimming… and it not really bothering you is pretty hard core! Really stinks about the tire but I know I’ll be double checking for my pump and CO2 before any race thanks to you! I know I wonder if I could pull through and finish if faced with your circumstances. It makes for a great story that you’ll never forget. You are inspirational!
Lisa September 21, 2010 at 9:55 am
Wow! Those distances are amazing. Congrats on your hard work and training!
Katy September 21, 2010 at 9:55 am
I cried reading this at work…because, while I have never even attempted an Ironman distance, I know that triathlon is all about the highs and the lows — and nobody understands quite like a fellow athlete!
I’m so sorry for the stumbles…especially the stupid tire…but nobody will EVER take your finish away from you. I hope you are able to put aside all the crappy stuff and remember…
YOU are an IronWOMAN.
Nicole September 21, 2010 at 1:19 pm
You are so kind! It was a Half Ironman though. I don’t want to take credit for something that I didn’t do.
You are so right about the finish though. No one can take that away from me!
Clarkie September 21, 2010 at 10:12 am
Wow, that is some day! To be honest, if I was you, I would have been right there crying too. But you are an awesome athlete for overcoming it and seeing the race through the finish.
Kudos!
Runnerbelle September 21, 2010 at 10:18 am
I just completed my first half iron recently too (only my 2nd tri ever) and it was also a very humbling experience. I freaked out the first 30 seconds of the swim…. murking pond, felt like my wetsuit was choking me, pond plants, etc. But finally I calmed myself down and found my pace. Ran up the damn hill from the pond to the bikes and then started on the longest ride of my life….. no flat for me, but it was very humbling as I got passed by the speedy people on their second lap of the loop course! I was worried there was no one behind me…. I’ve never felt so alone at a race before. But once on the run I was back in my element, just a bit beat up by the bike ride. Slowest half marathon I have run since college, but it was all an excellent learning experience! Definitely learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of!
Great job!!!! You should be proud of yourself!
Erica September 21, 2010 at 10:24 am
oh girl! What a tough day! But definitely a character builder! I think its awesome that you finished and that you had such a great support crew. Do something extra nice & special for yourself this week.
Meghann September 21, 2010 at 10:24 am
Whoa! That was some race recap! You know why I liked it? Because it was real. Not all runs are great and not all races have those ‘best day ever’ feelings at the end of it. Shit happens and we digest and move on. Thank you so much for reminding me of this. No matter what you still finished and finishing is what’s important. Basically – you rock.
Congrats on the Half Ironman! And just think about how much ass kicking you are going to do on the next one.
Joanna Burgraf September 21, 2010 at 10:38 am
You are so awesome! Your brutal honestly is astounding, that’s why I keep coming back to read your blog. You don’t sugar coat anything and in doing so you allow us, your readers, to get a true experience of what it takes to take on such a challenge. I have competed in several tris, never an ironman and I know that even to register for a race like that is a BIG deal, mentally. Congratulations on going for it and thank you for sharing it in the way you did.
Marci September 21, 2010 at 10:38 am
Wow you completed a half Ironman! That is amazing to put your body through that! At least you have some great stories and you will definitely have a huge PR next time!
Ashley September 21, 2010 at 10:54 am
Your hubs comments on the way home cracked me up. LOL
You rocked it out! You are seriously an inspiration.
Spokane Al September 21, 2010 at 11:15 am
I had to chuckle at your last comment concerning not wanting anyone to try to cheer you up with a “at least you finished” comment. I have felt the same way when well meaning people say that at least I am out there doing it. We compete – that is what we do. And somedays, like your recent race, are not as good as others. But even during the worst of times we can dig down a bit, learn something about ourselves, and continue to move forward.
Keep rocking Nicole!
P.S. As a newly minted 60 year old, I was slightly offended concerning the number of your age related comments about my brothers and sisters out there fighting it out. We also rock!
Nicole September 21, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Al, you are a completely different story!!! The guy that I passed looked old (70 year old, but he was out there doing it)! You don’t look that old at all! haha
Renée (@lowfatpie) September 21, 2010 at 11:16 am
I cried too. I really felt for you, but at the same time how great that you kept on going regardless!
you should shellac the poo and put a ribbon through it. Take that No-More-Medals!!
merrymishaps September 21, 2010 at 11:35 am
You’re a rockstar! Way to go! It shows you’re even more hardcore for powering through all the bumps along the way.
They always tell you anything can happen on race days … you never expect nearly everything to go wrong. So glad you can laugh about it!
Cat September 21, 2010 at 11:40 am
Um, you rock! I couldn’t even imagine doing a half Ironman right now nevertheless having to endure mechanical difficulties, barf, rude competitors, & dog poo.
Julie @SavvyEats September 21, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I so wish I lived closer to you so I could cheer you on at your tri’s. I’m so, so proud of you for pushing through it. So many people would have quit after being sick during the swim, or after being out for 45 minutes because of a flat tire. Congratulations on your first tri and on being able to look back at it with such a great attitude. I love you, and you’ll have an AWESOME PR next time, right?
Kim September 21, 2010 at 1:11 pm
WOW. What a race! You did a great job, though, no matter what. There are always lessons to be learned, I’ll bet you won’t forget your pump again
Michelle September 21, 2010 at 1:30 pm
That sounds horrendous. Absolutely horrible. Congrats for being done. Shizz. But here’s to raising a glass for your next PR! WOO HOO!
Ashley September 21, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Ahhh, I’ve been waiting for this post!! I was captivated by every word your wrote. Even when you apologized for people having to swim through your chunks, lol. It is a huge goal of mine to do a half ironman. I could definitely see myself getting down about the bike tire thing too. How frustrating!! But you still did an amazing job. I’m impressed and inspired by your determination to finish the race. Thank you!!!!
Nicole @ Making Good Choices September 21, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Wow I am so amazed and inspired by your story. You really persevered throughout this race, I don’t know that I would have done the same. I’m sure you felt every single emotion under the sun that day, what an experience. Anyway, I’m proud of you!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers September 21, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Aww I’m sorry it was such a frustrating day, but you seriously rocked it girl- you did a HALF IRONMAN!!!! I know how disappointing it is when something goes wrong that’s out of your hands- my bike broke down during my first tri. But you’re right- you’re gonna kill that time next year!
steff (steffsays) September 21, 2010 at 3:16 pm
wow! what a crazy ordeal! but despite the vomit, tears, pain and frustration YOU DID IT. and that is a huge accomplishment. you are incredibly strong woman. if i’d gone through all that i probably would have been found rocking side to side in the fetal position on the side of the road and mumbling to myself 48 hrs later.
Lisa September 21, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Oh my goodness – talk about a challenging race – but probably not for the reasons you were expecting. I am so happy that you continued it through to the end though – when so many people would have given up. You should be very proud – and just remember that your next HIM will score you a HUGE PR – I just KNOW IT!!!
Kathy September 21, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Hey Nicole~
Gotta tell you I’m SOOO impressed. I’m 44 and finished my 2nd sprint Tri this summer and I know what a challenge that was for me. I am so impressed by your finish and your account….I laughed at your dancing robot photos and groaned at the tire flat. I lost my chain on my first go around and could totally relate to your frustration as the clock is ticking and bikers are passing you as you’re waiting. I think I’ll take that class on how to change a tire now too
Really… I loved your honesty and all of that doesn’t take away from the fact that YOU FINISHED A HALF IRONMAN….WOMAN!!! Stand tall and be proud “cause you didn’t quit when many would have. That says something about your character. You’re a gal with gumption! Good on ya!!! You’re an inspiration!
Tiffany September 22, 2010 at 4:27 am
Blood, sweat, and tears, hon.
You put in all three, and you did it. Congratulations!
Michelle September 22, 2010 at 7:00 am
Love the brutal honesty of this post! And totally impressed with your perseverance!
Graze With Me September 22, 2010 at 7:31 am
I’m so impressed with you, girl! I don’t know how you did it but I am amazed at your stamina. I like your positive spin on things too, there comes a point where you just have to go with it!
BTW, I’m catching up on posts from the past few weeks and I wish I had known you were going to be in Colorado! Not that I wanted to hike that mountain (hiking = torture to me) but I would’ve loved to meet up for a drink or something.
Nicole September 22, 2010 at 12:36 pm
That would have been nice! Well, if you are ever up in Spokane, you know I’ll be free to get together!
Colleen Y. September 22, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Having a mechanical malfunction is certainly a risk of the sport. Your performance is nothing to poo-poo about. Your training leading up to it & positive outlook are really what made your race fantastic. Great job!
A well-deserved rest is in order. Enjoy it.
Julie September 23, 2010 at 6:46 am
Great report. Seriously, 45 minute delay due to bike troubles would have me in tears, too!!
But this race will be one for the memories….a great story of not giving up, of conquering the sport of triathlon. If it was easy, EVERYONE would do it…and that would make for even more crowded swim starts, yes?!
Great job!!
Caitlin September 23, 2010 at 10:34 am
I’m not going to go on and on and tell you how amazing you are like I do every post, but I will say this, “What the HELL was that guy’s problem? I don’t care if he had a bad race, you shouldn’t tell someone you hate them!”
Obviously, Nicole, that got me fired up. No one should be so mean to my little Greek Goddess!
Love you.
Holly September 23, 2010 at 12:38 pm
i don’t care what your time was or where you placed, finishing a half-ironman is completely baller, and i bow down to you. what’s even more is that you can come out laughing and realize how much you learned from the whole thing.
you rock.
heart you ms. nicole!!!
Toronto Girl West September 23, 2010 at 3:09 pm
You’re one tough cookie Nicole! Clearly, tough as nails!
You have my absolute respect and admiration!
Kat September 23, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Well that is certainly a race you will never forget……but I would have definitely broken down again after finding the dog poo LOL
Sean @ Learn Fitness September 27, 2010 at 11:18 am
Your a very strong woman, you kicked ass, powered through the pain and moved on. Contracts to you!!!
As someone who just signed up for his first half Ironman on Friday I’m excited and scared at the same time. I have a few sprint tri’s and other races planned before hand but other than that it’s just training. Postings like yours will really helping me get my mental game (and checklists) in check, thank you so much for this posting. It can’t all be roses, sometimes it’s just poo
Kimmy September 30, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I am not bored! I just miss hearing the story from you instead of having to read it on the blog!
You know, this is not the first time you’ve stepped in dog doo doo and come out smelling like roses. You still finished your first iron man!!!! Whoa, Nikki! You need to remember how far you’ve come and that you’ve taken this athleticism to the next level. Sorry I wasn’t there to clean off your dog doo for you this time!
Nicole September 30, 2010 at 4:11 pm
haha. Yeah, too bad!! miss you!
Peter October 5, 2010 at 9:44 am
Loved this – and if you’re like most endurance athletes, this will be one of your better stories -
steena February 13, 2011 at 6:06 am
omg, what a story! They ran out of medals!!??!!! Did they at least mail you one later? And THEN dog poo? This is stuff you just can’t make up! Wow. you’re a champ!
This is definitely the most unique half iron story I’ve ever read!
steena recently posted..Four Things Friday – February 11th- 2011
Nicole February 13, 2011 at 8:54 am
I ended up getting my medal about a month and a half later. Thank goodness!!