The "F" Word

Yesterdays half ironman didn't go to plan. Loch Tay was 12.95 degrees "warm" - my feet had lost all feeling before we started. However it was a good swim without to much violence. My transition was a disaster losing a couple of minutes struggling with wet clothing. The first climb was tough but I then settled into a rhythm and was happy with my bike until I tried to get off it. Both quads ceased. This has happened before so I carefully dismounted and prepared for my half marathon. 1 mile in the cramp was bad in my quad so I stopped to stretch it out. Immediately both quads and both hamstrings ceased up. I was in agony and could hardly stand. A Marshall gave me some water and after a few minutes I shuffled off. But another mile down the road and I decided it wasn't worth the damage I was going to do to my hamstrings. It wasn't an important race but I have never pulled out of a race before so the decision was taken with some sadness. The 2 mile walk back was made worse by people thinking I was still in the race and shouting encouragement. The organisers arranged a "medical emergency" massage which meant I skipped the queue and didn't have to pay for it - thanks guys. Lots of lessons learned but the priority is to get my legs into better shape for the Marathon des Sables. Yoga here I come! As for the "F" word, please view the Michael Jordan Nike Failure Commercial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45mMioJ5szc. I think that sums everything up for me.