Elizabeth the Marathon Girl Sarah,Thanks for an amazing post. I am in awe of your brearvy. I never had the courage to post about my experience for lots of reasons not the least of which was the fear of what people would say and how I really felt on that day. I had the same stomach issues that you had but mine started in the choppy water. I was puking before I finished the second lap. I gave up on the bike at mile 50. I am not sure when my brain just turned off but I knew that it was not going to be my day.I have also taken this year off as far as total ironman focus, I am still coaching and still doing the occasional race but I have not yet had the courage to sign up for another full IM. I am going to do it. I am just not sure if it will be 2011 or 2012.Take care of yourself.Beth