Saturday, July 11, 2009

How can I put this?

I'm not going to write a race report.

I have sat down countless times to write this "narrative". Every time I start... I get a couple of sentences in and I grind to a complete and utter halt... I just can't write about it. I feel like I'm trying to "create" a story... an experience. I feel like I'm making things up. The reality is... I don't remember a whole lot about the day. I remember bits and pieces:
  • Standing at the swim start, closing my eyes, holding an invisible hand and smiling.
  • Laughing with Earl in the changing tent about taint pain.
  • Passing Marit on the bike... then getting passed by her later... all the while laughing and smiling.
  • Seeing my best friend from high school on the run... and stopping to hug him and tell him I love him.
  • Begging my stomach to come around so that I can run to my ability.
  • Striking a pose at the finish... b/c Liz asked me to.
I remember moments... but I can't put the entire thing together. The bottom-line is this: I ran this race in ernest. I ran this race because I made a commitment a year ago and needed to see it through. I ran this race because I felt like this was one of the only things in my life that I had control over. I spent 6 months... January through June... training under conditions that should have folded me into the fetal position in the corner. There is no logical reason that I should have completed this race in the time I did other than out of the necessity to see the commitment through.

So here's the deal: I have unfinished business with Ironman. Don't get me wrong... I am thrilled that I was able to complete the race. I am ecstatic that I had the experience that I did. I feel so blessed that I'm healthy, and capable, and able to participate in this sport... but I am not done with this distance.

Stay tuned and...

Breathe...

11 comments:

Jennifer Harrison said...

GRRRRRRR! Nice lovely RR, Rob. I had fun watching you online screaming back and forth online with Elizabeth - congrats on your race and get after another one!

Anonymous said...

Congrats. You kick ass.
Gary

cat. said...

one of the better race reports i've read. seriously.

congratulations!!

MJ said...

Way to exercise your right to file whatever kind of Race Report you feel like (or don't).... and for that matter, I agree with cat that this "non-RR" was really great.

Congrats on getting to the start line, making it to the finish (and fast too).... and "keeping it real" as the kids like to say.

Cheers,

Marit C-L said...

Hey Rob - have to say that seeing you during the bike was one of the highlights of my ride. THANK YOU for your support - awesome. When you were running, you looked really strong and solid. I knew it was rough though when I saw you walking later on. But you still did GREAT! Sub 11 and with stomach woes on your first IM is fantastic. I can't wait to see what you do next.

Thanks for helping to make my day bright...

Ryan said...

:-)

IM is truly an obsession. Is there such thing as the perfect race, or is that only available in hindsight?

Congratulations and welcome to the Ironman club...you EARNED it!

Scottie said...

Congrats Rob!! You did great Bud, You are still Iron. I could see it in your eyes when you came by that you were not to happy about how you were feeling. I'm glad to hear you are going come back and kick this Iron distance in the butt. if anyone can it would be you.

Liz Waterstraat said...

Short and sweet. Thank you.

beth said...

a non-comment for your non-rr. go on with yo bad self and so what YOU like. i like the non-rr..nicely done. i might steal that technique. i can never remember ANY of the details. its like, "i rode for a while". "then i was running".

Jennifer Cunnane said...

Grrrrrr! Nice attitude - looks like you will be back at it soon! And how do people look so gun ho running into the lake at the beginning of the IM swim??!! I would be tip toeing in scared to death!

Unknown said...

It is perfect.

Congrats on your accomplishment and

Thanks for sharing!