If I had
the inclination this would be a step-by-step report of last Saturday’s big
Ironman day. But the inclination is not
there and besides, this internet café I am in charges an extraordinarily high $’s
charge for using their connection, and downloading the personal emails since
leaving home last week is taking up internet time. Thus will not be able to answer most of the
emails – but must remember to take myself off the daily or weekly mailing lists
of a number of organisations – they may be interesting when one has the time –
but damned annoying when only interested in real people who send emails.
To those
lovely folk who have texted, left voice messages or emailed, or have left and
put up Facebook messages over the past days – please do not take offence at any
lack of response from me – firstly have been staying at a place without Wifi –
and secondly, don't have the real updated phone-Wifi-y-knowledge how to up or download much of everything - so it's intermittent and hit and miss with me as to when I download.And thirdly, have decided not to return to Auckland after the Ironman event
and am taking myself on a solo tiki-tour of where ever takes my fancy over the
next period of time.
Those with
a slight level of EQ will figure out why I have chosen to do such at this time.
It is
certainly not about sulking over my own Ironman disappointing day – was always
intending to not return to Auckland whether I had done good or not.
But, whilst walking the paths of Orakei-Korako today I admit to thinking
to myself that I’m rather glad not to have to retell the sorry story over again
to those back home who will kindly enquire.
I had bad luck. Kept saying to my
team that with the numbers we had entered this year the odds are that something
will happen to at least one of us. Just
had never banked on it being me this time, damn it.
Still, I am always the one constantly
telling others that when things go wrong, “… deal with it … and … just keep moving…” So I did. With some depleting effort, but nevertheless keeping
moving did get me to the point of the whole Ironman 2014 exercise; that was to complete this Ironman, solo.
For which I am most grateful.
And am
heartened by one of the bike mechanics who tried to help me out on Saturday then sought me out yesterday to tell me
he considered my day’s effort on Saturday to have been, “One of the most f…… gutsiest women I know.” I think it was a
compliment. I think.?.. was it??
Mind you,
with the huge support team that arrived in the town for the day, my own lovely
family, our other fellow athletes and the support teams of our other fellow
athletes around the course, one could not say it was a solo effort. Appreciated every encouraging word and hug from each
of them. Lord knows I needed it.
Will say it
was with heavy heart I learnt early in the morning that one team member had a
bigger hiccup than I – just wished they had been at the Awards night so they
could hear and understand what a hero each of those who were unable to cross
the line were. And it was with little
jumps of heart-joy when I eventually managed to catch a glimpse of one of our
own team working their own personal journey to Ironman finish line.
Was
fortunate to have had an interlude of catch up chatter with one of the
team; had heart sinking empathy for
others who looked like they were finding the going tough; and complete satisfaction
in seeing others firmly focused to their finish line.
Loved that
my predictions for most of the team members were spot on. Knew two of them would be podium finishers –
they were – and against good opposition – and a couple of others actually
bettered my predictions. At times like
this I do love being wrong.
Anyway, the
long version of this so-called-short epistle is that I am away, AWOL, will be
for several more days – therefore if you receive no response to texts or emails
or voice messages, please do not be offended – am just switching off the
mind. But will still enjoy receiving
them!
If it
really is urgent – text me to tell me – I shall then respond.
Otherwise, to every one of you who have sent me supporting messages –
whether for Ironman or .... (every one of them makes a difference) ...
.... big thank you.
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