90% of our weekends are pretty laid back and uneventful. For a week I was looking forward to my first wedding shoot (which was super fun, i'll have to post a slideshow soon) and Curt's first race of the season, but had no idea it would finish in such dramatic fashion.
Things were off to a great start. We breathed a sigh of relief because Curt remembered his wheels this year (last year his parents had to make the trek all the way back to Chaska for the wheels because SOMEBODY forgot to bring them). After Curt finished the biking portion we all were more relaxed. It's always a bit nerve wracking waiting for him to come in on the bike because there is always a possibility for crashing, getting lost, or getting a flat which all have happened to Curt before! Last year he got lost on the bike! So we were happy to see him start the run.
All of us were at the run finish just waiting for people to come in. We saw Anton come in too early. Not running, but walking. He suffered a cramp due to overhydrating so that was disheartening. We waited for Curt. The anticipation was killer. All of a sudden I see Curt rounding the corner, but he fell on the ground. He got up, but then quickly collapsed again. I had no idea what was going on. I went over the barrier to help him, but he wanted to finish the race without any assistance. At this point everything is in slow motion. He eventually rolls his way to the finish and collapses. His skin turned white and green. The EMT people assess him as being okay. A bunch of people give him water, cold towels, and ice. Shortly after he throws up liquid and gets a bit dillusional. At the time I thought he was being stubborn. I know that he needs something more and at this point Curt is crying out for electrolytes, electrolytes...but they only had water present. Finally they call an ambulance, stick an IV into him, and we are off to the hospital.
We just got back from a brief walk and so I can testify that he is now able to confidently move around on his own. Personally for me it was a bit scary. Scary because it's traumatic seeing your husband go through such a physical breakdown. It was nice to have Curt's entire family there too. And there were lots of random individuals who got Curt the aid that he needed. It's nice not to feel alone.
With such a physical breakdown Curt was still able to finish 3rd. In my opinion I think this is so great considering that he started the run feeling completely drained and weird. Instead of walking he pressed on! It was a brave finish, but I think that he took a really big risk too!
It was a huge learning experience. Proper nutrition before and during the race is really important.
