Yesterday God was looking out for me.  I had originally told my family not to come to Dallas for the race, but at the last minute my parents, sister (Marie), brother-in-law (Eric), 2 nephews (Max & Zack), and long time family friend (Tom), decided to come.  Over half the field did not finish the race.  I did not drop out of the race; rather, I passed out about 150 meters from the finish line.  If there were ANY way I could have finished, I would have.  But, I was completely gone, physically and mentally.

The race was a tad hot (~95 degrees), and there was zero relief from the sun.  I really didn’t mind the conditions.  I’m happy to race in any weather!  The swim was a deep water start.  I found feet and stuck on them like glue, which is an improvement from other races this year where I was left behind and swam on my own.

I had the fastest bike split for the second ITU race in a row!  I felt great and had zero second thoughts about being able to run well after.  Looking back and due to the heat, I should have drunk 2 24-oz bottles instead of 1 16-oz bottle and 1 20-oz bottle.  I had to ration my liquid intake on the bike.  This was the beginning of why I believe I ultimately passed out on the run.

We were briefed the day before that the run would consist of four 2.5km loops.  WRONG!  The course was 1 mile long (7.2 miles instead of 6.2 miles).  That made a difference because I passed out so close to the finish line on a course that was 1 mile long to begin with.  They only had water on the run course, and I could feel my body badly wanted a drink with electrolytes.  Next time for hot races, I will clarify what liquid will be available on the run.  I was doing better than I had expected and felt happy about the prospects of finishing in the top-10 and receiving prize money. 

On the last run lap, I picked up the effort a little, but not long before I passed out, Anna Battiata passed me.  I don’t remember this at all.  As I neared the finish line, my dad realized I wasn’t responding to anything.  Instead of collapsing onto the cement and hitting my head, I collapsed into his arms.  The medics came, and the next thing I knew, I was in the ambulance, next to the EMT and my mom.  The last thing in my mind that I can remember were 3 letters: DNF (Did Not Finish).  That means I would receive no prize money or points.  I was very dehydrated, despite having as much water as I felt my body could handle on the run.  In the hospital, I couldn’t remember what state I was currently in, my zip code, my correct birthday, or other basic things.  Even just stating the names of my family, Tom, and my coach took major effort.  It was weird.

Having family there to cheer was priceless.  This was the hottest race I’ve ever done, so I learned very valuable lessons regarding nutrition.  Below are a few more photos from the day!

My adorable nephews before the race!

I did drink on the run, but I still needed 3 bags of fluid in the hospital before they discharged me.  Below was the scene that unfolded.  I don’t remember anything.

I was gone.

I definitely cried some tears in the hospital, but my parents and I also shared some laughs, once I finally started feeling better.  Actually, I didn’t feel good the rest of the day, but I had to catch a flight and needed to simply make it happen.

Now, the fun pictures!  In my exhausted state, Max helped me put my bike in the bike box.  He was a great helper!

Such a cute shot of my mom holding little Zack, my Godchild!