A real rourke 2002 in my first race
in Kona, Hawaii

This post from October 2002 is not a typical McCormack, isn't it? Usually my texts are much longer and full of enthusiasm. After this day a felt in a very low mood. I really had a big mouth before the race, behaved fairly cocky...
Yes, I had to learn a lot untill the day I finally succeeded to win this race. Today I know how important this failures haven been for my further development as an athelete and as a human being.

Back then I wrote:

Ironman Hawaii race day:
I had to abandon the race, which was really tough. Not much to report that hasn’t already been said. I will be back to fight another day. I am on holidays now for a few weeks. I am in the process of planning my season for next year so will keep you posted on my decisions.

This day really silenced my tongue. If I knew back then that I had still 5 more years ahead of me before winning this race – I don't know...