DNF AT IRONMAN SOUTH AFRICA - Why Is this Happening?

Not what I went for but things to learn from.
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[@mikedickerson3944]

Man, 2nd out of the water-amazeballs!

[@HighwayStarGR]

no need to explain yourself or have an almost apologetic tone. You are amazing and really brave for doing what you do, DNFs happen to all of us some times. Thanks for what you do for all of us, keep inspiring and I hope you get over this very soon!

[@TriathlonDan]

New kit looked bangin! On to the next one mate, don't give the h8rz any airtime xxxx

[@megdaintith]

So gutted for you Harry. Ignore the haters and keep going. You’re destined for the very top! Keep the faith and thanks for the great content

[@NihilimZA]

It was great for me to meet you before the race start (I was the guy who could not decide on a handshake or a fist bump). I was bummed for you that it was a DNF. Especially when I saw your great swim and bike. I also makes me feel a lot better when a pro like you describe that headwind because it was BRUTAL. Even though you made the swim look easy and that was also brutal for me. Good luck in the investigations. I have no doubt you will come back stronger and crush one of these high profile races soon. Thank you for including us in your journey.

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

As many others have said, the haters have no idea and what you're doing is inspirational to many. I'm just getting into triathlon and find your content brilliant. New subscriber. Keep up the good work Harry.

[@queenlex5085]

Sorry this happened Harry! I know it’s frustrating. Wishing you all the best 🤎

[@edalyanak6142]

Always easy to talk about the highs. Appreciate you always showing the reality of the lows that are part of the process that make those highs so special. Thanks.

[@vozzen]

Haha yes Rasmus Svenningsson is absolutely insane! His indoor training on Strava is brutal! 3 hours at 330 is a normal session for him (I have seen him do 6 hours in the past). On Zwift? No, he is just staring at the wall and looking at his Garmin

[@edge718]

Stick at it Harry! Enjoying following your journey!

[@DaveGayer]

Another great and honest video. Keep digging deep Harry 💪🏻

[@P_Izenberg]

tough race! but great momentum going forward. Keep going!

[@lukegoss2119]

Definitely solvable - all the best with it. Bodies are so complex. The intensity of triathlon brings out all the weaknesses. Like you say, we learn and that's growth. Interested to hear what you find out. Take care.

[@robbing1971]

A+ for the swim. B for the Bike. This is a fantastic base of knowledge for the rest of the season. You will win one soon…. Congratulations.

[@AndrewBrown-em3ti]

Great effort and an honest explainer of the issues that you had on the day. Ignore the haters, they will always be looking for another opportunity to bring someone down. You’ve got the ability and the form so stay positive. Good luck for the rest of the season.

[@deanclark3661]

Sounds encouraging though Harry keep progressing 👍

[@mikethebram]

I'll be here. Hope you get sorted! The race kit is nice!

[@jamesburnett2639]

Keep it up haz, we know it will come

[@nickhassell7576]

Well done for being you

[@beverleynoble190]

Sounds like your still processing it all, don't be so hard on yourself, as long as you can pin point what's causing it thats all that matters, whatever breaks you should make you stronger move on to the next one, only convince yourself rather than everyone else, your a good guy ❤

[@timkotze5041]

Sounds like there are a huge amount of things to be learned after this race, no doubt you'll be better off lining up for that next Ironman. Keen to see what's to come!

[@PJanow4711]

I've watched your videos before because the content was always good. Then I watched the live tracker from the race and was shocked at how good you are! I noticed your name straight away. I thought that name sounded familiar! Don't worry DNF with your potential, positive results will soon follow! You can't please everyone in life, but I don't think any of the haters are better than you! Best regards from Germany and I'm looking forward to more videos!

[@PatrickDelorenzi]

HP your story is inspiring and seeing the progress you have documented from day one here on youtube is amazing. Know that as much a there are haters out there, there are people who are rooting for you to make it. When I opened the tracker and saw the position you were in half way through the bike I was so pumped! Next race will be better

[@vozzen]

Haters are the loudest. Most of us are just sad for your sake and feel empathy towards your nutritional struggles. Hope you find a solution soon that solves your issues! You looked really strong on the swim and the bike, so the fitness is clearly there

[@justanotherdude8145]

As Loki said in Infinity War: Experience is experience. You might have not obtained the result you wanted, but you gained knowledge about your body in a very unfriendly environment, which would be gold in the next race in terms of nutrition and for training. You tried and gave your absolute best, which is nothing more you can ask yourself. Understandable the disappoinment, but now it's time to move forward and set a new goal and work towards it. Where there is a will there is a way, and you definitely have a strong will.

[@ianprotheroe5001]

Keep going Harry ! Never acknowledge the haters. Keep working hard. Really appreciate the very honest free content. Keep going from Wales. x

[@gemmatredwell1734]

sorry that you didn't have the race you wanted but thanks for putting this out there, will help others and inspiring to see you giving it 100%

[@LewisFordham]

Take the positives from the race mate, you swam and rode right up there with the best in the world! You’ll smash it next time 👊🏼 Just something I’ve very recently found after having the exact same problems on some brick sessions recently (horrendous stabbing pain in the right side of the stomach to the point it hurts to breath standing still) and what I’ve concluded… I struggle a lot more to process gels and fluids in TT position than upright and in races you’re in tt position a lot more than in training which is why you might get it worse on race day. On the road bike I never get the stabbing pain but sessions where I’m trying to stay in TT position I get it very bad when trying to run off… might be worth exploring!

[@dersteira]

I hope you can sort out those problems with your stomach, really hope its nothing too serious and everything will be ok for you in the future! Keep your head up high! Your time will come! Dont think about those stupid comments too much, they are not worth your time and thoughts!! Like your content a lot and happy to see you doing what you love!

[@crankgreenwatts]

DNF = Did Not Fail 💚 You've taken away the positives, you will learn, you had amazing people support you, and will move forwards with true ❤💪

[@AntonKomarov]

So sorry about that man! Experienced my first DNF at Oceanside and I understand how sucks is that … you have to be way stronger warrior to go through that bummer than win an Ironman I think lo. Wish you get back soon 👊🏼💥

[@RD-bs6xe]

Keep at it! Forget the haters! You have my support and I follow your channel as I am an average age grouper. 👍🏽

[@allancox4694]

Sorry to hear this Harry. I've just started working with James of Nutrition Triathlon and he's working through diet and nutrition to avoid cramping up. Nutrition is the 4th discipline and worth a second opinion.

[@typhoon3s943]

Elite sport is just tough and volatile!

[@rosemaryfernando1061]

I've had very similar symptoms and going low fodmap really helped!

[@ThePoitivient]

Hey man, tough go of it... I'm just a middle of the pack age grouper and struggle with cramping and stomach issues. Good luck!

[@SwimBikeJosh]

Really feel for you here mate as I have a very similar issue. Trying to find answers to what it is but any longer event that needs fuelling brings me to a walk on the run. Just crippling pain that is hard to describe how bad it is. Not been able to run a full half off the bike yet due to it. Tried numerous brands etc but no joy yet. Seems very random too, as a brand can work OK sometimes or for awhile then just a no go. Mine usually results in awful bloating which ends in me being "sick" numerous times but in actual fact I am just dispelled gas with no liquid. I am currently trying to get treatment for RCPD (a weird condition in that I can't burp, I've always had this but only recently found out it's a condition) and also trying to fix my gut microbiome to have a crack at trying to fix the issue. Sounds like you may have a verybsimilar situation to me and i am trying the same fixes currently would love to hear once you crack it. Know you've got the ability for great performances.

[@gustavocorrea8122]

I got to know you from your previous video pre- race, Harry, and wondered why I didn't see your result. I definitely wish you good luck in your quest for the answer to the reason for your stomach pains.

[@NM-ee3rp]

I’m sorry about the DNF, and I think once you can figure out the stomach issue you will have greater finishes ahead of you! Wish you the best!

[@ajdvecjemput]

People who shit talk you for pulling out and not finishing don't understand what you are about. You are not there just to finish, you are there to challenge for the win, no reason to push/destroy your body just to finish with a result that is not even near to what you want. Anyways, your time is gonna come.

[@peternasser9614]

I did Ironman South Africa… as an age grouper. Those conditions were terrible. Well done for getting there. These things happen. Sorry man. Motivating videos my man, keep it coming.

[@arminwolf6386]

I hope you wil find out the problem. I also had stomach problems. what helped me was eating less before the race and eating 2.5 hours before the race.

[@adrianwhitfield6656]

DNF sucks. Gutted for you, but the work you have done with other specialists last season ( s&c and swimming come to mind) show how well you do respond and am confident it will be the same improvements this time. I didnt realise you had got to T2 in 4th. On Ironman Tracker, you disappeared off the timings very early in the bike ride, might have fed the haters.

[@DaveConnelly]

You either succeed or learn. There is no failure so long as you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go again. Keep the chin up, you got this!

[@dan710ths]

Hey Harry, sorry it was a tough one for you. Great video though and glad you’re processing it and moving forward with a positive plan. The only thing I’ll say about the negative commenters - because people like that do not deserve our energy or attention - is that I can pretty much guarantee not a single one of them will have ever even attempted, let alone finished an Ironman. Keep up the great work. Take care mate 🙂

[@Shaneket]

was super tough day out for sure !! never mind the haters !! That sea swim was next level , there is no way to just run through a cramp , you are a pro dude respect !!

[@peterlloyd7997]

I had an athlete last year was taking in 90-100g an hour of PH and struggled in a very similar way to you. Now he’s dropped to nearer 60g and with one race down, so far so good. Hopefully it’s as simple as that for you🤞🤞

[@johnrwilker]

Don’t over explain to your haters mate. That’s what they want. My first 70.3, I had a similar bloating, intestinal issue and it was extreme. I walked it because I was bound and determined to finish because my family was there cheering me on but it was excruciating. If I was in your place, I would have done the same. I definitely had the wrong fueling strategy so you live and learn. Good luck with your journey.

[@user-df4hi2yd7l]

Gluten issues is what I have - pro biotic tablets and cutting back on gluten type foods as much as possible -I don’t need to stop all food with gluten but I now go with gluten free pasta etc and no ready made meals. Feel a million times better with no bloating. Good luck

[@wazr4338]

Highly recommend the Triathlon Mockery podcast with Rasmus "terminator" Sveningson, hilarious

[@Gws525]

Mate, shit happens. Good on you for the attitude - onto the next one!

[@tiagoafonseca5904]

DNf's are part of the processes Harry. I am absolutly sure that big results are coming, keep working and heads up mate. 🧡

[@EXFElectrician]

No need to Apologise Harry. Keep head up and stay strong you will work it out ready for next race.

[@lyraadams7826]

Yeah stomach pain can be grim. I've had issues serious enough to involve blood (gross, I know, but trying to convey that it's not just a small cramp sometimes). I still feel slightly sick and panicky if I think about that day and it was three years ago!

[@plankalicious]

Your time will come Harry. Stay patient and keep working hard. The equation will work itself out. Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor.

[@craigtsmith6957]

Life is shit for a lot of people right now. Our friend runs a small fencing buisiness - he is 30 something; wife and small child. A gentle soul - he bought himself a car recently and then felt he wasnt worthy of it and long story short he was prevented from shooting himself 2 months ago. He came to our house this week after being in hospital for a while. I was feeling sorry for myself having come 5th in my age group in the Zurich 10 KM ( if i had run to form i would have made podium) and then be verbally abused on the flight home by a fellow passenger for removing his bag to get to mine in my allocated cabin! Made me feel small and humiliated. You are a Humble Vlogger - amazing athlete - great swim great Bath Half-Marathon. The future is bright. Thanks for the content - Perspective! BTW My family have the chrones gene (bloating pain etc) - but i have never heard of FOD map! Look forward to learning more

[@Viktorj90]

I often got kidney stones after drinking electrolytes. Sometimes the stomach pain is so painfull i have problems to even breath. Vitamin C effervescent tablets is giving the same pain. The pain often occur the day after. I hope you solve your problem!

[@yeyeTF2]

no ones questioning it man, thats a bummer situation. def wouldve done the same. next time we'll get em

[@chrisbutler9137]

Love this video so much. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it took Mark Allen 6 tries before he won Kona. You got this!!! You’re killing it.

[@neilianparker6487]

Nice one mate, an excellent swim, bike looked very strong regardless of the stomach cramps real shame you couldn’t run, nevermind it’s all a learning curve to get there which you’ve still got plenty of time to do so. Let the haters hate, you said it well….they got nothing better to do or say 😂 👍

[@julienroberts128]

If you don’t push yourself like that sometimes can you really say you were racing your hardest? Sounds like it might be worth seeing a specialist to see if there’s anything you can do about your stomach issues. Or maybe check out fuel in and talk to some of their nutritionist, they might even sponsor you cause of your content!

[@jono5022]

Hi Harry. Thank you for sharing. You are great at communicating along with being a top athlete and person. On the leave no stone unturned front. I would recommend you find a recommended Chinese medicine practitioner. There you will be looked at from a very different point of view. You can then get a course of herbal medicine and acupuncture to rebalance your systems energies. I know it all sounds a bit wu wu. But if you get a good one they will help you and the good news is there are no side effects. Anyway worth a thought. Good luck. The fixes are not instant it could take up to 6 months so you need patience as well.

[@JohnHarryShaun]

Food digestion is a real bummer

[@bohansen2960]

Yes. You need to get a food test done. I hope it's not the energy amount. You need that. More is better. You will figure it out...

[@jillbuckenham9145]

Ignore the haters, don't even read their nasty comments. We're all behind you and want you to succeed. Keep going Harry!!! x

[@MimoMoiJim]

Swimming with Josh, riding with Cam… sounds like training is going well. Now you just need to run with Patrick

[@tisports2139]

made a similar comment to you a while back and it still applies: it's not about how many times someone gets knocked down, it's about how many times you get back up. take a step back, analyze, evaluate, then get back after it. you've had challenges in the past, and overcome them, this is just another challenge. nothing you can't overcome. get to work, mate!

[@auresk11]

A pro athletes' journey is bound to be brutal. Don't apologize when you gave it everything!

[@dudefromlaveenaz]

Sorry you DNF'd that has to be heart breaking. Don't give the haters any time man. The most criticism comes from those who aren't even capable of being on the grid.

[@anthonymunson2045]

Keep your head up mate. Always gonna be insecure haters. I met you in Florida seem like a genuinely nice guy. Keep up the good work, next tace you'll be back on it 💪💪💪

[@firminodias4419]

I think that when we go to.a race we can’t change what we eat normally. It’s a risk that many people take and I don’t understand why after so much work. I lived 7 years in Namibia and I know how food there is so different. Best of luck for next races.

[@livingyourbestlife5238]

I am confused. Has this happened before that you think there is an issue? It sounds like it was only around this race? I ask because I also raced and there is currently a stomach bug in South Africa - I also had it race week. Because of how fit you are, it might just represent differently in your case? Sorry if it seems obvious but sometimes the simplest answers are the best - IF this was a once off. Don’t beat yourself up - nobody gets to your level without being able to handle a serious amount of pain! Hope we see your revenge race next year for the 20th Edition!

[@chmart]

Next one's gonna be better💪 but tbh that's long course triathlon I think. 1 shot in a few months. Tbf not sure about going the long distance route though. Focusing on 2 or 3 races a year as a professional young athlete.. Can't see how this is appealing tbh but. If that's what you burn for, it's the right choice😊

[@chrisotc6832]

Harry you could be right about leaky gut, Didn’t Sam Laidlow have similar gut issues at IM Lanzarote🤔he’d talked about leaky gut post race!

[@troycollett8540]

Once you sort the stomach issues then you will def be in the mix for the win as you have had some good splits in races

[@christianlaos6979]

Gutted for you mate, BUT... there is so many positives out of your performance, swiming at a Josh level is amazing and there is no shame to bike behind Cam and other folks, these guys at the top of the spear. Your time will come very soon, behind you 100%.

[@crayontom9687]

Hi Harry, sorry to hear about your experience in SA. Maybe you’re going into the red too early in your races, which is leading to GI distress? When we work too hard, the blood is diverted from the gut to the muscles. If you’re then continuing to fuel whilst that is occurring it will be game over! Very similar to what you describe anyway. I hope you get to the bottom of it 👍

[@aalamsulski8631]

also, have you thought about getting a portable rice cooker or stove - that might help before races because you can eat food that you know.

[@octaviannegrea4593]

It happens… focus on nutrition, medical investigations and maybe try fuelin

[@chrisward2k]

Try low fodmap

[@ironman140.6]

Harry, I'm sad you failed. Is it a mental game? I see you as a tough person. Please share the very inner depths of your thoughts. It would be helpful. Good luck for the rest of the season.

[@MyselfInTheMirror]

I have 2 dnf and it was the worst feeling in the world, I had a couple of days then I got back on the journey.

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

No hate here. DNF's suck. Onto the next one. It will come together 👌 You got this 👊

[@TheTrailRabbit]

Mate, the haters aren't even worth acknowledging. Mad respect for deciding to go for it against the big dogs. You were right to believe in yourself , and it will pay off for you soon.

[@stuartvasey6732]

I would take heart from the fact that athletically you were bang on. Good swim and bike where you can manage stomach pain better than the run. Sucks but you belong up the front and one day it will all come together

[@mrjoshuagordon]

Travel with a rice maker or buy one for $30 when you get there. eating out is insanely risky..

[@aalamsulski8631]

Harry, I understand your disappointment and I've been through a similar disappointment recently, but the overall positive from this experience is that you know that you have the ability over swim bike and run to compete for the win in almost any ironman - as you said you just need to figure out this one issue. There isn't a lack of ability and that would be the biggest limiter in terms of your future performance.

[@Ianshrew]

Who cares if you DNF - loads do every race - great swim and great bike - roll on to the next race. Hopefully things go well for your next race. Great to see you up there on the leader board 💪

[@72-vintage]

Didn’t this all start when you went to Tenby and ate everybody’s shit that was pumped into the sea? Cant ever remember this being an issue prior to this…🤷‍♂️ Did that issue start something off…

[@Unconventional239]

Clinging onto sponsors for dear life

[@awol555]

Have you ever done a intolerance test? You can do it really cheap, send off a hair sample and results a week or so later.

[@eitanshushu]

absurbing nutrition on high hr is tricky

[@vozzen]

If you have leaky gut, can’t you reach out to Sam Laidlow? I think he has the same issue

[@michaelr.8402]

🍀

[@emf6621]

Sorry the race didn’t quite work out! You’ll get back in there. IDEA: you say you ate out from restaurants etc every meal. Maybe bring some basic cooking equipment from home? With just a kettle you can make oats or noodles and have more control on your intake than you get from restaurant meals.

[@craiggardiner4047]

Sounds like you have a lot of good to take away from that. Heads up..

[@Amanda_K_001]

Talk to Sam Laidlow. He has similar issues

[@dominicg9822]

Big fan, but you've developed the habit of not finishing mate, big fan but cross that line brother!

[@72-vintage]

As for the haters / negative people… I Wouldn’t even comment about them They ain’t worth a second thought…

[@gusrallim]

It might be like 1 or 2 loud trolls, most people here to support you