Monday, May 7, 2012
Big Sur International Marathon Relay: 2nd Place Corporate Division
Friday, April 27, 2012
Marathons and More...with Ironman Oceanside
My swim at Oceanside sucked. I got disoriented from the waves at the turnaround buoy and ended up off course, adding several minutes to my swim. I had a nice bike ride and my run was great. All in all, pretty good for a tune-up race.
April has been more focused Ironman training with the Ironteam. Last weekend I rode 100 miles from Anaheim to La Jolla / San Diego. I ran a quick 4 miles off the bike and then Ironteam took the train back to LA. Sunday was a 1.2 mile ocean swim from Tower 26. This was followed by a Sunday "taper" run. Taper because I am running in beautiful Big Sur this weekend. See Pics above. I ran the full in 2007, the relay on a torn ACL and MCL in 2009, and return in 2012 for the relay. I will post more after the event.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
I started this blog 3 years ago to document my journey towards the IRONMAN. I had just joined Team in Training to train for Wildflower Long-Course and the Full Vineman Triathlons. Here is an excerpt of my first Post from Dec 30, 2008 :
I started running in January 2006. I moved from my previous hospital to my current one. I saved about 2 hours of commute time. That allowed me to start running and getting into shape. At the time a mile seemed a long way. When I ran a 5K in Feb 2006, I nearly passed out at the finish. Slowly I started to build up the mileage and ran a 8K and a 10K. I enjoyed the whole race experience, the runners, the cheering crowds, the reward ( food) at the finish. I decided to sign up for a half marathon and a full marathon... one week apart. The half was on Memorial Day 2006. The full was the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego, June 4, 2006. I didn't know anything about carbo loading or tapering. I assumed that if I could run 18 miles in my training runs, I could run a marathon. The half marathon went well. I came in under 2 hours, so I was quite pleased. I expected to run the full at a similar pace. I learned the hard way that there is a small gap between the 10K and the Half; but a large chasm between the Half and the Full. After mile 13, it was a struggle; and by mile 16 it was painful. I limped the last few miles to the finish. I thought never again. I've run a marathon, that's it. It took about 4 months for the painful memories to go away, and I had the desire to sign up for another marathon. (Las Vegas, 12/06)
I started running in January 2006. I moved from my previous hospital to my current one. I saved about 2 hours of commute time. That allowed me to start running and getting into shape. At the time a mile seemed a long way. When I ran a 5K in Feb 2006, I nearly passed out at the finish. Slowly I started to build up the mileage and ran a 8K and a 10K. I enjoyed the whole race experience, the runners, the cheering crowds, the reward ( food) at the finish. I decided to sign up for a half marathon and a full marathon... one week apart. The half was on Memorial Day 2006. The full was the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego, June 4, 2006. I didn't know anything about carbo loading or tapering. I assumed that if I could run 18 miles in my training runs, I could run a marathon. The half marathon went well. I came in under 2 hours, so I was quite pleased. I expected to run the full at a similar pace. I learned the hard way that there is a small gap between the 10K and the Half; but a large chasm between the Half and the Full. After mile 13, it was a struggle; and by mile 16 it was painful. I limped the last few miles to the finish. I thought never again. I've run a marathon, that's it. It took about 4 months for the painful memories to go away, and I had the desire to sign up for another marathon. (Las Vegas, 12/06)
After that I was hooked...
Amazing how far I have come since then. I had to overcome an ACL tear and subsequent Reconstruction. After months of PT and rehab, I started running marathons again and completed my first Ironman (Louisville 2010) with Team in Training. In 2011, I trained with Team in Training again and completed Full Vineman, IM Louisville, and IM Florida. This past month I ran RnR Las Vegas Marathon and the RnR Latin Music Half Marathon in Miami Beach. Good times. I think I enjoy racing more than training. Perhaps that is why I race so much. I have probably completed more than 30 marathons now, but I've lost track. Cycling for 5 hours doesn't faze me either. And I actually feel comfortable swimming in open water, although I can do without the mass swim starts.
My New Year 2012 Goals:
1) To Compete and Finish 4 Full Ironman Triathlons: CDA, CANADA, FL, and AZ.
2) To raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, to hopefully one day find a cure for Cancer.
3) To become a better person during this process...
To be honest Goal #3 is the most important and probably the most challenging. But please help with Goal #2 if you are able to.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/ironca13/irondoc
Monday, November 21, 2011
Ironman #4: IM Florida
Wow, it's been an action-packed 2+ months since IM Louisville 2011. I had some post-race withdrawal symptoms. I didn't want to swim. I didn't want to bike. I only ran for fun. ( That's OK after 9 months of training with Ironteam.) I competed in Malibu Olympic distance Tri and L.A. Tri Olympic distance in September. I actually enjoyed swimming in the Pacific Ocean. I have to thank my Ironteam Coaches: Brad and Rob for getting me comfortable in the Ocean and dealing with waves. I've come a long way from my first Tri at Desert International Distance Tri in 2009. During that race, I had a panic attack and almost quit, but managed to finish the swim by swimming from one surfboard to the next. October was Ironman World Championships in Kona! I was an Iron Doc once again working the medical Van. Race day was preceded by a week of Sports Medicine lectures at the Ironman Medical Conference. I spent half the day in lecture and the other part of the day running on Alii Drive and biking the Queen K. Oh yeah, I bought a new Trek Speed Concept 7.5 while I was in Kona! Sweet ride. I picked up an LG Aero helmet as well. Race day was capped off by cheering on the last Finishers at midnight. It was great to take a pic with a very happy World Champion as she greeted the last few Finishers.
After Kona, I ran the Columbus marathon where I came within a few minutes of my PR. A couple weeks later, I got a PR at the RnR L.A. Half Marathon. I cycled in between all that running. ( Skipping the swim workouts.)
This led up to IM Florida in Panana City Beach. I arrived a few days early to get settled in. I swam in the Gulf of Mexico a couple days before the race, which basically was my first swim since Kona. Went through the ritual of preparing all the bags and checking them in along with my bike. Got a couple pre-race massages and just tried to relax.
Race day: Swim 1:30:56
A beautiful dawn led to a beautiful swim. The waves were calm. Although 2500+ athletes swimming and jockeying for position made for a whirlpool effect. I had a great first lap considering that I'm a slow swimmer (40 min), but fatigued a bit during my second ( 50 min ). IMFL is a beach start, and what makes it interesting is that after the 1st lap of this 2 loop swim, you get out of the water and run on the beach before re-entering for the second lap. One good aspect of this is that you can get water / Ironman Perform between the 2 loops. Now for the downside of the Gulf of Mexico swim. Jellyfish Stings! Yep, I got stung a couple times... a minor one in the Right armpit area and a major one on the Right forearm a few minutes after the first. This happened during the second lap. I didn't notice many jellyfish on the first lap, but they were abundant during the second. Maybe we woke them up. Anyhow, I just tried to stay calm, ignore the pain, and finish the swim. After the swim, I went through transition and got my bike. I just ignored the stinging sensation in my right arm. Next time, I will wear a full wetsuit, instead of my sleeveless one.
Bike 6:05:53
A very nice bike ride. IMFL is a very flat one-loop course. This means lots of time in the aero position. I wasn't use to this, since I train on hilly terrain and usually spend only about 50% of the time in aero. I paid the price in terms of a sore neck and back. My hamstrings were also more sore than my previous Ironman races. I rode my old reliable Cervelo road bike since that has carried me through 3 previous Ironman races. I'm not accustomed to my new Trek Speed Concept yet, so I will unleash the Speed Concept in 2012. The only other difficulty with this course was the wind. Strong winds made for a tough ride. But Ironman is suppose to be challenging, right?
Run 4:49:26
A pleasant run, but rather boring. IMFL is a 2 loop run through mostly residential neighborhoods. There is some nice fan support in certain areas, but pretty desolate in others. The volunteers were wonderful of course. Since, I was doing IMFL without Ironteam and my family couldn't come out because of work / school, I really appreciated the random fans who cheered my name which they picked out from my Bib. The most memorable cheer was from a woman who called my name and said "You have a nice Butt!" The run started in the afternoon with Temp of about 70, but finished in the evening with Temp of about 60. I know I can run faster, but I felt fatigued during the run. Perhaps running a marathon and a half marathon at PR pace in the weeks leading up to Ironman wasn't a great idea. Not exactly the taper the Coaches would recommend. But perhaps also the fatigue had a strong mental component. I ran my previous Ironmans with Team in Training. I had Coaches and Teammates to support me on the course during the race. I had thoughts of Honored Teammates and Patients whose battles with Leukemia and Lymphoma had inspired me to undertake the challenge of the Ironman. In Florida, I was racing for myself, for a PR. Perhaps that was it, Inspiration was lacking and my Will faltered.
Total: 12:44:42 PR
I ran across the finish line and the announcer called my name and said: " He is a Doctor!" ( Instead of the "You are an Ironman.") I found that amusing. I sat down, had some pizza then quickly got my bags and bike. Dropped off the bike at TriBike Transport and then headed back to the hotel for a warm shower and a TV to catch up on College Football. Ironman #4 was in the books.
Now a new season of Ironteam 2012 begins. I will be fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society while training with Ironteam. Here are my "Ironman" races for 2012:
Ironman 70.3 California 3-31-12
IM CDA 6-24-12
IM Canada 8-26-12
IM FL 11-3-12
IM AZ 11-18-12
Wish me luck.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Ironman Louisville 2011
Race morning I went through my usual routine, except I didn't have a BM. Perhaps it was getting up before 4am Eastern time ( which meant 1 am Pacific time), which made it hard for my body to adjust. I figure I will go before race start, so I wasn't too worried yet. I was much more careful with my pre-race meal and the preparation of my hydration. I prepared 3 bottles of Ironman Perform drink with bottled water and refrigerated it overnight.
I headed out to transition with my Greater L.A. Ironteam and coaches. Dropped off my bike and Special Needs bags. The weather was mild and very pleasant. I was very pleased. In 2010, I was already sweating profusely walking to transition because of the heat and humidity. This time I felt much more at ease. Having survived 2010 under very difficult conditions, I knew that if I took the Ironman, one component at a time: I WILL DO THIS. We walked over to the swim start, got body marked and waited in line. This year they did not allow people to camp out overnight and hold other athletes places in line. But since we arrived very early, around 5:30 am, we were near the front. I tried to use the port-a-potty, but I still did not have any urge. Later... But later they were very strict about athletes remaining in line. Some of my teammates went right there while standing in line. Others fled to the grass and took care of business there. I snuck off next to some bushes and pee. Before you know it the elites were off, and then the rest of the field. I probably entered the water in the first 5 minutes.
Swim 1:49:43
I jumped in the water and tried to stay calm as the madness surrounded me. I tried to stay to the right to avoid the crowd of swimmers that were swimming closer to the island on the left. The previous year I swam to the left near the island and was constantly being hit and kicked. This time, I got hit less, but it still happened. At one point I kicked someone in the head and my heel stung from the impact. I hope the swimmer was OK. As I mentioned in my previous post, I had a recent concussion and still had some dizziness. So I took it real easy on the swim. I knew that the swim was the shortest part of the day. I still had a long bike ride and a marathon ahead of me. I finally past the island and swam out to the farthest buoy for the turnaround. The first part was upstream, now I get to go downstream. At the athlete's dinner, they had advised us to stay near the buoys for the strongest downstream current. But elsewhere on the internet I had heard that the current was stronger further out, towards the middle of the river. The prior year I took the buoy course. So this time I decided to try further out towards the middle.
Well when I finally exited the water I felt fresh and not as tired as 2010. But when I checked my results later I realized I was 7 minutes slower than 2010. Again my post-concussion syndrome was partly to blame and perhaps my swim strategy was flawed. In comparison, my 2.4 mile swim time at Vineman 4 weeks prior to Louisville was 1:21:52
I also learned afterwards that a swimmer had died from cardiac arrest that morning in the water. One of my Ironteammates was directly affected since she came upon the swimmer floating under the water and was involved in the rescue attempt. Unfortunately that swimmer died. ( My teammate completed the swim and bike, but was pulled at mile 20 of the marathon course. ) My coaches were worried since I was the last swimmer from my L.A. Ironteam to exit the water. With my recent concussion and the increased number of rescue boats that were out on the water after that mornings death, they had feared that I had encountered a medical problem. They were so relieved to see me exit the swim.
T1 10:14
Although I felt fine. I still took my time in T1. I didn't want to forget anything important before embarking on a 112 mile bike ride. I also hit the port-a-potty for a pee.
Bike 6:21:00
This is where I made some real progress. I tried to keep a steady pace and slowly passed my teammates one by one. The weather cooperated and it was quite cool and pleasant during the first couple hours of the bike. But slowly it warmed up. I tried to stay cool by drinking water and also dumping water on my arm coolers and over my helmet at each water station. At special needs I had a nice snack of BBQ potato chips. I took a salt tablet every couple hours. I also took Motrin twice during the course of the bike ride. Clif Shot Bloks, PowerBar Gel Blasts, and a Tiger's Milk Bar, along with the Ironman Perform drink made up my nutrition on the bike. Unlike Vineman, I did not have any GI issues on the bike.
The best part was that the last 40 miles or so, I felt strong and was picking up speed while those around me were slowing down. It was a great psychological lift to zip past a bunch of cyclists at that point of the race. Special props to the Team in Training Cheer Squad that was out in force to cheer the competitors on. Perhaps I will post some pictures at a later date, but you can check out pictures at the Greater L.A. Ironteam Facebook page as well.
T2 7:51
I was 3 minutes faster than 2010, but in 2010 I came in from the bike exhasted from the heat and humidity. This time I felt ready to run a marathon. I hit the port-a-potty for a quick pee.
Run 4:48:54
I started off at a 9 min / mile pace and then eased into a 10 min / mile pace for the first 13.1 miles. But then the GI issue propped up. I felt gassy and started looking for an unoccupied port-a-potty. I finally came across one around mile 14 and finally had a BM (it was a little loose). My Run Split will show that from mile 13.1 to mile 15.33, I was running a 15 min / mile pace. In reality, I spent at least 5 minutes in the Port-a-Potty and then ran a 11 min / mile pace. I believe I also hit the Run Special Needs during this run split and had a half-bag of Hot-Wings flavored potato chips, a Motrin, and changed my socks as well.
The rest of the run, the leg fatigue started to hit and I ran 11:30 min / mile pace. During the run, I drank mostly water and cola, because I was sick of the Ironman Perform drink. I ate some grapes, but did not think that I could tolerate anything more substantial. Towards the end I was getting light-headed and dizzy, I knew that I could be dehydrated and low on sodium as well. So I started to drink chicken soup and I drank an entire bottle of Ironman Perform. I did feel better after rehydrating on the Perform drink.
A highlight of the run was seeing my teammates multiple times throughout the out and back 2 loop course. Their smiles lifted my spirits. I was reminded that even though I was suffering, I needed to enjoy the moment. I was reminded about my Honored Teammates who have had to overcome Cancer. They have had to fight something more serious and go through more suffering than an Ironman Triathlon. I thought about my family and friends who have supported me on this Ironman journey. These thoughts carried me home to the Finish line on Fourth Street Live. This time I heard my name called out: "Here comes Alexander C. from ..... You are an Ironman."
Total Time: 13:17:42
This was 46 minutes better than Louisville 2010. Just like 2010, I was the second finisher from my L.A. Ironteam. I greeted Amy from L.A. Ironteam who was working as a finishline volunteer. I then saw Rachel our campaign manager and thanked her. I went back to the hotel to shower and then hit the convention center for some pizza and to pick up my morning clothes bag. I returned to the finishline to cheer my teammates as they in turn finished their Ironman races. The last 45 minutes I joined the crowd that was giving high-fives to the final finishers of the day. It was a wild scene, especially when one of my Ironteammate approached the finishline just as the clock struck 17 hours:00:00. The coaches were jumping up and down urging her to sprint for her Ironman Life. When she crossed the finishline a few seconds after 17 hours, a hush momentarily fell over the crowd. Then the announcer said that because of the delay of the swim during the rescue attempt that morning, the race end time has been extended for 10 more minutes. The crowd erupted, my teammate was an official Ironman Finisher!
Although this is not the most technical Ironman Race Report, this is what struck me as the important moments of my race day.
Special props to my Coaches who were there to support me not only on race day, but throughout this whole long training season. I couldn't have completed 2 Full Ironmans and 1 Half Ironman in 6 weeks without their coaching and advice. ( Throw in a concussion and Post-concussion syndrome in there as well between the 2 Full Ironmans just to add to the degree of difficulty.)
I headed out to transition with my Greater L.A. Ironteam and coaches. Dropped off my bike and Special Needs bags. The weather was mild and very pleasant. I was very pleased. In 2010, I was already sweating profusely walking to transition because of the heat and humidity. This time I felt much more at ease. Having survived 2010 under very difficult conditions, I knew that if I took the Ironman, one component at a time: I WILL DO THIS. We walked over to the swim start, got body marked and waited in line. This year they did not allow people to camp out overnight and hold other athletes places in line. But since we arrived very early, around 5:30 am, we were near the front. I tried to use the port-a-potty, but I still did not have any urge. Later... But later they were very strict about athletes remaining in line. Some of my teammates went right there while standing in line. Others fled to the grass and took care of business there. I snuck off next to some bushes and pee. Before you know it the elites were off, and then the rest of the field. I probably entered the water in the first 5 minutes.
Swim 1:49:43
I jumped in the water and tried to stay calm as the madness surrounded me. I tried to stay to the right to avoid the crowd of swimmers that were swimming closer to the island on the left. The previous year I swam to the left near the island and was constantly being hit and kicked. This time, I got hit less, but it still happened. At one point I kicked someone in the head and my heel stung from the impact. I hope the swimmer was OK. As I mentioned in my previous post, I had a recent concussion and still had some dizziness. So I took it real easy on the swim. I knew that the swim was the shortest part of the day. I still had a long bike ride and a marathon ahead of me. I finally past the island and swam out to the farthest buoy for the turnaround. The first part was upstream, now I get to go downstream. At the athlete's dinner, they had advised us to stay near the buoys for the strongest downstream current. But elsewhere on the internet I had heard that the current was stronger further out, towards the middle of the river. The prior year I took the buoy course. So this time I decided to try further out towards the middle.
Well when I finally exited the water I felt fresh and not as tired as 2010. But when I checked my results later I realized I was 7 minutes slower than 2010. Again my post-concussion syndrome was partly to blame and perhaps my swim strategy was flawed. In comparison, my 2.4 mile swim time at Vineman 4 weeks prior to Louisville was 1:21:52
I also learned afterwards that a swimmer had died from cardiac arrest that morning in the water. One of my Ironteammates was directly affected since she came upon the swimmer floating under the water and was involved in the rescue attempt. Unfortunately that swimmer died. ( My teammate completed the swim and bike, but was pulled at mile 20 of the marathon course. ) My coaches were worried since I was the last swimmer from my L.A. Ironteam to exit the water. With my recent concussion and the increased number of rescue boats that were out on the water after that mornings death, they had feared that I had encountered a medical problem. They were so relieved to see me exit the swim.
T1 10:14
Although I felt fine. I still took my time in T1. I didn't want to forget anything important before embarking on a 112 mile bike ride. I also hit the port-a-potty for a pee.
Bike 6:21:00
This is where I made some real progress. I tried to keep a steady pace and slowly passed my teammates one by one. The weather cooperated and it was quite cool and pleasant during the first couple hours of the bike. But slowly it warmed up. I tried to stay cool by drinking water and also dumping water on my arm coolers and over my helmet at each water station. At special needs I had a nice snack of BBQ potato chips. I took a salt tablet every couple hours. I also took Motrin twice during the course of the bike ride. Clif Shot Bloks, PowerBar Gel Blasts, and a Tiger's Milk Bar, along with the Ironman Perform drink made up my nutrition on the bike. Unlike Vineman, I did not have any GI issues on the bike.
The best part was that the last 40 miles or so, I felt strong and was picking up speed while those around me were slowing down. It was a great psychological lift to zip past a bunch of cyclists at that point of the race. Special props to the Team in Training Cheer Squad that was out in force to cheer the competitors on. Perhaps I will post some pictures at a later date, but you can check out pictures at the Greater L.A. Ironteam Facebook page as well.
T2 7:51
I was 3 minutes faster than 2010, but in 2010 I came in from the bike exhasted from the heat and humidity. This time I felt ready to run a marathon. I hit the port-a-potty for a quick pee.
Run 4:48:54
I started off at a 9 min / mile pace and then eased into a 10 min / mile pace for the first 13.1 miles. But then the GI issue propped up. I felt gassy and started looking for an unoccupied port-a-potty. I finally came across one around mile 14 and finally had a BM (it was a little loose). My Run Split will show that from mile 13.1 to mile 15.33, I was running a 15 min / mile pace. In reality, I spent at least 5 minutes in the Port-a-Potty and then ran a 11 min / mile pace. I believe I also hit the Run Special Needs during this run split and had a half-bag of Hot-Wings flavored potato chips, a Motrin, and changed my socks as well.
The rest of the run, the leg fatigue started to hit and I ran 11:30 min / mile pace. During the run, I drank mostly water and cola, because I was sick of the Ironman Perform drink. I ate some grapes, but did not think that I could tolerate anything more substantial. Towards the end I was getting light-headed and dizzy, I knew that I could be dehydrated and low on sodium as well. So I started to drink chicken soup and I drank an entire bottle of Ironman Perform. I did feel better after rehydrating on the Perform drink.
A highlight of the run was seeing my teammates multiple times throughout the out and back 2 loop course. Their smiles lifted my spirits. I was reminded that even though I was suffering, I needed to enjoy the moment. I was reminded about my Honored Teammates who have had to overcome Cancer. They have had to fight something more serious and go through more suffering than an Ironman Triathlon. I thought about my family and friends who have supported me on this Ironman journey. These thoughts carried me home to the Finish line on Fourth Street Live. This time I heard my name called out: "Here comes Alexander C. from ..... You are an Ironman."
Total Time: 13:17:42
This was 46 minutes better than Louisville 2010. Just like 2010, I was the second finisher from my L.A. Ironteam. I greeted Amy from L.A. Ironteam who was working as a finishline volunteer. I then saw Rachel our campaign manager and thanked her. I went back to the hotel to shower and then hit the convention center for some pizza and to pick up my morning clothes bag. I returned to the finishline to cheer my teammates as they in turn finished their Ironman races. The last 45 minutes I joined the crowd that was giving high-fives to the final finishers of the day. It was a wild scene, especially when one of my Ironteammate approached the finishline just as the clock struck 17 hours:00:00. The coaches were jumping up and down urging her to sprint for her Ironman Life. When she crossed the finishline a few seconds after 17 hours, a hush momentarily fell over the crowd. Then the announcer said that because of the delay of the swim during the rescue attempt that morning, the race end time has been extended for 10 more minutes. The crowd erupted, my teammate was an official Ironman Finisher!
Although this is not the most technical Ironman Race Report, this is what struck me as the important moments of my race day.
Special props to my Coaches who were there to support me not only on race day, but throughout this whole long training season. I couldn't have completed 2 Full Ironmans and 1 Half Ironman in 6 weeks without their coaching and advice. ( Throw in a concussion and Post-concussion syndrome in there as well between the 2 Full Ironmans just to add to the degree of difficulty.)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Post Concussion Syndrome to Ironman Louisville 2011
This latest one may have been the toughest because of questions regarding my health going into Ironman Louisville. My full race report will follow in about a week. But this post will describe the events leading up to race day.
As you may recall or you can read from my last post, I finished Full Vineman Ironman Distance Tri on July 30. A week later I attended my cousin's wedding in San Diego. That's when my problem started. Well perhaps it started the day before the wedding. The week after Vineman Ironman, I was tired physically and mentally. Remember I had also competed in Vineman 70.3, 2 weeks earlier. My swim that week was crappy. I cut the runs short to recuperate from the 26.2 miles I had just ran. That weekend's workout called for a 5:3 Brick! Well Coach gave me a break and told me 3:1 was OK. So the day before the wedding, I did a 4:1. ( I felt 3:1 was too short, Ha Ha...) It was hot...
Perhaps I did not recuperate fully before driving out to San Diego early the next morning. It was an outdoor wedding. The day was already getting hot. When we arrived, the guests were standing in the shade fanning themselves with the fans given out as wedding favors. Well time for the ceremony, time to sit under the hot sun... I was so glad when the ceremony was over and it was time to move indoors for the open bar. I "rehydrated" on Rum and Cokes. I believe I had 3 drinks. Then it was time for lunch and a glass of wine. In between the Rum and Cokes and the wine, my sister ordered me a Bloody Mary and I had about half of that drink as well. Well after the main course and before dessert and the wedding cake, I decided to use the restroom. I remember using the urinal and then the next thing I know I'm looking up at an unfamiliar ceiling with a pain in the back of my head. It took me a few seconds to realize I was on the floor of the Men's restroom and that I had passed out. I somehow managed to get up. ( Perhaps somebody helped me, but I don't recall that.) I remember washing my hands and then making it out to a sofa and apparently I "passed out" or fell asleep.
Well to make a long story short, I was escorted back to the hotel and took a nap. I missed the evening dinner and reception. The next day, I woke up with a headache. I tried to workout at the hotel treadmill, but running made the headache worse. I decided to swim a few laps and that was tolerable. The headache got worse as the day progress and I bought some Tylenol and took a few. Well apparently I got a concussion and as the days went by my symptoms included dizziness, vertigo, headache, light sensitivity. I couldn't go to work all that week. In fact I laid in bed under a pillow to cover the light. I couldn't read, watch TV, or surf the internet because any mental activity worsened the headache. Even most music aggravated the headache. I could only tolerate mellow music and some classical music.
I got checked out a few days later in the ER. My head CT was fine. I had Post Concussion Syndrome. My main concern at that point was when can I return to my Ironman training / workouts. The answer was when my symptoms go away, but how long they will last was a big question mark. I started to worry that Ironman Louisville was in jeopardy. I informed my Coaches and they all wanted me to back off and take my time. Don't rush it. Apparently returning to strenuous activity too soon after a concussion can prolong the Post Concussion syndrome. What's worse than that was the fact that if I had a second concussion immediately after a recent concussion, I could suffer from severe brain swelling which could lead to "DEATH".
Well this is what I was dealing with as I headed into Ironman Louisville. My initial goal was to PR, but I modified it to just "Survival". If I can get in a 2 hour swim, 8 hour bike, 6 hour marathon, I would be happy. Over the next 3 weeks leading up to race day, my symptoms did improve. I got in a few bike rides, a few open water swims, and a few runs. Running and swimming were the last activities to come back. Initially running really jarred the brain too much and made the headache worse. And I was afraid of getting into trouble during the swim, so I took my time with that as well. I probably lost some fitness, but since this was taper time, I figured my body needed the rest. When I departed for Louisville on Thursday August 25, I was 99% better. I still had occasional headache and dizziness, especially when I went from a supine or lying down position to a sitting or standing position. When I did that I found that if I closed my eyes for a few seconds the dizziness subsided. The flight did worsen the headache slightly and I took some Tylenol and Motrin. I figured I will take some during the race as well.
My final dilemma as I picked up my race packet at the Expo, was whether or not to list Post Concussion Syndrome on the medical release forms. I decided not to. I knew that no medical professional would jeopardize his medical license and clear a participant with Post Concussion Syndrome for one of the most physically strenuous endurance events in the world, the Ironman Triathlon. I was taking a risk by competing in Ironman so soon after a concussion, but this was like the Superbowl or the Conference Championship game, I couldn't miss it.
Stay tuned for the Race Report.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Vineman Ironman Triathlon
Several weeks have passed since I completed Ironman #2: the Full Vineman. This race was marked by major GI distress on the second loop of the bike course and during the marathon. Here is what happened:
I went to a Chinese restaurant in Santa Rosa with my family on Friday night. I woke up early Saturday at 3am and had a normal bowel movement. I drank about 20 oz Zico coconut water. Had a couple bananas, one FRS energy chew, and a Hawaiian bread roll. ( I was fine with this for Vineman 70.3)
I got ice from the ice machine and mixed it with bottled water and my usual Cytomax powder. ( ? ice is not my usual routine, but I did not have a fridge and I was expecting a warm / hot day)
Pre-swim I had Gatorade G1 and my usual energy bar, along with about 4 oz gatorade at T1 aid station.
I used the Port-a-Potty and had a soft BM ( not diarrhea) ( no soap / hand sanitizer ? contamination)
Swim 1:21:52 which is a great swim time for me since I'm not a very good swimmer. No GI issues. ( ? Swallowed a little river water)
T1 8:14
Bike 6:20:24 which is a pretty good ride, but considering that my first 56 mile loop was just under 3 hours, the second loop was slower than I would have preferred.
I was feeling good to great through the first bike loop. Then on my second loop I started to feel very "gassy" and whenever I got into the Aero position, I felt abdominal pressure and the sensation that I wanted to have a bowel movement. So not being Aero and the fatigued legs probably contributed to the slower 2nd loop on the bike. I just tried to suck it up until I could hit the Port-a-Pottie in T2.
I had 2 bottles of Cytomax and 1 of Gatorade from the aid station, along with 1 pack Clif Shot Blok Margarita flavor and 1 or 2 energy bars during the first loop. I also took 1 salt tablet around hour 3.
Second loop I had 1 bottle of Cytomax, 1 bottle of water, 1 bottle of Monster Maize which I took in last 45 minutes of ride. I had 1 pack Clif Shot Blok Margarita, 1 pack Shot Blok Tropical Punch, 1 pack Power-bar gel blasts, and 1 salt tablet around hour 6.
T2 6:43 I had a slow T2 because I had to use the Port-a-Pottie and as I had feared it was diarrhea. I couldn't eliminate completely because I wanted to get out of T2 ASAP. ( Again no soap / no sanitizer)
Run 4:49:58 which is not good for me, since running is my strength.
I started the marathon and the first 9 miles I was OK, although I felt gassy and I could hear the fluid sloshing around in my bowels. I wanted to "fart" but was afraid I would have a diarrhea accident, so I tried to hold the gas in, which led to cramping and a lot of abdominal discomfort. I didn't drink or eat as much because I didn't want to contribute to the "gassy", fullness sensation. I skipped the first couple aid stations and then had a small cup of cola or water at the other aid stations. I carried a pack of Powerbar Gel Blasts and I ate them sometime during the first or second run loop.
As I passed the port-a-potty at each aid station, I debated whether to stop or not, I ended up holding it in until the bitter end.
I ended up alternating between walking and jogging. By mile 16, I hit the "wall", I felt behind in my hydration and nutrition, but didn't think my GI system could handle anything. But I forced myself to drink some Gatorade and water and I started eating grapes at the aid station. ( I stopped the cola because I thought it might be making the gassiness worse)
I had to "slow down" and walk, so that hopefully I could recover and go faster in the end. By this point I had gone over 130 miles and been out for over 11 hours, quitting was not an option.
Fortunately this worked. By mile 20, I was able to pick up my pace and start run / jog again.
After 12:47:11, I became an Ironman ( for 2nd time and set a PR)
Post-race I had diarrhea. I was able to tolerate some soup, but I couldn't even look at solid food without causing some GI discomfort. (This is very different from IM Louisville, where I was so hungry after the Ironman that I ate 3 or 4 slices of pizza and a sandwich shortly after the race and then after the L'ville course closed I went out and had drinks and more food at a 4th Street Live restaurant.)
I returned to cheer on my Ironteammates until past 10pm, but due to additional GI distress, I returned to the hotel and had several more episodes of diarrhea that night / Sunday morning.
Lessons learned:
1) Avoid new restaurants the night before Ironman
2) carry sanitizer pre-race for Port-a-Potty
3) Avoid ice from hotel ice machine
4) Try not to drink murky river water
5) Re-examine each component of my race day nutrition and make sure they are not the culprit.
I went to a Chinese restaurant in Santa Rosa with my family on Friday night. I woke up early Saturday at 3am and had a normal bowel movement. I drank about 20 oz Zico coconut water. Had a couple bananas, one FRS energy chew, and a Hawaiian bread roll. ( I was fine with this for Vineman 70.3)
I got ice from the ice machine and mixed it with bottled water and my usual Cytomax powder. ( ? ice is not my usual routine, but I did not have a fridge and I was expecting a warm / hot day)
Pre-swim I had Gatorade G1 and my usual energy bar, along with about 4 oz gatorade at T1 aid station.
I used the Port-a-Potty and had a soft BM ( not diarrhea) ( no soap / hand sanitizer ? contamination)
Swim 1:21:52 which is a great swim time for me since I'm not a very good swimmer. No GI issues. ( ? Swallowed a little river water)
T1 8:14
Bike 6:20:24 which is a pretty good ride, but considering that my first 56 mile loop was just under 3 hours, the second loop was slower than I would have preferred.
I was feeling good to great through the first bike loop. Then on my second loop I started to feel very "gassy" and whenever I got into the Aero position, I felt abdominal pressure and the sensation that I wanted to have a bowel movement. So not being Aero and the fatigued legs probably contributed to the slower 2nd loop on the bike. I just tried to suck it up until I could hit the Port-a-Pottie in T2.
I had 2 bottles of Cytomax and 1 of Gatorade from the aid station, along with 1 pack Clif Shot Blok Margarita flavor and 1 or 2 energy bars during the first loop. I also took 1 salt tablet around hour 3.
Second loop I had 1 bottle of Cytomax, 1 bottle of water, 1 bottle of Monster Maize which I took in last 45 minutes of ride. I had 1 pack Clif Shot Blok Margarita, 1 pack Shot Blok Tropical Punch, 1 pack Power-bar gel blasts, and 1 salt tablet around hour 6.
T2 6:43 I had a slow T2 because I had to use the Port-a-Pottie and as I had feared it was diarrhea. I couldn't eliminate completely because I wanted to get out of T2 ASAP. ( Again no soap / no sanitizer)
Run 4:49:58 which is not good for me, since running is my strength.
I started the marathon and the first 9 miles I was OK, although I felt gassy and I could hear the fluid sloshing around in my bowels. I wanted to "fart" but was afraid I would have a diarrhea accident, so I tried to hold the gas in, which led to cramping and a lot of abdominal discomfort. I didn't drink or eat as much because I didn't want to contribute to the "gassy", fullness sensation. I skipped the first couple aid stations and then had a small cup of cola or water at the other aid stations. I carried a pack of Powerbar Gel Blasts and I ate them sometime during the first or second run loop.
As I passed the port-a-potty at each aid station, I debated whether to stop or not, I ended up holding it in until the bitter end.
I ended up alternating between walking and jogging. By mile 16, I hit the "wall", I felt behind in my hydration and nutrition, but didn't think my GI system could handle anything. But I forced myself to drink some Gatorade and water and I started eating grapes at the aid station. ( I stopped the cola because I thought it might be making the gassiness worse)
I had to "slow down" and walk, so that hopefully I could recover and go faster in the end. By this point I had gone over 130 miles and been out for over 11 hours, quitting was not an option.
Fortunately this worked. By mile 20, I was able to pick up my pace and start run / jog again.
After 12:47:11, I became an Ironman ( for 2nd time and set a PR)
Post-race I had diarrhea. I was able to tolerate some soup, but I couldn't even look at solid food without causing some GI discomfort. (This is very different from IM Louisville, where I was so hungry after the Ironman that I ate 3 or 4 slices of pizza and a sandwich shortly after the race and then after the L'ville course closed I went out and had drinks and more food at a 4th Street Live restaurant.)
I returned to cheer on my Ironteammates until past 10pm, but due to additional GI distress, I returned to the hotel and had several more episodes of diarrhea that night / Sunday morning.
Lessons learned:
1) Avoid new restaurants the night before Ironman
2) carry sanitizer pre-race for Port-a-Potty
3) Avoid ice from hotel ice machine
4) Try not to drink murky river water
5) Re-examine each component of my race day nutrition and make sure they are not the culprit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)