Yesterday was a "rest" day. That means working a 24 hr shift in the hospital. I think working these long hours helps my body and mind prepare for endurance events. Pacing is crucial. The ability to rev up your body and mind at a moments notice to handle the most stressful and life-threatening situations is also paramount. Running a marathon in many respects is about pacing and then pushing forwards during those crucial moments such as "the Wall" and the Finish. Competing in an Ironman just magnifies everything. Preparation, Pacing, Nutrition, Mental Fortitude, Physical Stamina, Rest... all elements to a successful call day or race day.
Last night at 1am, just as my body is starting to wind down and getting ready to rest, an urgent call to rescue a man with angioedema from an anaphylactic reaction to an ACE Inhibitor. This gentleman's tongue was swollen to triple size and was protruding out of his mouth. Saliva was drooling out of his mouth. His airway was severely compromised. "Death and All His Friends" were waiting for him. Fortunately by inserting a breathing tube using a fiberoptic scope through his nose, I was able to secure and protect his airway and deny Mr. Death, et al.
A few hours later it was placing epidurals in moms-to-be. Before I knew it morning had arrived and it was time for a quick nap at home followed by my Ironman workout.
Today I did a "Brick" workout, which consists of a bike ride followed immediately by a run. This will prepare me for the actual triathlon ( swim, bike, and a Marathon at the end! ) I don't know if this is true, but I heard they call it a brick workout because your legs feel like bricks after getting off the bike and starting the run. So I rode for an hour, quickly transitioned in 3 minutes to my running gear and refilled my water, then it was off for a quick 5 miler ( 46 min run). As I get closer to race day the rides will get longer and the runs will get longer. Yikes!
After taking care of errands around the house, I will have a coached swim workout tonight. Yep, the life of an Ironman wanna-be.
what a wonderful thing that is to save someone's life. I know that those of us doing Team in Training hope ultimately we will save lives by doing so, by raising funds, but what a great thing you did for this man. Art
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