Guys, here's the story.  After spending about 4.5 - 5 hours up on PP Saturday...watching Mary Lee have altitude sickness and a panic attack...I was totally dehydrated and fucked for Sunday.  I was dizzy when I got up Sunday morning but chose to ignore it.  If I moved my head too fast it felt like I was on a merry-go-round.  Oh well....

I had a fantastic time until right after Barr Camp.  About 10 min. out of Barr I had the first feeling of puking come across. About 2 min. later I was off the trail in the woods puking the entire contents of my stomach...ugh oh.  Well, I felt a little better so I kept on.  Sisson, NEVER did I feel under trained for this...it was all stomach and digestion (altitude).  Anyhow...soon I began diarrhea...not good in the woods but I packed in wipes and that was a blessing.  This continued (both ends) until about the last mile.  I was unable to take in any fluid after Barr Camp. I tried earnestly to take in thermolytes or Gatorade or just water but each time...blech...right up they came.

When I finally reached the top I was given the go ahead to go on (I hope I can fool God on Judgment Day just like I fooled those guys at the top of PP) -- I knew things might get better if I descended but I was so dehydrated that I felt it would be a disaster by the time I got back to A-frame (if I even made it there).  I feared them making me walk back up if they turned me around. Wouldn't that suck?  Anyhow, since I was seeing 2 of the guy pulling my tag...I told him I wasn't going down.  He looked at me and said...you look pretty bad.  I said, get me an EMT.  Two very nice EMT's helped me to the summit house where I was given oxygen and lots of blankets.  I was shaking uncontrollably.  I declined an IV...I wanted off the mountain and to let my family know I was all right.  James, Leah's husband, was Johnny-on-the-spot and in the med. facility to look after me right away...I can NEVER thank him enough.  He got the car warm and listened to the EMT's tell him where the hospitals were -- oh good that was reassuring.  James loaded me in the car and drove me to the hotel -- I had my puke bag in my hand at all times -- thank goodness for James I didn't have to use it.  I believe I slept some coming down...maybe I slept a lot.  James was my angel.  We called Bob and the kids from his cell phone as soon as we could and they met me at the hotel.  A hot shower and a little rest and most importantly a man pill.  I sucked up the ego and went to the party feeling like shit.  I was so happy to see all the finishers...mostly to see all of you.  I am home, I feel like shit. Had cramping in my feet last night so I'm still dehydrated...guessing I should have taken that IV, eh?  Not one sore muscle (but then I didn't run down, LOSER)...but still a big ol' headache and big broken heart.

I'm going back next year -- I have unfinished business.  I made the right choice stopping but it was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. 

Thanks to all of you for being a part of my journey.