The race started in a big pack. I was towards the middle on the outside. Kept up for about the first mile, but noticed that my chest was really tight. Used my inhaler. Kept running and walking. Around the turn around point, I had to use my inhaler again and I realized how bad I was doing and kind of made up that I wouldn't be able to keep going.

I walked most of the way back and cut the course in a few places. One of those was a water stop where a group of high school guys handed me two cups of water and hosed me down. That was very helpful because I could tell how warm I was getting. I was the last runner and I knew I was handing in my chip, so shortening the course didn't bother me. One of the volunteers offered to call for a pickup, but I was so close to the end that I decided it was faster to walk back.

Got to the transition area and talked to one of the volunteers about going to medical. She directed me and told me not to cross the finish line, so I had to walk a little farther out of the way.

Not have problems with asthma and heat.

Went to the medical tent and talked to the doctor. He didn't let me finish because it was pretty obvious what was wrong. He checked out my lungs to see how they were doing - just a little bit of wheezing, so he didn't want to give me anything else until the albuterol wore down a little because I was shaking so bad. I sat up for awhile and drank some Powerade. Eventually, one of the other medical people had me lay down because I was overheating. She put lots of wet cloths on me and that really helped. Lots of people ended up in medical at the end.

After about a half an hour of laying down, I felt better. I got released with a bunch more of the cold towels and Andy's help walking. Went to get some more Powerade to drink on the way home. Went into transition to get my bike. Andy got to come in too since the doctors didn't want me to be alone. Got all my stuff and my bike (Andy took all of it so I could just walk) and walked a few blocks to the car.

Came home and resting now. Chest is still a little tight.

Honestly, I'm not that upset with the DNF. I knew it was a pretty good possibility with how I've been feeling. I tried and did the best I could. To be honest, I'm more impressed with myself for stopping than I would have been if I kept going.

And, I'm totally wearing the shirt even if I got a DNF. So there! ;)


Asthma attack brought on by a cold and the heat.


There were plenty of volunteers around the course that I saw. The course did have problems with lots of people being on it because it's a popular area for people to come when it is hot.

Could have used more water for people spectating. They ran out around 2:00.