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I'm A Newly Minted DUathlete. Or, My Running Days Are Over Thread

John StarkJohn Stark
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Background:  In May 2005 I had meniscus surgery on my left knee.  At that time the doctor told me I had only so many run miles left on that knee.  Over these last 6 years years I have done 2 IM’s, 12+ HIM’s, run marathons, run several ultra’s, and done several other odd endurance junky events.

Fast forward today:  The middle of last week and completely out of the blue my left knee started killing me.  There was no recent trauma to it and I thought it was simply an overuse issue.  So I went and saw my sports med guy we call “Dr. Pain” last Friday.   He is excellent at stretching out and fixing muscular issues.  After seeing him I could tell things weren’t right.  I felt good and loose, but my knee still hurt.  And I just knew . . . .

So I went and saw the knee doc this past Tuesday and what I had feared has (almost) come true.  My remaining meniscus is fraying and that my running days are pretty much over.  I can still run, but will continue to have issues if I do.

So . . . . it looks like this TRIathlete is now a newly minted DUathlete and roadie.

I am not too sad, yet.  I was planning on Ironman Arizona being my last Ironman (for completely unrelated reasons) and jumping on the roadie bandwagon next year.  This news has completely sealed that deal.

I will be at IMAZ in 7 weeks, will toe the start line, and swim, bike and run/walk the event and execute like the one good-legged ninja that I now am.  But I have a new sense of purpose.  Like my Gratitude thread from a couple of weeks ago (how ironic, eh?), I am gonna enjoy every moment, high-five all the volunteers, cheer on my EN teammates and when I cross the finish line . . . . flash the EN GANGSTA SIGN!

And just to be clear, I am not leaving EN and I will still be the Race Director in 2012.  But I will have a new focus and will be a Dan Socie groupie with the 1,000 yard stare.

Rock on everyone!

Comments

  • tuckermtuckerm
    Sorry to hear Stark. I see many Aquabikes in your future!
    So does this mean you gonna ride at .8-.85 for IMAZ now? No need to save legs for the run now right?
  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    John- sorry to hear the news. But knowing you- this won't slow you down! And your swim is so strong already- those Aqua-Velo folks in the NorCal area should be shaking in their boots!!!
  • Matt SamojedenMatt Samojeden
    John, This getting older and our body not being able to deliver what the head wants to do can suck! You are a smart resilient guy and you will find new challenges that will allow you to channel your energy and passion to excel. We are here to support you in the new journey and to celebrate the new victories.

    One thought, you could spend some time terrorizing the masters TT circuit!

    Matt
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner

    Sorry I won't get to race Arizona with you next year.

    Have a good last iron.

    Take care.

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Glad to hear you are still rocking the great attitude John! All the best to you at IMAZ and beyond.
  • Beth_SBeth_S
    Hugs to you, John! But attitude rocks -- and does this mean field trip to the land of Socie for criterium racing for you?
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    John, love the perspective! I see great things in your future regardless of what your body says it can / can't do!
  • jburbattjburbatt
    +1 on loving that you're focusing on what you can do image can't wait to hear about your roadie adventures next year!
  • NortonNorton
    Yo roomie,

    Perhaps I can tempt you over to the really Dark Side: riding brevets.

    Saddle up!
  • John StarkJohn Stark

    Thanks everyone.  It's been a few days now and I am a bit discouraged.  I have done a few rides.  Even one for 70 miles.  Knee doesn't really hurt after I am done.  Just more of a low-level throbbing.  But the killer is that I was in major pain after doing simple yard work on Sunday.  UGH!  That hurt WAY more than cycling.

    I am resigned to getting a MRI today and starting rehab this week.  I was kinda, sorta, maybe hoping to avoid that but it isn't in the cards.  This means training is gonna take a hit.  Oh well. 

    Thanks again.

     

     

     

  • Dave TalloDave Tallo
    John - sorry to hear, but man, your attitude is admirable.

    Going forward, you're going to be a cycling monster!
  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    John,

    I'm a little late to this thread.  Sorry to hear about the knee but great attitude about becoming a roadie.  Enjoy the last IM.

    Gordon

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