When I tore my ACL in a ski accident in April 2009, I was afraid that my dream of becoming an Ironman was gone. I debated whether or not to undergo Reconstructive Surgery. I was told that I could still swim, bike, and run without an ACL, but I would not be able to participate in skiing or sports that required jumping or sudden twisting and turning. So I decided to have ACL Reconstruction, with the hopes that I will one day return to the ski slopes. Once I had my surgery, I had a long process of regaining my strength. I was afraid that I would never run fast or set a PR again.
I am now 3 for 3 in my Post ACL Reconstruction Goals:
1) August 29, 2010 I became an Ironman at IM Louisville.
2) January 16, 2011 I set a new Marathon PR at Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon.
3) February 25, 2011 I returned to the ski slopes for a day of skiing.
To all who are facing ACL Reconstruction, do not give up on your hopes and dreams. Hopefully my story can inspire you and help you get through those dark days.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Malibu Brick: 60 mile bike : 4.5 mile run
Well definitely the intensity and duration has increased with my Ironman training. Last Saturday I had a nice 60 mile bike: 4.5 mile run along the Malibu PCH coastline. A few Category 5 hills thrown in for good measure. The Pepperdine University hill was a beast. Then when I try to coast, mentors and coaches were there to push me on, "ATTACK. ATTACK." After 3 strenous hours on the bike, it was time for the run. Run up another steep hill and then run back. Great...
My reward was the compliments I received from my coaches for being the only one on the team to complete the entire 60 mile : 4.5 mile brick workout. I definitely felt good about a job well done.
The next day I was in L.A. Chinatown for the Firecracker 5K and 10K. Yep, I ran both. The weekend before I ran the Redondo Beach Superbowl 5K and 10K. I almost PR at Redondo Beach which was basically a flat course. The Firecracker was a different beast...Uphill to Dodger Stadium for the 5K and Up Elysian Park over and above Dodger Stadium for the 10K. Running downhill was exciting, but a strain on the knees and the quads. I ran well for the 5K, but fatigued a bit during the 10K. I blame it on the previous day's strenous Brick workout.
I ran into Ironteammate Louis at the race. And Ironteammate Holly baked me a couple nice Valentine's cakes for her fundraising. Finally a nice Dim Sum meal made the day complete.
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