It was during a two-hour ride three years ago now, I decided to practice my snot rockets.  I had never really understood the concept of snot rockets and crinkled my forehead in disgust at those who did such a thing.

I mean, who would blow their nose without a tissue?  EWWW, gross!

I was so repulsed, in fact, that one boy we used to run with was aptly named “snot boy.”  We always made sure to run in front of him so we didn’t wear his snot during some point in our run when he’d let one fly.

Well, my attitude has changed a bit on this subject…

…so much so in fact, that I’m now a snot rocket believer!  It is an important and necessary skill one all should master if competing in triathlons.  I never realized how important until my first 1/2 Ironman – the Oliver Half Ironman in 2010.  I found myself wiping my nose on the back on my hands a million times while biking and I thought I was going to rub my nose raw.

I passed a gal who blew a great one and I actually complimented her on it.

I was in snot rocket … ENVY —  I wanted to be able to do that, but I had no idea how.

So, I started to practice.

Like any skill, it takes practice to master.

But, I’m really trying to get the stream going!

On this day though, I used more pressure on my left nostril and blew with such a might that my snot rocket was pure perfection!  I did it!  I did it!  And, I’m not wearing it!  It was the stream I had been hoping for.

And, OH, how I can breathe again because my nose is clear.

Hooray!

I try the other side, BINGO! Another perfect rocket.

I can do this!

I go about 20 more miles and decide to try again.  Ready, inhale, blow ….

SPLAT!

Ewww! Spray.  Dang spray!  It’s all over my face and half is still hanging from my nose.  So disgusting!

I’m not defeated however, I will keep practicing.

I’m just hoping it’s not faulty packaging. 😉