I Tried To Qualify For The Gravel World Championships!

Murphy's law: "anything that can go wrong will go wrong”. Manon headed to Denmark in an attempt to qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships, but fighting illness and horrific weather, can she overcome adversity and achieve her goal? This challenge sucked but at least it made for a great KZbin video!!
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📹 I Entered The Gravel World Series & THIS Was My Bike! 👉 • I Entered The Gravel W...
📹 ​​Can Manon Survive A 225km US Gravel Race? | SBT GRVL 👉 • ​​Can Manon Survive A ...
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[@gcn]

What challenge should Manon take on next? 🤔

[@PhilipPearl]

"can Manon survive a lovely restful holiday?" I'd watch that.

[@Richiemouse]

Cyclocross. Great effort Manon, these really are the best kind of GCN videos.

[@RoyalDudeness]

JUMP ROPE FOR 30 DAYS! It's great for endurance but I would like to know if there are any benefits for cyclist

[@Tommi462]

I think she should just try again if she's up for it. Another race, another time. Hopefully in better condition and better conditions.

[@alinapopescu872]

@@PhilipPearl Me too !

[@edwardsjohnpaul]

Might be the best video she's ever done. This happens, certainly to more riders than ever will admit it. There's no shame here, you're a superstar elite cyclist and you make it real for the rest of us watching - thank you for this.

[@gcn]

Thanks John! Glad you liked it and I'm sure Manon will appreciate this!

[@MosesVI]

thank you for this comment..

[@jamesfarlow352]

Oh yeah! Proud of you and GCN for letting it be real. Life (and cycling) is about getting back on and setting that next goal. Look forward to your next epic adventure 😅

[@cleekmaker00]

^^ THIS^^. 🖖😄

[@TylerMumford]

Thank you for this video. I really appreciate your honesty.

[@waynereed4372]

This has to be one of the most inspirational videos gcn and manon have filmed, to admit you can’t complete a challenge isn’t a bad thing, it shows the courage and the strength the person has within them. This was amazing in every way to watch, your so brave just to attempt it, hold you head up ,smile and onto the next one. Manon you make me proud to be Welsh

[@gcn]

Manon smashed it!!! 🙌 Where should we send her next?

[@TexasWahoo_]

@@gcn Anywhere she wants to go!

[@laterreurrouge1917]

​@@gcnAb prolonged tour through Japan or South Korea. She deserves to get to see something that pleasant after this challenge.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

One thing that was Epic about Manon's ride was her courage in posting about something that didn't work out. 👍

[@gcn]

It happens to all of us, we loved bringing you along for the journey 🙌

[@jennifercash1093]

totally agree! And her courage to say enough is enough today. There will be another time.

[@uhohoverflow]

Haha as if GCN would let the opportunity of posting this pass.

[@michaelmechex]

This is possibly the most real video ever made by GCN. This is a very real part of bike racing and ultimately, life. Failures don't define you, how you deal with them does. Keep rocking Manon, you're awesome!

[@bbart609]

No strength compares to being vulnerable in front of a global audience. Nothing at all to be ashamed of Manon. Rest up, feel better and you'll be back crushing it in whatever challenge comes next! 💪

[@gcn]

Manon will continue to keep riding strong 🙌 She'll be back at it asap 💥

[@kozureokame]

We should make more vids showing how stuff doesn't always go as planned, ya know? There's way too many perfect peeps doing things perfectly out there. Thanks for sharing the real deal!

[@Sierra-bw4gm]

So true, if you've never failed, you haven't pushed yourself.

[@manon-lloyd]

Thanks, I agree. Things don't always go to plan and it's important to show it.

[@patrickjones1143]

100% respect for even taking part when not feeling great, the fact you did not qualify just shows how hard it really is from the guys who make it look easy.

[@Koffelbourg1]

Good effort Manon, it's also a good skill to know when to stop, to avoid injuries. You set yourself a challenge, trained for it, participated, and that in itself is an amazing accomplishment! Next time will be better :)

[@gcn]

Thanks! Onwards and upwards 😊

[@THR-zf6ti]

That's what I call brave and a good message: it is so important to know when to stop - and so encouraging that you dared to show it on KZbin!!! Makes you even a more sympathic person as you always are 🙂👍 ... and I know the wind is a problem in Denmark! I once had a nice ride with a danish collegue on the beautiful island of Moen and he had to push me on the way back!

[@gcn]

Denmark is a brutal yet beautiful place to ride your bike 🙌We will be back 👀

[@shyamfootprints972]

That honesty is heart warming! Easily a video that normal riders can relate to. Kudos to you guys for having the courage to show it as it really happened

[@gcn]

Thanks Shyam 😊

[@manon-lloyd]

Thanks Shyam

[@engine3724]

Excellent video! I always enjoy Manon as a presenter, but this video showed how tough she is and how hard it really is to compete in these events. This is an excellent lesson for all riders, and a delightfully different take on some of the challenges this channel often shows. Thank you Manon for pushing so hard, and for being so candid and open about the experience!

[@gcn]

Great to hear you enjoyed the video🙌We are very proud of Manon and the effort she put in on this race! Where should we send her next? Something a little less sandy perhaps?

[@oneofthelastmen5873]

..warmer, less windy, drier - but perhaps with the odd incline to make it real! After all, riding uphill and into wind is basically the same - it is being able to put the watts out to overpower a resisting force - either gravity or fast moving air!

[@Kim_Miller]

A great effort, Manon. Pushing yourself on a good day is hard enough, doing it on a bad day for weather and not being 100% before the start deserves respect.

[@gcn]

What a trooper 💪

[@robaces0816]

To be at the start gate even when sick and be able to pedal 70+ km is an outstanding achievement. What is even more remarkable is to admit defeat. But the important thing is she willed and carried on. Very inspirational and for sure this will motivate Manon and the rest of us, the recreational and occasional riders. Cheers to you Manon! Great vid GCN!

[@FlatSpinMan]

Sorry you had such a hard time but it is refreshing to see something like this. I also appreciated Alex’s honest video after his track ride a few months back.

[@gcn]

Thanks a lot!

[@jamiegolden7093]

I love the honesty of this video and your attitude in the way you faced the situation. Rockstar.

[@davehollingworth5537]

Gutted for you Manon. I felt your pain in that brutally honest part where you’d taken a wrong turn. Feel better soon! And give it another go 🎉

[@gcn]

Thanks Dave 😊

[@dianahellman9254]

Way to go! Im so glad you showed this. It's life, not everything goes according to plan, and Manon did an amazing job no matter what.

[@seanwood8900]

I rarley comment on videos but Manon's willingness to share when things don't work out have motivated me to do so. Well done Manon, I for one appreciate the insight this real world experience affords, and its all the more inspirational as a result. There are 2 sorts of cyclist - those that sometimes have to throw in the towel and admit it, and those that sometimes have to throw in the towel and don't admit it. 🙂

[@gcn]

Thanks for the kind words, Sean!

[@youngtraining]

Not checking for tube protruding before hitting the CO2

[@JimKJeffries]

Love it when I am so focused on giving the bike my best, and then I'm lost. Sad you had it on a course. Great work

[@doggylover1958]

This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen. No fairy tail ending, no over the top guts and glory, it shows the gritty (!) reality of high level competition. We see the racing on TV and it’s easy to forget how immensely super human you have to be just to keep up at the back in world class level cycling. Well done for having a go Manon, 99% of people would not have contemplated even filling in the entry form. Lots of love coming at you.

[@wotexpat9367]

Failures are part of life... you get stronger through them and learn more than an easy win. Well done Manon. You're awesome. 💪

[@gcn]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@CyclingGeo]

Absolutely phenomenal attempt, Manon. You gave it your all and more. This whole video is brilliantly captured. I cannot say I would be able to ride 72km in those kinds of conditions, let alone race. I’ve always hated cycling in rain and grimy weather so this is beyond impressive.

[@armandocampamartinez8307]

Normally I’m like “well it’s tough but that’s part of the fun” but right now I just want someone to go give a hug to poor manon

[@chriskotting]

My thoughts exactly....

[@andydt82]

I think the bike needs a hug too!

[@armandocampamartinez8307]

@@andydt82 in bike language, hug is pronounced like power wash

[@TheGreenhillsCyclistInRagOrder]

I was going to type the exact same thing. Back to GCN Base for a group hug.

[@Jay685]

Definitely deserved a cwtch! Well done, Manon.

[@samhamfast]

Well done Manon! You tried something hard and encouraged us to do the same.

[@JSC131]

Great effort Manon that's the best suffering and realism on any GCN episode forget the lads that's real Welsh guts!!! awesome.

[@gcn]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿💪

[@andrewmcalister3462]

That's Hank level suffering!

[@billstrachan476]

Thanks for sharing, Manon. We've all been there and can relate to having a disappointing race. The next one will be better

[@wlo93]

Wow, props to you Manon for showing that it's not always fame and glory. There's a lot of blood, sweat, and tears we don't always see and appreciate. Mad respect to you!

[@JohnnyVegasStudio]

This has to be one of the most inspirational videos I think I've seen out of GCN since I've starting watching the channel a couple years now, and that's saying a lot I think considering all the great content they put out. Great message in this is knowing you didn't fail, you just hit the next wall you can break through the next time. Good on you for sharing this and showing its not all unicorns and rainbows 👍

[@rubevaughn]

Great video. My 13 year old has had a miserable track season dealing with injuries and it's been hard for her. She feels so alone and feels cheated after working so hard. It's good for her and anyone to see that it's not always rainbows. Thanks for this video.

[@gcn]

Thanks so much! I hope she comes back strong! 💪

[@bbikerlawrence]

Was great to race with you Manon 🎉

[@solarphantom74]

This might be the most relatable video ever. We all have had bad days on the bike. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@adZHARRISON]

Good job Mannon - im sure 99% of us watching wouldnt have qualified either and you were feeling ill too - all you can do is your best on any given day and you did that , cant wait for your next challenge

[@andrifsig]

Manon, you are a beast on the bike! Dont let anyone tell you otherwise! This is only a failure if you decide to let it be. Take notes, learn from the experience and keep on riding! You are an inspiration to all riders Manon, keep it going!

[@r.massattack4052]

Manon! It takes a lot to get out there just to do it. We always challenge ourselves to do better. You have to listen to your body and if it's screaming your done then we need to listen. Never a failure, time to regroup and take on the next challenge. Great Job putting yourself out there.

[@gcn]

She'll come back firing for the next one... watch this space 👀

[@Heliosmaster]

Go Manon! 💪 This is just one step towards success

[@MikeK02048]

Good effort Manon! I love GCN's vids, and especially yours. It's hard riding when you're not feeleing well, but doubly so when you have to ride in freaking sand! Well done!

[@duathlete827]

Didn't look like a fail to me! You succeeded in many, many ways. Just the fact that you endured the training, made it to the start line and rode as far as you did is definitely a win young lady. Not just trying to make you feel better either. I'm sincere and know you always setting a great, positive example for others. Many can hardly get off the couch let alone do what you do. Thanks for sharing your reality and journey.

[@rebeccahatten784]

Such a relatable and emotional video! Sometimes watching the GCN videos it can be a little far from us "mortals" but Manon did such a good job of verbalising how so many of us feel in so many races, training rides and events. Thank you for sharing!

[@robburton3255]

Don’t kick yourself too hard. We are all still proud of you! Big props to you for showing us another real side of racing!

[@gcn]

We are proud of you Manon!!! You smashed it... lets take it easy this week 👀

[@thsaintful]

Manon, as a father of 2 young kiddo's that are both exploring the sport of cycling, I LOVE the fact that you show it isn't all glamour. Nobody is superhuman, and it is good that that is shared. You've got the right mindset Manon, I hope I can teach that to these little 2.

[@alfabethev2.074]

Thanx Mannon, for having the courage to show / share your venerable side with us viewers !

[@Team81MTB]

That was a super tough race Manon. You have nothing to hang your head about. You gave it your best and that's all you can do. You're a winner in my book. 👍👊

[@gerardgillespie795]

Well done Manon! To be brave enough to still show a video where things did not go to plan deserves a huge amount of respect. As a coach of a different sport, swimming, it is all too often underestimated the effect that it can have on less able athletes to witness that those with an abundance of talent can still struggle. Everyone fails at some point but too few people use that failure to continue to progress and strive for better performances in the future. Well done and I'm sure that you will be back on top form in no time.

[@gcn]

We'll give Manon an easier week 👀 She'll be back smashing it in no time! Not every ride goes to plan, it's important that we show this 🙌

[@jimburtwell2731]

Immense respect for everyone who rode that race.Brutal course and conditions. No shame in not finishing, you gave it a tremendous effort!

[@victoriabutterfield1822]

That looked awful! It's really nice to see that it's not all rainbows and even with all the fitness, skills and kit there are still bad days. Good for you for not pushing through and doing yourself in just to save face. I appreciate your vulnerability ❤

[@andresteyn341]

So much respect, do know that feeling.... great effort and you can be proud of the ride..welldone

[@phoneindustrydesign]

I know Manon is broken and it hurts to see but all cyclist must take an important message from this video - Your body and mind does have boundaries, sometimes you can push them and sometimes you need to respect those boundaries and not kill yourself for any kind of goal, you and your health is the most important thing and it's not embarrassing to give up sometimes. In last few years on the internet we've seen many motivational videos about not giving up and not failing but actually it's quite normal it happens sometimes in life, you move on and try again some other time. It's ok to give up.

[@kondirecs]

There's a reason why Denmark is represented with so many proff riders these years 😉 For a 'flat land' it offers so much beautiful nature with a huge selection of roads and tracks and lovely gravel opportunities. It's very common foreigners are quite surprised by how tough a country it can be to ride. The west coast and midland area to be mentioned. And yes, the wind can be one of the toughest challenges. Great effort Manon! You did absolutely perfect - and thanks for another splendid video!

[@SlyGuy2000]

Your best video to date! Thanks for sharing this! Life is not always a bowl of cherries. You handled it well! Hat's off to you for trying!

[@gcn]

Thanks so much!

[@davidoliver4567]

Wow, amazing honesty and vulnerability, must admit it brought a tear to my eye. I have 3 kids (grown now)who excelled to championship amateur levels in their respective sports, a girl in soccer, girl in gymnastics, and boy in golf. I watched them experience defeat as well as victory, so in a father like way I could feel your pain and dismay. Much respect. All the best to you and yours.

[@DancingIK]

Well done Manon! For the challenge, the effort, the honesty and raw vulnerable emotion you shared with us. Your decision was a reminder to all of us who set ourselves demanding targets that it is important to listen to your body. Who knows what short- or long-term damage you might have done to yourself if you'd tried to finish. Bravo!

[@mennovanderveldt4818]

Very brave to share your bad moments as well. All part of the game. Thank you 👊💪

[@davidthomas9079]

Chapeau Manon. We`ve all had day`s like that, at least you gave it a go. Respect.

[@1TimeRunner]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. A brutal day all around.

[@dannyp5139]

You got out there and gave it your all Manon, we are still proud!

[@gcn]

Thanks Danny

[@davidbhumgara]

Manon... Really appreciate you guys putting this out... You are an absolute legend for trying and putting yourself out there... We missed you this year at P2A... It was equally hard and crazy with rain and cold

[@matt_acton-varian]

Manon was really unlucky to fall ill the night before. I am sure a number of us have been there in the lead-up to an event. It is mentally very hard to admit defeat and accept that your health is more important than reaching the finish line. But doing so is essential for a quick recovery. You should be proud of your effort under the circumstances, and regroup, and try again next year.

[@bjarnestrand-henriksen]

Respect!! You are a warrior Manon!! 🙌 Love to see you try again under better circumstances👍

[@pascalharris1]

Jaw dropping effort Manon. Respect to you.

[@jsim9042]

I’ve just read many of the supportive comments and really cannot add anything except my agreement. The only failure is not trying. You succeeded. What’s more you shared your experience so not only you, but many others can learn by it and that’s what life is about - experience; winning, qualifying is the icing on the cake of life. Well done Manon!

[@magicknight8412]

Well done Manon, that was an awesome effort! I feel knackered just watching this, looked sooo hard out there. Great job!

[@Middleagerookie]

Thanks for showing us your vulnerable moments, Manon, on what was probably an extremely challenging race. I’ve been in your shoes and it’s a difficult thing to share. Nice effort. It just wasn’t your day but I know there will be others that you will just smash!

[@PercyTP5161]

Amazing effort, if you're not feeling well there's nothing you can do. Turning up and still doing that distance when you're under par.....just incredible. You did the right thing.....listen to your body, rest up, and try again when your feeling better. It's worse to push yourself and cause serious illness/injury, you made the right decision. That's not failing, that's sound decision making :)

[@cordularaecke]

Massive respect to Manon. Probably the bravest thing I've seen on this channel and very well done. She's 100% right. Sometimes it doesn't go the way you want. She made the right call and saw the bigger picture. Totally ❤ her.

[@johnedwards2433]

You made it to the starting line and gave it all you had. That's more than most can say. Good on you!

[@saurabhdas7724]

Respect for you and GCN Crew increasing day by day. Thank you Manon for sharing the truth with us.

[@MrYorrik]

Great effort Manon, and it’s actually positive and encouraging for us mere mortals to see that even someone as talented as you can feel under the weather, have a bit of a horrible time, and make the sensible decision to call it a day sometimes. I admire your grit and determination and the honesty to share some not so perfect times.

[@Yamaha_Bolt]

Your effort and complete honesty is so inspiring. I’ve felt this way in marathons and I suspect it’s similar to the way you were feeling. We absolutely learn more by trying and failing than we do through succeeding on the less challenging efforts. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Do this again next year!🇨🇦

[@michaelclements4664]

Thank you Manon for expressing the fatigue and emotions that are part of these ultra endurance events which push even the best prepared riders to their limits. Many of us have been there too and know that it takes courage and humility to share.

[@gcn]

We're so happy that we could share Manon's story with everyone! We hope it gets you excited to ride yourselves 🙌

[@liammcerlean6020]

This was one of the most inspiring videos you have made ... TY so much for sharing it ... for me, sports of any kind are microcosms of our lives ... in the end, it's not about coming first, not about getting a PB (although both are awesome when/if they occur) it's about having the courage of give things a try, squeeze our limits, be smart enough to know when to push and when to decide enough is enough .. rest for another day. Bravo to you and the team. You should be very proud of yourself.

[@davidsuggitt9109]

Thank you for sharing Manon…… a courageous effort !!!!

[@damFr]

Bravo, quelle humilité et humanité. Le sens du courage et du dépassement font de Manon une vraie championne. Merci pour cette vidéo pleine d’émotions!

[@brad5282]

Manon, you're a HERO!!! Whatever you think, you're a champion. Honestly, I think a "Manon does Zwift" series where Manon trains for worlds would be epic!

[@joowwwllllll666]

You’re not a failure Manon. Knowing your limits is a great strength 💪

[@jrgenstutemeyer9185]

Respect Manon. I hope you will be back here in Denmark for another race, so it won’t be all negative when you think back on your lovely (flat) country 🇩🇰. And “nice” to see that you, in fact are humans at GCN, and suffer like the rest of us (Hank’s 200 miles on a £200 bike, and Conor’s Ultra Grand Fondo comes to mind). ❤

[@rathatchaowanich253]

Manon will always be a champion in our hearts :)

[@xfilecity]

I love this video. The realness is amazing. You are a warrior and nothing wrong with your decision. Thumbs up to you

[@kimmien4101]

Mad respect for you M!! I'm a runner and have loved GCN since the shutdown when i bought an indoor spin bike! No truer words than your honesty in sharing how all in racing and life dont go to plan! Keep F'n going!

[@williamm3542]

Real challenges are the one that you're not really sure you can complete. Where failure is not only a real possibility but possibly even probable. Many of us shy away from these. So many of the GCN "challenges" are difficult and always entertaining but the outcome is usually never in doubt. This was an inspirational video. Thanks, Manon, you have solidified your top place in world of GCN presenters. Well done and keep you head up.

[@Drobertson1967]

Great effort and much gratitude for posting the video. Having had similar race experiences, I now feel we’ve bonded through shared trauma even though we’re physically half a world apart. Taking the wrong turn in a race … UGH! Been there; done that. Such a motivation killer! Thank you, Manon! Keep up the great work at GCN.

[@logicworkshop1]

Bless you Manon - you made the right decision without a shadow of a doubt and by making this video available you have also helped loads of riders who face similar decisions.

[@timdewart9261]

Manon, this is the best GCN video ever. I know you were disappointed not to have finished, but you're a winner in my book. Thank you for having the courage and strength to share this with us. I found it incredibly inspirational.

[@mortenfrederiksen9388]

Hi Manon, Welcome to our Danish world of cycling. now I am sure you understand why guys like Vingegaard, Pedersen and Cort win a lot of world tour races :-)

[@toddpeterson-cy4oy]

Total respect and admiration! I applaud your humility and guts to release the video.

[@stevenhinchliffe8913]

One of the most important videos GCN have ever done. Especially for any young uns coming through. Off days happen unfortunately. Well done GCN for sharing

[@Qlicky]

The mere fact that you even attempted something as hard as this shows more about your character than any end result. Nobody gets to the top of the hill without eating a lot of dirt along the way. I have the utmost respect for anyone trying to do anything out of their comfort zone.

[@cdcdcd6777]

I am both very surprised with the result and the words Manon used to describe her situation. I think Manon should prepare better for this course and challenge her self again.

[@zMee85]

Manon… just let me say something… you are a true hero and f** amazing person being that honest to yourself. I really got emotional because I have also been there in my life, in this place and moment where you just need to stop the journey. And this is so sooo hard to except it. I really love your attitude and I am proud of you trying to push yourself that far. Please be also proud of you!!! You are my personal hero!

[@sherab2078]

Very honest material. I'm full of respect. You're still a hero to me, Manon. The point is not to always win, but to face the challenges, and you do this.

[@MrJuanbingo]

Thank you for share it even when you not finish, that happen all the time, and we love you, even more for be transparent with us . A big hug from a fan of Bournemouth

[@jennycampbellritchie4705]

Thank you so much for still sharing this with us. So real, so emotional. Big love.

[@workshopninjathe1st]

Like most other commenters - I would just like to applaud both Manon and GCN for making this video. It’s not always sunshine and roses - often it’s just a hard slog with no reward. Don’t beat yourself up - you tried your best.

[@Neilhuny]

Oh, Manon! I've never wanted to hug a KZbin person before but this was extremely emotional. You were great, throat lozenges far earlier - at the first sign - are great. Onwards and upwards!

[@Kzuke]

Thoroughly enjoyed this adventure for Manon even though it didn't turn out how we all wanted. It's good to see this side of the adventures where it's not all rainbows and fairy tales, but real life dirt in your mouth and disappointment. Thanks for putting yourself out there, Manon! Keep the rubber side down!

[@toddtaylor8400]

This was so hard to watch having been in similar places. This is why i like The GCN crew. You are not afraid to be Human, and what a Fantastic group of Human's you are. Manon you are a superstar in my book for gutting this out an being honest!!! THank you so very much!

[@lblascano]

That's ok! Because that's just life... Thanks, Manon! Thanks GCN. This is a video I didn't know I needed.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

Holy moly. Well done, Manon! I loved the reflection at the end. I've said it before but one of my favourite videos on GCN was when Conor DNFed on a long distance race, and this video joins that one. I think I've somehow grown saturated with stories of "Uh-oh it's really tough are they going to make it - Oh yes they did in the end wow!". And while I don't want to take anything away from people taking on challenges and succeeding, there's also something extremely compelling about the stories where the challenge proved too hard. Because for one, those stories genuinely show people who gave it as much as they could - after all, it's everything by definition when you just can't go on anymore. For another, it's an extremely relatable story. We all instinctively know that there are some things we can't do, yet we are often told we can do anything as long as we try hard enough. But it's not always entirely true, is it? At least not without failures along the way. And so third, because stories where you fail lead you to the next important story, that of how you deal with it, and what you do after it. Do you persist and try again until you succeed? Or do your reflections lead you down another path of doing something else? We are all also often told that you need to try again and again until you succeed - but I challenge that as well. Not just because you might never succeed, but also because I don't think success is the only goal. Instead I think an important goal in life is to have fulfilling, meaningful experiences. And challenges can be that, whether you succeed or fail.

[@robhardisty9395]

Great video, high fives & hugs from this family! I took a wrong turn on a sprint triathlon last year, v frustrating and I can’t even blame being ill!

[@IanHulme]

Loved your honesty Manon! It's happened to us all. Well done regardless