I wasn't ready. I failed you. I'm sorry. My back locked up as I hurried to escape a freak hail storm on the course, I pushed as far and as long as I could after but then my legs seized and I was done. Thank you to everyone who helped me get this far, I'm sorry I couldn't hold up my end of the bargain. But I will be back.
The good news is that tonight my wife will become an ironwoman.
Ben, you're going to get it done next time... and you'll be there to cheer Rachelle over the finish line!!!!
ReplyDeleteBen, you didn't let anyone down. It's just a question of when you're going to grab the "Ironman" label and you know it. Just keep your head up and remember you're in it for the long haul and for your HEALTH, so take it easy until you heal.
ReplyDeleteYou've got a great new place to live and a warmer climate means more opportunities for quality outdoor training sessions.
You'll be crushing your PRs before you know it.
If you had not entered the water, then you would have failed. You put it out there on the course. You gave all you had. In a world that tells every lazy SOB that they are all "winners," you distinguished yourself. You're an inspiration, man. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to meet you.
ReplyDeleteI know the last thing your wife will want when she crosses that line is an apology - and neither does anyone else. See you out there.
Well said, Austin, Edie, and Ms. Duffy. I saw Ben giving it his all today. In a world where most people never push themselves because they are too afraid to discover their limitations, Ben pushed the boundaries. No need for apologies, Ben. Rejoice in the knowledge that you were willing to put it all out there and to test yourself. Champions are those who try, fail, and try again. Success was yours today because you weren't afraid to try!
ReplyDeleteIt's been said before. You're only a failure if you don't get up from a fall.
ReplyDeletefailed?
ReplyDeleteno way, my friend. Failure is not showing up.
Failure is not even trying.
You did not fail...
140.6 is an epic journey and one you will tackle-I have no doubt.
You did not fail. I agree with what everyone else said above. You did more than some of us even think about doing. That you gave of yourself to raise money for an important cause is so great. Keep your head up. You are a success in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteYou will be hard pressed to convince anyone that you failed at anything when you consider all the people you've left a lasting impression on with your postings, not to mention your charitable work. I guarantee you those folks, and their families, would welcome this 'failure' of yours over and over again.
ReplyDeleteEvery athlete walks away from a challenge wondering what they can do to get better next time regardless of the result. You might be upset at yourself, and amid the chaos of your day that is expected, but deep down I'm sure you realize that this weekend was only the beginning of a much more challenging race, and one that is definitely not over yet.