Tuesday, November 16, 2010

16 months Post ACL Reconstruction: Rock n Roll San Antonio Marathon

Well I managed to set a Post ACL Reconstruction PR.  It's still 30+ min slower than what I ran before my ACL surgery, but I am encouraged by the fact that I'm improving.  For the early parts of the race I was running 8:30 min /miles.  I slowed down a little after the 13 mile mark, and then more at about mile 19.  I think with more mileage I should be able to build up my Cardio and Musculoskeletal systems to maintain my race pace for the entire 26.2 miles.  I like running in San Antonio.  The weather is nice and cool.  The people are friendly.  I was sore yesterday, but today I'm back at work and feeling good.  I'll get a massage today and start preparing for Rock N Roll Las Vegas Marathon in 3 weeks.
I will pick up my bike today from the shop.  After an entire Ironman season, my bike needed major work.  It should be good as new since I'm replacing the chain, gears, cables, etc...
I will also attend my first Ironteam swim practice of this new season.  Can't wait to meet old friends and new teammates.

Monday, November 8, 2010

IM KONA, RnR Los Angeles Half Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon

October was a busy month.  It started with IM Kona.  To be exact, I was attending the Ironman Sports Medicine Conference in Kona for the week leading up to IM Kona.  This was the best medical conference I had ever attended.  In addition to the most recent medical updates on Sports Medicine, we had coached run and swim clinics.  I had shipped my bike with Tri Bike Transport so I was able to ride the Queen K out to Hawi.  ( I rode out of Kona one day and on another out of Hawi)  I was so glad to have the opportunity to actually run on Alii Drive, bike the Queen K, and swim in Kailua Bay.
I met pros such as Chrissie Wellington, Michael Raelert, and Faris Al-Sultan.  My Team in Training Honored Teammate Kyle Garlett also spoke at our conference.  He was warmly received and his story of overcoming cancer and going through a heart transplant to arrive to compete at Kona was truly inspirational.  I also had a close up view of the race since I was a medical volunteer in a medical van on race day.  Without going into all the details it was a great experience and a great way to give back to the Ironman community and all the volunteers who have helped me during my races.

Back in L.A., I ran the Carson Reverse Triathlon, the Rock n Roll LA Half Marathon, and then on Halloween the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.  I ran the fastest Half marathon since my ACL Reconstruction in July 2009, about 10 min off my PR.  I ran OK during the MCM for the first 20 miles.  But I had tired legs the last 6 miles and finished about 20 minutes off my goal.  But it was a great sight-seeing tour of D.C. and I totally enjoyed the MCM experience.  Posing for a picture with my finisher's medal in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial was awesome.

Yesterday I managed to snag a 2011 IM Florida spot.  Yeah!  I'm also registered for 2011 IM Louisville, 2011 Vineman 70.3, and I'm planning on the Full Vineman 140.6 as well.

Up next Sunday is RnR San Antonio, site of my marathon PR... Stay tuned.