Harsh realities

In my journey from non-athlete to ironman and beyond, I have always talked about a 5 stage goal planning process. The 5th stage is the review / reflection and an uncomfortable one. Where you sit down and examine the result against the expectations. It's vital as you can't move forward until you have. So since Saturday when I had my first DNF result (did not finish) I have been looking at all aspects in the lead up to the event and then the event itself. I've concluded that I was under prepared which was partially down to motivation following ironman and also a late injury. I had set myself a PB target and that led to a fast swim and bike but not being prepared meant the run was always going to be a problem. I didn't hydrate enough in the 2 days leading up to the event and on the day itself. Finally my flexibility has always been an issue but with the list of other failings above it was the final "straw". The one thing I am certain of is that I made the right decision to withdraw on the run. My fellow athletes have all backed me up on that decision and if I had gone ahead I would have ended up with an injury that would have et me back 2 months. I have already booked my sports massage and my 1st hot yoga session to see how that can help my flexibility. I intend to make yoga a main part of my preparation for the Marathon des Sables in April next year. I can't afford to have a repeat of the severe cramp in my legs again. Now I will progress from stage 5 review to stage 1 objectives as I reset them for the coming 8 months. This bad experience will make me stronger, more determined and more focused. Look out Sahara desert mission ironman is coming to get you!