Final Thoughts

Transcendent.

That's what it was like. Transcendent is best word I can think of to describe my Ironman experience.

Since finishing the race, people have expressed their congratulations and awe of my accomplishment. Although I am grateful for their words, I am somehow less impressed.

To me, what was awe inspiring was racing alongside the 30 blind athletes, the double and single amputee athletes and the paraplegic athlete - all who got in the water with me and 2200 other athletes to take on the 140.6 mile challenge. Those are the people who inspire me and deserve the accolades.

Finishing Ironman hasn't seemed to change my self-image. I still see myself as the same guy. That said, I do feel a sense of groundedness. As if I've passed through a rite of passage. Finishing Ironman has validated my belief I am mentally and spiritually strong and I can do whatever I dare if only I prepare properly, work smart/hard enough and make the appropriate sacrifices. Of course, a little luck helps too.

Looking back over the race and the last six months of training, I can say without a doubt a few things that made all the difference for me on June 22.

First of all, it was critical to arrive to the start line on race day injury free with a great attitude. So, while training, I was deliberate about reducing stress in my life, getting proper rest and nutrition whenever possible. Also, listening to my body when it was telling me to rest and not train on a given day. Simply put, recovery is vital to avoiding burnout and injury. This made all the difference in arriving to Coeur d'Alene happy, healthy and ready to race.

Secondly, and just as critical, racing that day with a sense of gratitude and purpose was key. I'm not sure if there's a God, but all day I kept giving thanks, saying within myself "Thank you. Thank you for the health and able body to participate. Thank you for my loving family and their support. Thank for the opportunity to do Ironman!" Additionally, I took every opportunity to thank as many of the 3000 volunteers I could for their great support. They were amazing and I couldn't have don't it with them.

As for racing with purpose, I decided that if I finished I would to give my Ironman medal to my Dad. He and my Mom would be there at the finish line, so I became consumed with the vision of placing the medal around his neck.

You see, he's the real Ironman in our family - physically, mentally and spiritually. For over 30 years, he worked so hard for a company he hated, just to support his family. He always drove a used truck and never bought a new one, so his family could have nicer things. He was the guy people counted on in tough times. If there was a death in the family or someone had it tough, he was the emotional rock people leaned on. As a kid growing up playing sports, he was at every team practice, every game I ever played. I wasn't even a good athlete, but he was there at every sporting event. Always supportive, cheering me on. So, for all of these reasons and more, I was consumed with the idea of finishing for him. To give him the medal.

This sense of purpose drove me. It consumed my mind during the race. So, after 14 hours and 39 minutes, I crossed the finished line and was deemed an "Ironman" for which they gave me a medal. My parents were right there and I don't think I've ever seen them more proud of me than at that very moment. So, it was with great pleasure I took off my Ironman medal and placed it around my Dad's neck saying, "Happy Father's Day. You're the real Ironman in our family." That moment meant more to me than the medal ever could.

I think the moral of the story is that Ironman is about so much more than Ironman. The whole experience transformed me in ways I never anticipated. It taught me things and I have grown in ways I don't even fully understand yet.

Do I FEEL different? Not really. But, I don't think Ironman is about FEELING. It's about something much deeper and fundamental than emotion. It's ultimately about the power of the mind and spirit to lift people up and carry them 140.6 miles, if only they decide to accept the challenge and train their body so it is capable of accepting what the mind and spirit can ultimately do.

Ironman allowed me to discover things about myself I wouldn't have otherwise. Ironman provided me with the opportunity to access dormant abilities and prove myself -- to myself. Ironman also helped me realize that to achieve life's best, it takes a village. That we can't do it alone. Or, at least, not as well.

So, with that in mind...

Thank you to my wife and family for all of your love and support during the last six months. Thank you to George and Linda Rohlinger for being such great friends and making my Ironman experience extra special. Thank you Jim Parel for your friendship and support during my "first" Ironman journey. Thank you to my boss, Debbie Cantu, and colleagues at Kaiser Permanente, Michelle Silbar, Patricia Gin, Kristin Juel, Nancy Lockhart, Rose Villena, Pete Moon and Kara Stark, for your understanding and support. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to Kaiser Permanente medicine and my Kaiser Permanente physician, Dr. Pizano, who helped keep my healthy and injury free.

It is clear to me I could not have done Ironman without the support of the people mentioned above. Certainly, my experience would have been less enjoyable. All of you helped me "Thrive to Ironman!"

Thank you.

Crossing the finish line...

Pictures from IM CDA

I came. I saw. I got the t-shirt.

After 14:39:58, I officially became an Ironman. I will elaborate later, but here's the break down:

2.4 mi swim: 1:42:33
112 mi bike: 7:06:33 (6,000 ft. climbing)
26.2 mi run: 5:32:29

Total Time: 14:39:58

More details to come, but I'll just say now it was amazing. Worth all the sacrifice and hard work. I am already looking forward to doing it again. (Although my legs would like to rest first.)

Stay tuned. I will write the full story and post pictures asap.

ABC news covers Ironman start

Ironman Live: Race Day Coverage

Click here if you want to view live race day coverage of Ironman Coeur d'Alene.

See you at the finish line!

The moment of truth...

My long journey to Ironman CDA is drawing to an end. On Sunday, June 22, at 7am PST, I will toe the line to begin the 140.6 mile course of swimming, biking and running. The weather is suppose to be partly cloudy and reach a high of 77 degrees. For the swim, the lake water may be as warm as 58 degrees - if we're lucky.

As usual, time will tell how things will turn out. I feel ready. Truth is, I am as ready as I'm ever going to be. There is nothing I can do now to increase my chances, but lots I can to do to mess them up.

Over the last 26 weeks, I estimate I have swam, biked and ran over 250 hours. Not the full 314 hours, but with work and such, I did the best I could. I did get ample sleep and ate well, which are critical. I have been generally healthy and injury free. My attitude is positive and I am not feeling a lot stress. I think I'm in a good place.

Real time coverage of the race will be at www.ironman.com. In fact, a webcam will be broadcasting live from the finish line. So, if you feel so inclined, tune in and check it out. You may even see me cross the finish line. I hope to finish between 7:30-9pm PST.

Ever forward...

Ironman drama...

Watch and see what it's like to do Ironman...

Officially Tapering...

This past weekend was my last big training weekend. Now, I officially start my "taper" for the race on June 22nd.

Last Friday, I rode my bike for 90 min. On Saturday, I ran for 3 hrs and swam for 90 minutes. And yesterday, I rode again for 6 hrs and climbed 5000 feet over 73 miles. Best of all, I feel great today. Of course, I am totally high on endorphins, but that's just the icing on the proverbial cake!

My journey training over the last 23 weeks has been amazing. In some ways it was easier than I anticipated, in many ways harder. The training has been all consuming and I've had to sacrifice a lot in the process. And I have no regrets whatsoever.

I am currently in the best shape of my life. (Not bad for just turning 38.) What's more, I am preparing to complete a goal I quietly set for myself 2 years ago when I first started doing triathlons. It's amazing to finally see my goal of becoming an Ironman now within reach. It's just three weeks and one long, hard, tough day, away!

That said, I think the toughest part is behind me. I believe for athletic events like this, the hardest part is the training and the race itself is the fun part. At least that's I how view it. Trying to complete multiple hours of training every week for six months on top of a 6o hour work week and a personal life is no fun. Just ask my wife.

I am anxiously awaiting June 22 and the great adventure Ironman CDA will be. It is truly an honor and I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of it. Being healthy and able bodied should not be taken for granted. There have many moments while training, I have been overcome by a profound sense of awe and gratitude of the human body and the spirit that drives it ever forward.

Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons I've learned over the last few months is what's possible when one has will and fortitude. Was the training hard? Sure. But, ever harder, was allocating the will to do Ironman in the first place and the fortitude to stick with it. Once you can do that, the training becomes much easier.

In this age of instant gratification and drive-thru convenience, a commitment to complete an Ironman race will not appeal to most. Too bad for them.

Tough weekend - tougher ones yet to come!

Last Saturday, I ran for 2.5 hours and swam for 1.5 hours. On Sunday, I rode my bike for 5 hours. Sounds like a lot, but there's a lot more coming my way over the next few weeks! Thank goodness this week is a recovery week with only about 8 hours worth of training.

My apologies

I have been slacking lately and not posting to the blog as often as I should. Things are have been too busy! Admittedly, to the extent this blog is about my healthcare provider (and employer) Kaiser Permanente, there hasn't been a lot to write about, due to my general health and lack of injury. I suppose KP's message of prevention is paying off! ;-) Nevertheless, I promise to write a bit more. After all, the big day is coming up. Only six more weeks until the start gun fires and Ironman CDA begins!

Big Time Training

The last two weeks have been pretty intense in terms of training. All in, I've trained about 25 hours or so. More specifically, my weekend bike rides are getting longer. Yesterday, I rode my bike 5 hours and climbed 4300 feet. Last Sunday, I rode 4 hours and climbed 3,700 feet. This week I will top out around 16 hours of training. Good thing because CDA is only 8 weeks away!

Why?

People often ask why am I doing Ironman? Admittedly, this question bothers me because it's generally asked as though there is a simple answer. My first inclination is to say, "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand." Nevertheless, I usually give some sound bite answer to satisfy the questioner. But, to be fair, I ponder that question a lot myself. Why DO I bother? I suppose the most accurate answer is: lots of reasons. So, I thought I would make a list:

• I love the solitude of the training.
• I want to get better with age (I'm 38).
  
• Endorphins increase my peace of mind.
• I love the adventure of it; one never knows what might happen.
• There is no dependence on others; I have to do all the work.
• The time running, swimming, cycling is truly mine.
• To learn new things about myself and life.
• It forces me out of my comfort zone.
• It builds confidence and self-esteem.
  
• I have always secretly wanted to do something physically remarkable.
• I was never great in sports (always second string).
  
• For my dad.
• Training helps to round out my life, beyond work, marriage and play.
• Training helps to fight the heart disease that runs in my family.
• It makes for good cocktail party conversation.
• Training makes my favorite beer taste even better.
• The need to balance my vice with virtue. (I do love a good party.)
• I despise the status quo.
  
• I always gravitate to the extreme.
• Because I hate not knowing if I can do it and I won't know unless I try.
  
• I believe the body and the spirit are intrinsically linked and to achieve spiritual peace you must be physically active and healthy, among other things.
  
• I am always looking for ways to outdo myself.
  
• Perhaps it will encourage others.
• I started hanging out with triathletes and it's contagious.
• I like putting myself in challenging situations.
• Simple curiosity.
• I fear arrested development; I never want to stop growing as a human being.
• A well deserved sleep is a sweet, sweet thing.
  
• Hard physical work provides a unique sense of satisfaction I can't get in my office job.
  
• My 20th high school reunion is this summer.
• Because a sedentary life is a deadly existence.
• Because it's as much a mental challenge as a physical one. (If not more so.)
  

This isn't a comprehensive list, but it's a good start.

I tried to cancel my appointment, but...

My primary care physician referred me to the sports medicine department at the Sunset Medical Center in Los Angeles to look at my shoulder. I scheduled an appointment in lieu of my shoulder getting better which, thankfully, it has. So, I tried to cancel my appointment, but was unable to do so despite following the instructions on the appointment card. I called the appointment line (as it said to do) and spoke to someone who told me he couldn't do it, that I had to call the sports medicine directly. When I called the department directly, no one answered and there was no way to leave a message. So, I then went online to cancel the appointment via the appointment center at Kp.org. Unfortunately, it too informed me that it was unable to process the cancellation. So, after three failed attempts to do the right thing and cancel my appointment a head of time, I simply gave up and just didn't go. Admittedly, I hated being a no-show. (I never like to stand up a date, of course.) But, that like the rule says, three strikes you're out.

Seeing My Doctor (Pt. 2)

Seeing My Doctor (Pt. 1)

Highlights Reel: The Great Race

The Great Race: Half-Marathon

Last Saturday morning, I ran The Great Race half-marathon in Agoura Hills, CA. A beautiful, somewhat hilly, course made it fun and challenging. (see elevation profile below) The weather was great. Unfortunately, due to long lines at the latrines before the race, I had to run on the heavier side, if you know what I mean. ;-) Nevertheless, I was satisfied with my overall performance given how tired my legs are from all the training as of late. I finished in 2 hrs 21 min. This time is in keeping with my two speeds: slow and slower!

Scheduling a doctor's appointment (Pt. 2)

Scheduling a doctor's appointment (Pt. 1)

Shoulder Pain...

My first injury?...

When I lift my right hand over my head or reach out to grab something, my right shoulder hurts and makes a poping and/or cracking noise. This has never happened before. Perhaps all the swimming has inflamed it? Will reach out to my Kaiser Permanente primary care physician for a consult. More to come...

Ironman Drama

If my simple blog doesn't motivate you to give Ironman a try someday, perhaps these videos will...

What keeps me going

Today, some friends and I were lamenting the challenges of training for Ironman in the midst of life's responsibilities. Work, families, wives, girlfriends, commuting in LA, domestic duties such as laundry, paying the bills, etc. All these things add up. Especially when you have to figure out how to find 13 hours for training too. And, you're already tired from work!

To deal with it all, I think, first and foremost, you must have a sense of humor. Laugh at the struggles and challenges, instead of stressing about them. After all, this should be fun, right? Otherwise, what's the point, you know? That said, one of my favorite writers, Jack London, used as his life's credo something I've adopted as my own. It helps to explain why I signed up for Ironman in the first place and what keeps me going:

I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out
in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom
of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.

Only 13 Weeks to Ironman Coeur d'Alene!

Now things get interesting. I'm half way to the start line; only 13 weeks to go! From this point forward training will increase substantially - 14 hours this week, 15 hours next week and 16 hours the following week. Staying focused, healthy and injury free will be of utmost importance. It's not going to be easy, but it'll be interesting. Boy, I'm getting tired just thinking about it!

Massage Review

On Saturday I went for my long awaited/needed massage. I went to a place I found through Kaiser Permanente called Chiropractic West. CW seemed to be the "best" one I could find on KP's list of approved providers. I selected them in large part because they said they have worked with athletes and were familiar with "sports massage" (see below). They did accept my KP insurance which gave me a 15% discount. (I paid $58.75 for one hour.) Their offices were quite nice and professional. The staff was friendly and my masseuse was very kind. All that said, the massage was just okay. It wasn't great. I will go back to give it another shot, but I will also date around outside the KP network of providers. I think Kaiser Permanente could do a better job of demanding a higher level of quality and professionalism among the massage therapists they have in the network. At this point, I'm not convinced the money I save is worth the lackluster massage.

The Kaiser Permanente Anthem

Recovery Week Begins

This week is a recovery week and I only have to train about 8 hours. (Insert here: sigh of relief) Most importantly, I will use the spare time to actually recover. I won't, as I did three weeks ago during my last "recovery" week, go to Vegas. No recovery to be had there, that's for sure. I forgot that Vegas puts one INTO recovery, not the other way around. Valuable lesson moving forward. Note to self: Recovery ≠Vegas; Vegas = Recovery.

Online Fitness Coaching through KP

Over the weekend, I was on shopping for vitamins and supplements on choosehealthy.com, which Kaiser Permanente sponsors, and I discovered a link to an online coaching website that is pretty cool. FitnessCoach.com provides tools and resources to help improve one's health. You can take a personal health assessment (which I did) and receive a personal health plan, create customized exercise plans, monitor your health improvement progress with online trackers and view articles and self-guided coaching courses on health and fitness. There is also an online store where you can buy health related products like exercise videos, etc. Admittedly, because I'm already on a training program for IM, I will only use the site in a cursory fashion for the near term, reading articles, etc. Down the road, I will take more advantage of it.

Finally - I booked a massage!

Quite frankly, it took a bit of doing. That is, finding a massage therapist who participated in the Kaiser Permanente Affinity Program (see below) that was within a 20 mile range of my home AND who offered "sports" massage services. That is, massage focused on the needs of athletes. Doing the search was easy enough. I simply had to visit Choosehealthy.com and search based on my type of service needed and my zip code. I got a long list of massage providers, but the hard part was qualifying them. Choosehealthy.com didn't provide a lot of specific details and the majority of listed providers didn't have websites. So, I had to call several places to find one with whom I feel most comfortable. I called about 10 numbers. Surprisingly, many seemed clueless about "sport massage". In fact, a person called Dr. Acoba, with whom I spoke at The Wellness Center in Los Angeles (1055 Harper Ave.) seemed incompetent on the phone. Finally, I found Chiropractic West based in Santa Monica. They work with athletes, offer sports massage AND sounded smart/competent on the phone. So, I booked an appointment to check them out. Unfortunately, they are only open on Saturdays every other week. So, I have to wait a week to go for my first appointment. It's okay. With my schedule and LA traffic, I simply can't get to Santa Monica during the week.

Tired Today

I must admit, I am tired today. I am not looking forward to training. After a busy weekend (see below) and a 15 hour work day yesterday, I simply don't feel like working out. Today, I am suppose to run for 1 hour and swim for 1.25 hours. But, right now I don't feel like doing anything. It is only 10:18am. Maybe I'll have more energy and feel better later this afternoon. Only time will tell. This is one of those times when my body is telling me to take a rest and my mind is telling to me I have to train no matter what. I hate when this happens. I always prefer being fully engaged in the task at hand, especially when it comes to training!

The 2008 Los Angeles Marathon

Today I volunteered at The Los Angeles Marathon. It is one of my favorites things to do and I do it every year. Why? Because I am always moved by watching 25,000 people of all ages, ethnicity's, shapes, sizes and capabilities achieve their goal of running 26.2 miles, often in spite of unbelievable challenges. Today, I saw a blind man run 26.2 miles in 2 hrs. 58 min. Today, I saw men and woman in wheel chairs push themselves 26.2 miles over a hilly course. Today, I saw thousands of people do something most people will never do. That is, to set a worthy goal and dedicate themselves to achieving it no matter how difficult it may be. After seeing what I saw today, I can't help but believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome great challenges. I can't help but believe we can do anything we set our minds to doing. I can't help but believe I can accomplish my goal on June 22. When I get tired and sore and want to stop, I will think of the people I saw today. Inspiring, wonderful, amazing people!

Three-A-Day Saturday

Typically on the weekends, I swim and run on Saturday (generally referred to as a two-a-day) and go riding on Sunday. But, this weekend, I had to switch it up because of The Los Angeles Marathon. Since 2002, I have volunteered at the event and I committed to volunteer again this year. So, because the race was this Sunday, I did all my training on Saturday; I biked for 2 hours, ran 1.5 hours and swam for 1.25 hours. I am happy to report I felt strong for the entire 5.75 hours. I wasn't even sore afterwards!

Trying new things...

Yesterday, my training program had me running for 30 min and swimming 75 minutes. So, I did the run over lunch and went to the pool at my health club at 5:45pm. I was 15 minutes into my swim when I was stopped by a club trainer who told me they were closing the pool from 6-7pm for an aqua exercise class and I had to get out. Of course, I complied, but begrudgingly. As I was getting out of the pool wondering what to do in place of my swim, I thought, why not try something new and take the aqua exercise class? So, I did! Admittedly, I was the only man in pool and initially I did get some funny looks from the female veterans in the class-- "What? A man in the class?"..."Who's the newbie?"... In spite of the cool reception, the class did eventually accept me. My guess is they were impressed that I was able to keep up in spite of my freshman status. I have to say, in the end, it was a great workout! The only downside was the friction blister I got on my foot from the bottom of the pool. Clearly a rookie mistake as the seasoned ladies in the class were wearing aqua socks!

I am honored...

Recently, I asked Kaiser Permanente physician Robert E. Sallis, M.D., FACSM, if he would be interested and available to be a contributing writer to this blog and he said yes. Thank you, Dr. Sallis!

I am very pleased about this because Dr. Sallis serves as president of the American College of Sports Medicine and chairs the Exercise is Medicine™ initiative for the College. He wise contributions to this blog will provide great value to me as I train for IM CDA and for any readers who are simply interested in learning more about fitness and exercise! Of course, just having met Dr. Sallis, I Googled him to learn more about his background. Very impressive indeed!...

Dr. Sallis received his Bachelor of Science from the US Air Force Academy and his Medical Degree from Texas A&M University. He completed his residency at Kaiser Permanente Fontana in 1990, where he served as chief resident. He has been the team physician at Pomona College since 1988 and holds a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine. He lectures and publishes extensively in the area of sports medicine. He previously received the Irving S. Rasgon, M.D. Award for Excellence in Family Medicine Research. Sallis currently serves as editor-in-chief of Current Sports Medicine Reports and associate editor of ACSM’s scientific journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

KP does offer massage services after all...

Kaiser Permanente Member Services emailed me via my Personal Health Manager on kp.org and through the Affinity Program, Kaiser Permanente members have access to strategic partners that offer:

- 25 percent discounts on regular rates for chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy services from a national network of more than 20,000 providers.

-Preferred membership rates at more than 4,400 fitness clubs nationwide.

-Free shipping for products purchased on Healthyroads.com, which offers more than 2,400 brand-name health-related products including vitamins, herbal supplements, homeopathic remedies, skin care products, yoga-related products, aromatherapy products, fitness equipment, books, and videos.

I have selectedt two sports massage therapy providers in the L.A. area and will schedule my appointments right away. I need a massage!