I WAS SO GLAD TO BE OFF THE BIKE!!!! But, immediately, I felt wonky. As I walked by bike down the red carpet in the chute and set LanaKeli in her block, I could feel the nausea creeping up in my belly. It felt good to walk and I grabbed my bag and headed into the changing tent. By this time of day, the atmosphere in the tent was more subdued. There were fewer women and a lot less noise. It was even hotter now and the humidity was stifling. I sat down in one of the chairs and peeled off my camelbak and helmet and socks. I put on my visor and shades and my prettiest sparkly headband, grabbed my nutrition bottle and Ziploc, and headed for the exit.
When I stood up, I had that wonky feeling again and pictured the classic videos of Julie Moss keening sideways to get to the finish line of Kona in 1982. Did I look like that right now? The queasiness sloshed around in my whole body. Now, if you’d rather not read about bodily functions, you might want to skip down to the last paragraph because for about five minutes, I will share what will happen in a triathlon if your nutrition is off.
I thought I’d feel better if I hit the port-o-john to pee and full disclosure: I peed a lot. Which is a pretty good sign. But, the temperature and the humidity in the port-o made the queasiness worse. I couldn’t bear to puke in the john so I stepped out, took a hard right and saw a trash can. There was a volunteer sitting right by it and I warned him: you may want to move! I’m gonna throw up! I hurled. A lot. It was all liquid and it reminded me of that scene in Stand by Me at the pie eating contest. I stood up tall, thought about walking out and then hurled again.
A medic tapped me on the shoulder. Are you all right? Do you need medical? he asked.
No, actually. l feel much better. I said. But, I have one more in me. You might want to turn around! With that, I turned and let it fly.
Okay. I feel great! I exclaimed. Okay, not great, but MUCH better.
I walked out and found Ace right near the exit. He asked me how I was and I gave him the honest report. I feel better, but I am gonna walk a lot. Text Sami and ask her what I should do after puking.
Fortunately for Sami, she was already asleep on the East Coast and didn’t have to listen to my question. Oddly, I was the least concerned I'd been all day. It was the best I’d felt in hours! Tonya & Maria were on the hot corner with signs & smiles. They walked behind me- cheering & encouraging me.
I'm headed to the turn-around see ya'll in a bit! I called as I walked/staggered away.
My time in T2 was 10:33.
So glad to be getting off the bike.
I look okay here…..but, I am not a happy camper. I’ll post a video of my exit from T2 on Instagram.
This a view of T2 about midday. I think the first pros are coming in from the bike and heading out on the run.