Have you had a "worst" moment that was also a "best" moment?

Last year's Heart of Dixie tri in MS. After a good  swim and a strong start on the bike, I fell apart about 7 miles before the bike finish. No more juice. (I was probably dehydrated.) Had a total hissy fit in transition (I know my dear sherpa hubby was totally embarrassed) and started to walk the run course. Really contemplated quitting. Stopped, took off my number belt, waited for hubby to drive by so I could get in the car. Realized I had to go to the fairgrounds anyway to turn in my chip, so put my number back on and started running slowly. Finally, got to the first mile and first water stop and started drinking water and Gatorade. Slowly felt better. Was amazed by the 2 folks running without shoes (race is point-to-point so you have to rely on others to get your running shoes to T2), and decided my little pity party was pathetic. Ran steadily, albeit, slowly to the end, rounded the last turn to the finish line with a 70-year old man sporting a Marine jersey. Said, "ooh-rah, Marine, let's get this thing done." We crossed the finish line, and he told me that was exactly what he needed right then.

And you know? It really was a good day in the end.

At my first sprint (June of this year) I was about 2 miles from finishing the bike and doing way better than I expected at that point. I could tell by the riders around me (you know what you look like) that I was close to FOP. As I was coming down a hill and making a sharp turn another rider was coming up the hill and we met head on. She was taking the turn wide and I was hugging the inside, we both locked up our brakes but it was too late.

Luckily we were both almost at a complete stop when we hit so little road rash. Like a true A hole I picked up my bike looked it over, gripped the front wheel between my legs and straightened my handlebars. Picked up my computer that was laying on the ground and stuck it in my pocket. I'm not sure if I even asked the poor lady if she was ok or if I could help her with her bike. My emotions were soaring b/c I was doing so well and had worked so hard and I thought it had been for nothing. All I did was scream 4 letter words.

At the end of the day I still finished dead smack in the middle of my AG which was my goal. My bike average was 18 mph with the wreck. My goal was at least 17. What I learned from it was that I could be that overly competitive guy I hate. I let my emotions get the better of me and instead of taking the time to help a fellow triathlete I acted like a jerk. It turned out to be a best moment b/c now before a race I get myself in a better, friendlier, more sportsman like frame of mind.

Sorry lady if you read this. Next time we meet head on I'll be a gentleman.

Being a pool swimmer forever I found myself entered into a 3 triathlon series. The first one being in mid June and no wet suit. So I did the right thing and went to the lake a few time before the race. Yeah, the water was cold but I learned that with a warm up swim I would be fine. I was right, Race day went beautiful. My swim was FOP for my age. 4 weeks later, in mid July, the water should be warmer. Well, it was but the air was cold and rainny. My swimming sucked. I couldn't even swim. I heard a kayak guy yell "I can help if you need a rest" Right then I quit! Looked up for the kayak guy but couldn't find him. So I just kept going. I felt like a real looser doing backstroke. I swam the individual medly in high school so my backstroke isn't all that bad. My swim was 3 minutes slower. (So What) My over all time was 6 minutes faster.