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2007-04-16 10:01 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Champion
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Michigan
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
you are still an inspiration to all of us.  you are not alone. you've gained experience, and you will do awesome in races to come.  thanks for sharing your feelings with us.  and congratulations on the months of training and the courage to sign up and compete in Ironman arizona.  we are all very proud of you.


2007-04-16 10:13 AM
in reply to: #762872

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Elite
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Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)

bigislandfj - 2007-04-16 7:00 AM Thanks for posting such a grueling experience. So often on this site everything is rah-rah and everybody meets there goals which is not what life is all about. I don't know if I will ever attempt an IronMan but your story is going to stick with me no matter what event I do. Good luck in setting and meeting your next goal.

Thanks. That's part of the reason why I posted. Race results have a list of DNFs at the end, and sometimes people think "Oh...they weren't prepared or they didn't train enough" (as often posted on other tri sites, you all probably know which one I'm talking about). But each of those DNFs has a story. Sure, some probably did give up. But I'm betting a lot pushed as hard as they could. All the people I saw out there with me just making the 2nd bike cutoff were still pushing hard. Some racers ended up in the med tent, and some might have even come close to death. There are tons of reasons for DNF, and my story is just one.

2007-04-16 10:13 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Elite
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In The Peleton
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)

PirateGirl--

Congratulations for training and starting.  You CAN do this, you have proven that by making it as far as you did.  It was a tough day, and you went so far. 

 

2007-04-16 10:17 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Elite
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the desert
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)

First, you had the courage and the ambition to go out and chase this goal.

Second, this is the most grueling one-day physical test that a person can go through.

Third, when people aks about the race - be honest. Tell them how tough an event that this really is. You have first have knowledge of how difficult it is. Don't minimize this or the conditions.

Again, you didn't quit.  If you're going to go down, go down swinging.

It's not the finish line that makes you an Ironman, it's the journey.

 Without a doubt, you'll hear your named called next time.

2007-04-16 10:19 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Pro
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Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
Elaine,
I feel for you and really understand...I really do. No one will ever know what a DNF is by missing the cutoff by so little time unless they have been through it. I did not make the swim cutoff time by 2 minutes for Silverman last year. I was very disappointed and embarrassed that I let everyone down. I agree with you that the worse part of the whole experience is when someone asks. However, afterwards, I promised myself that one day I would be an ironman so I signed up for this race.

I know there are no words that can make you feel better but I hope you will register for IMAZ next year and kick some butt. It was a brutal day and the winds were relentless.

I wish you the best of training and better results in the future. I hope to see you at IMAZ next year too.

Dave
2007-04-16 10:20 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Master
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Surprise, Arizona
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
You can't control the conditions, and they were rough yesterday. I have a huge amount of admiration for your effort, not only yesterday but all that you put into getting there. I can only imagine your disappointment, but the determination and toughness that you showed yesterday tells me that you are not close to done. You WILL be an Ironwoman, and I look foward to reading about it when it happens for you. Yesterday was just a little delay in getting to where you want to go.


2007-04-16 10:23 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Expert
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Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)

Be proud, you did the training and went out and gave everything you had.  You are an inspiration. 

Thank You.

Adios
Dave
 

2007-04-16 10:23 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Champion
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Rochester Hills, Michigan
Gold member
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
Elaine, you know you're a rockstar.   Smile, and as Jim said, you're not done yet.
2007-04-16 10:25 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Master
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Long Island, NY
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
Just by starting this thread you are an inspiration! Many would have run and hide..you are putting yourself out there for all of us to see.  And I see a strong willed, inspirational woman for even attempting what you did..and to miss by 6 Lousy minutes!!!!  Thanks for sharing this with us.
2007-04-16 10:33 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Champion
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The Green Between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
PG,

I suspect there is something inside of you that has not been killed, but rather prodded, awakened.
2007-04-16 10:35 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Champion
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Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
Well your not an Ironman but you are a form of IronAlloy Man in my eyes.

2.4 mile swim > most have ever done
112 biking > most have ever done

2.4 mile swim and 112 biking really amasing in itself.

As one person said in chat last night. if an Ironman was easy it would be called easyman.




2007-04-16 10:36 AM
in reply to: #762933

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Extreme Veteran
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Somewhere in your dreams
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
Sweetie, you attempted something that very few of us ever will in their ENTIRE lives. You had so many of us online last night in the chat room cheering you on! I am so proud of you and I still have to say Way to Go!! Now, could someone please pass the tissues!
2007-04-16 10:39 AM
in reply to: #762916

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Elite
2553
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Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)

auto208562 - 2007-04-16 7:19 AM

Elaine, I feel for you and really understand...I really do. No one will ever know what a DNF is by missing the cutoff by so little time unless they have been through it. I did not make the swim cutoff time by 2 minutes for Silverman last year. I was very disappointed and embarrassed that I let everyone down. I agree with you that the worse part of the whole experience is when someone asks. However, afterwards, I promised myself that one day I would be an ironman so I signed up for this race. I know there are no words that can make you feel better but I hope you will register for IMAZ next year and kick some butt. It was a brutal day and the winds were relentless. I wish you the best of training and better results in the future. I hope to see you at IMAZ next year too. Dave

I remember your story and reading about that challenging swim. I'm glad to hear you came back and finished the whole IM distance.

I'll probably register again, just not sure when. I'm wondering about the race moving to November, like what a lot of the rumors say.

At least I learned what I should change for next time. I want to put a different seat on my bike, find a different nutrition plan, etc. So I did learn some things out there that will hopefully help me do even better next time.

2007-04-16 10:40 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Expert
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Ontario
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
hey Elaine... I tracked you on the internet yesterday.. saw your swim time and your first bike split... and wondered what had happened after that. To miss the cutoff by only 6 minutes must have been heartbreaking, as it obviously was. You did your best and you should be proud.

I'm impressed. You are a tough triathlete and you will be an Ironwoman!!
2007-04-16 10:41 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Elite
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Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
You all are making me cry again, but in a good way. I feel a lot better now. All I can do is look forward to the future and go after it again. Thank you so much for your thoughts and words. They have really helped.
2007-04-16 11:15 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Champion
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Carlsbad, California
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
I was re-reading going long last night and in the very beginning of the book, Gordo responds to the question: "How do we know when we are ready to do an Ironman?".

His answer was short and to the point: "We Don't!"

The trick is that there are so many moving parts in a Triathlon of this distance. No one regardless of fitness level gets a "Guaranteed Finish". We learn more about ourselves and in some ways, gain more from the DNF experience than we do crossing the finish line.

The key is that you did not quit. You had Ironman in your head and were on the go until the volunteer asked you if they could "Help you with your Chip".

I know you will be back out there training and running another one of these races. My only hope is that I am there to see you cross the finish line.

Endurance Sports in general are an extreme case of "Delayed Gratification" and when you do cross the finish line, it will be all that much sweeter indeed

Rest and Recover Well


2007-04-16 11:16 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Veteran
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Davis, California
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
PirateGirl, you are an inspiration to me.  I have my first tri ever this weekend and can not identify with people that are looking to shave 10 seconds per 100 meters off their swim or add 1 mph to their bike leg.  However, I love hearing about somebody that's out there giving their all for themselves.  I have no idea what kind of times I should expect in my race and I know I'll be in the back of the pack but if for some reason I don't finish you had better believe it will not have been my choice.  When I'm a measly 1 1/2 hours in to my race and my legs feel like they're full of lead I'll be thinking of you and I WILL NOT QUIT.  You're truly an inspiration and you will, one day, be an iron man.  I have no doubt.
2007-04-16 11:25 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Champion
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Butler
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
Sorry to hear that they made you stop.  But that is the only way you would have not finished.  Just remember DNF>DNS.
2007-04-16 11:28 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
You have nothing to be sorry for or embarrassed about...you were in an Ironman...that says it all right there. How many people train for and attempt something that huge. Great effort and you'll be back out there another day.
2007-04-16 11:29 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Champion
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)

WOW! 

I'll express a sentiment that hasn't been said yet.

THANK GOD YOU'RE OK!!

We were checking the updates, and when you didn't show up completing the bike, I got a little anxious, especially with some of the other reports of athletes needing medical attention.  I was in Phoenix right before, and the wind Thursday was brutal.  Sounds like Friday was even worse, and it obviously didn't get much better yesterday. 

(Thanks for the update too.

2007-04-16 11:30 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Lethbridge, Alberta
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Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
Awesome effort PirateGirl!! As someone else pointed out, so much of the ironman experience is the journey and you came so close. I've no doubt you were ready for the run too, if not for those six extra minutes biking. Rest and recover now, and be proud of what you did accomplish. And thanks for sharing it with us.


2007-04-16 11:39 AM
in reply to: #762763

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Regular
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Seattle WA
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
I too, was watching for you all day. I'm happy to hear you are well. Just remember, you did more yesterday then I did last week You are a winner in my eyes and I look forward to seeing you cross that finish line at a later date.
2007-04-16 11:44 AM
in reply to: #762779

Pro
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Andover
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)
Marvarnett - 2007-04-16 10:23 AM

Pirategirl,

Damn right they had to pull you off the course!  That's the only way the Ironman spirit is broken.  You never quit and if they would have turned their back, I bet you would have shot out of T2 in your bike shoes and ran the marathon in them.

You might not have the finisher's medal and you WILL earn the title Ironman...  You have the spirit and you have it inside you.  And don't you EVER again say that you're not good enough.  You toed the line and that made you good enough!!



I'm going to quote Marvarnett because, quite honestly, I can't put it any better.

Props to you for getting out there and bustin' your azz!
2007-04-16 11:44 AM
in reply to: #762763

Champion
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Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)

I was suffering and dying along with you Elaine...that terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach when I kept wondering if you were going to make it.  You still should be congratulated and feel proud of the tremendous effort in the face of rough conditions.  It would have been easy to simply give up.  There will be other races.  And remember that not finishing does not make us any less proud of you for what you accomplished.  Tough chicks become Ironman finishers, and there is definitely one in your future!

 

2007-04-16 11:47 AM
in reply to: #762871

Extreme Veteran
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Northern California
Subject: RE: I'm not an Ironman (IMAZ=DNF)

GolfMark - 2007-04-16 7:59 AM You signed up = Winner You trained = Winner You got to the race = Winner You battled the conditions and did your best = Winner You didn't hide and expressed your feelings = Winner

X2.

You are an inspiration.  Thank you for sharing your experience. 

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