Road rash again,

I am disappointed in the circumstances that lead to my shorter day than expected at IM LP last weekend; however, sometimes things can happen for which we have no (little) control over.  The day started with dark and rainy skies and I had a little slower than normal swim.  However, because of three separate blows to the right side I have had radiating intercostals pain in my chest and back pain for the past 2 months (ok almost 1 year).  It was re-instigated with an accident between my TTX and a motorcycle, two weeks after 08 IM LP.  Therefore, the past 8 weeks I have been only doing 2 easy swims per week, so I will take the chase pack swim including many of the podium contenders. 

I got out of transition and rode with a German named Bader for the first 45k; gently rolling through the men’s pro field with little extra effort.  Thanks to Trek (Madone) and Tristan for the fast bike!  However, just after getting into 4^th over the Wilmington hill my back wheel slid on the painted centre line on the 90 degree turn to the Hassleton out/ back.  Apparently, the 360 degree wipe-out looked better than it felt. I shook off the dirt and re-mounted my bike- back in the race.  I rode the out and back getting up into 4^th again, before stopping for medical, as blood was running on me and my bike.  I stopped where I fell, but now heading out of Hassleton.  I lost plenty of time in medical, as it seems that I was more geared up for speed than they were.  The medical support staff were very professional and I cannot imagine being able to continue without them.   

I only had a few gears working well for the last 135k and I was only able to put my left arm on the aero pad, as I crashed on my right arm, so aerodynamics were no longer my number one concern.  In the aid stations I was thinking about water to get the blood off me and my bike, rather than re-hydrating.  The second challenging loop had my bandage on my finger flapping along with a piece of paper stuck to front tire (a little frustrating).  I pulled off the bandage (not too smart) and my finger began spraying blood again.  Luckily Jimmy Riccatello called the next aid station for me to make another pit stop. This one slightly quicker and less painful, but more time lost.  I managed to finish the bike the best I could and got off in 8^th-10^th but I was not as mentally focused.  

My “run” now had a slight limp with my right hip I fell on and I felt that by continuing I could create more damage and problems.  I decided to call it a day after doing 1 loop and focus on IM Louisville in 5 weeks.  The diarrhea I had on the run made my decision even easier.

p.s. One of the athletes I coach (Graeme) was helping Laura get to the finish line- good karma.

Cheers, Dave