it happens. several of us opted for the irvine race instead. i've been working my ass off in training and i was having trouble hanging on to the back of the pack in the early going. the course just didn't suit me. ended-up with an OK finish nonetheless, but still not satisfied. just take it as a learning experience and keep working on it. things will come together mentally and physically for you.
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"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - Leonardo daVinci