September 28th: Diagnosed with herniated disc in neck and lose strength / reflex in right arm
October 4th : Surgery at 7:00am
October 4th : Fly to Hawaii at 11:00am
October 9th : Hawaii Ironman
Lots of physical and mental pain but crossing the finish line for the 8th time at the Hawaii Ironman is Priceless.
Going into this week I prepared my self mentally that I will not be competing in the race, but physically I was looking for every edge to get my body healed fast.
Hope became a reality when Staci told me to stop looking for a way to finish the race and focus on finding a way to start the race.
Swim : Wow, I never thought I would hold on to a surfboard in a race, but halfway through, the pain in my shoulder was more than I can handle. I finished slow, but first goal was accomplished.
Bike : Contemplated quitting for the first time in my life, but going up the hill at mile 8 I saw Ali's face and he yelled DAD! At this time, there was no way I am quitting unless I am on a stretcher. What example would that be for my baby?
Staci yelled at me to relax so I did and I rode. Two flats later, did i say TWO FREAKING FLATS later, I ended up with a good solid ride.
Run : Boy oh boy, that is what started the whole problem less than 2 weeks earlier. Sure enough, every time I ran the pounding was a treat as it reminded me of what I went through and how great our life style is. Without it, I wouldn't be here period.
A walk - jog was the result and a 10:19 ironman is now in the books. A little slow for my initial goals, but a special one to my heart.
So all week athletes told me that the last few years were not my years and I had lots of bad luck. Well you be the judge....
I survived getting hit by a truck, competed with the best at Olympic distance with pneumonia and did an ironman 5 days after surgery . I think I disagree - I am one of the luckiest people .
In reality, Luck has nothing to do with it.
Every time I hit what I call a bump in the road, I intensify my research for finding ways to heal, recover and compete which eventually makes me a better coach and athlete.
So getting hit with a truck, pneumonia and surgery are not bad luck but a blessing in disguise:)