You can't always get what you want
4 November 2025
So. Two weeks on, and two fewer toe nails. It was amazing to be at a World Championships again, and a pleasure to co-captain our awesome NZ team. It felt like preparation had been really good, and I was cautiously optimistic. Albi is a beautiful place to spend time.
Unfortunately, things just didn't come together for me on the day. I got sick earlier than expected (from 6 hours) and went downhill from there, in a frustrating echo of my 2019 experience, unable to hold anything. Both Viv and I were in medical for a lot of the night, and then only allowed to walk.
What went wrong? I'm still working on that. It was warm, though not ridiculously so, but I was slowing down, taking walk breaks, and using ice and water where possible. I've had nausea before, but can usually regroup after a break to some extent (as I did in Auckland in May, and still got a reasonable total). I had a plan from a nutritionist I'd worked with for several months. I'd trained with more consistency than other races and tapered well. Crew were great.
I have since found out I was deficient in iron, due to fun perimenopause activities, and will be getting an infusion soon. This could have some bearing on the issues but probably isn't the whole story either. I'd hoped to smash it, for myself and for the NZ vest, but that will have to wait. C'est la vie!
I really appreciate the support from you all in terms of getting to this event - it really makes a big difference. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa!
