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Source: Chris Lieto
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Well, I am back from a long journey from South Africa.  I went down there for a Half Ironman on March 21st.  It was to be my first race of the season.  Things don’t always go the way you planned.  I took the long 30 hour journey to Port Elizabeth, South Africa on the 12th of March to make sure I’d get over the jet lag and the long trip, to ensure a good race.  After being there a week and feeling good I got a stomach bug just a day before the race.  This was something I have never experienced before and thought it would go away in time.  Well, unfortunately it didn’t.  The day before the race I was unable to eat or drink much of anything, and the night before I ended up spending some time with the porcelain.  Race day morning I again tried to get something in my stomach, and had very little success.

However, I was still optimistic and suited up to compete with a World Class men’s field.  I started well and swam with a lead group of 4.  I felt ok but was getting hot the last 10 minutes of the swim.  As soon as I got out of the water I knew things were not right.  My legs were very loaded up and crampy.  I rode the first 28 mile loop of the bike course with the leaders but not feeling that well.  As time went on my body got weaker and weaker. Anything I ate or drank was just filling my stomach and not absorbing through.  My gut just got more crampyand uncomfortable.  So, because I had no calories and very little fluids in my body I couldn’t go on.  I had to do the thing I hate, drop out of the race.  

Timo Bracht had a great performance and won the race.  I am looking forward to racing with him in the future as I know he is a great competitor. 

So the trip didn’t end up the way I wanted, but I got to see South Africa and go on a Safari with friends and enjoy a beautiful country. 

The one thing I will not do again is be away from my family for that length of time.  Because of the long trip, my wife Karis and my son Kaiden were unable to join me at this race.  I missed my family very much and I am so glad to be home.  

Thank you to my sponsors for always supporting me even on the days that go wrong.  And to my family, who always support and love me when I am far away and am unsuccessful in competing at the race. 

I am looking forward to my now first race of the year, Wildflower Half Ironman.  I will definitely be very ready and focused to make this local event a successful one with my family by my side.

View more pics of the Safari in my Candid Shots gallery...

Chris Lieto
Husband, Father, Professional Triathlete

Chris is a Two-time Ironman Champion and former U.S. National Ironman Champion.  He recently won Ironman Canada and finished 18th at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. To learn more about Chris and his triathlon pursuits, please visit www.chrislieto.com.