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Since I have no idea how to format posts with pictures, I figured I'd post the pictures at the end so the words don't get screwed up.

Just think of them as the treat at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box!

So, at some point last night, the train came and took the Drama Mama back to where she came from.

But what she left in her wake was two empty bags of gummy bears, a broken bike, and some black-marker-stained arms that read, “462.”

But it was good to see her sorry ass go.

But before I say anything else, I owe you all (and my family) a huge THANK YOU for all the words of support. I even got teary during my morning meeting when I thought about all the comments and emails that people sent – and they were all right. Every one of them. I tried to respond to everyone, but some people don’t have email address attached to their profiles.

And even by last night, I decided I am really okay with it all.

I mean, seriously – I quit a race. I didn’t kill anyone, steal a baby, drown any elderly at the pool, or kick a three-legged dog. In the big picture, quitting a race is not my largest character flaw.

I have MANY bigger ones than that.

And a good therapist to help deal with them.

So Sunday was not my day – I made my mistakes.

The biggest of which was that, while I was so busy training my body, I neglected to train my mind.

You simply can’t do one without the other. What good is a strong body without the mental will to use it and push it? Cheese said to me, “It never really seemed like you wanted to do that race anyway.” And he was right - I showed up Sunday with that attitude. Thus, I had done myself in long before that fog rolled in over Lake Michigan.

When I got home from the race, all sour and pouty, I had a friend request on Facebook (don’t get me started on this time-suck). Anyway, I clicked to the profile, and there was a quote, “If you believe you can, or believe you can’t, you’re right.”

How true, and how fitting for yesterday.

And I made my choice, and actually learned something about myself from that choice.

So not all was lost.

But it’s time to move on.

Oh yeah – and lest I forget – the “phantom poop” Clyde referred has yet to make its appearance. I thought I felt it creepin’ around this morning, but alas, it remains elusive.

Oh come on! You knew I had to leave you with something so inappropriate it requires bleach for your mind’s eye.

Blogger meet up at the OG night before. And the crew includes: Me, Erin, Alili, and xt4. On his post today, xt4 commented that he got home that night and his face hurt from laughing. It was funny because, after leaving the OG, I was talking to Cheese and said the exact same thing. You cannot believe how funny these people are.

Clyde and I walking the mile down the beach to the start - it was a point-to-point swim. Now, the cold water had affected my memory, but I believe the conversation went something like this:

Clyde: Wait, now tell me again about your pre-race nutrition.

Me: Okay, last time, and listen good. You heat the oatmeal first, then stir in the chocolate chips...

Clyde: Okay got it.

Me: And then once that's good and melted, toss in a couple of gummy bears for a colorful presentation, and voila! Your all amped up and ready to go!

Clyde: Huh. And all I had was a banana and a Power Bar. I'll have to remember that...I bet you'll have a GREAT race with that combination! (in genuine awe)

Me: (shrugs) Probably. But you know, I'm an Ironman. Have I mentioned that?

Clyde: Only eight times this morning, but it never gets old.

Me: (smiles modestly) Yeah, I know.

Clyde: By the way, don't you think that pillow you stuffed in the back of your shorts might create some drag in the water?

Me: Oh Clyde (shakes head). Such a newbie. It's for extra warmth, but don't worry - you'll learn these little tricks along the way.

Clyde: I am so glad I know you. You're so wise. You're going to KILL out there!

Ahhh. The last picture taken before I tested the water for the first time. This is Dennis (RunBubbaRun - he was super nice, and a crazy ultra runner), Clyde and me. Notice the fog in the background over the water. Brutal. But at this moment, I am all smiles, at least for another ten seconds.

Then all hell broke loose.

So there ya have it. I'd post pictures of my ride and run but...uh..nevermind.