@Richard Shea - was hoping you would chime in here. I was going to shoot you a note to get your $.02 on the subject. Your comments are as I remembered them when we were discussing this subject after IMWI over a few beers.
@Bob We all have to decide what is an "acceptable risk" to each of us and it is very individual but I would caution you not to restrict an activity you love (racing in the summer) on a miniscule chance of a poor outcome. Sounds like a good plan to "sit back and reevaluate things for a while" but I'd like to add there are risks we take every day.
I don't want to offend or argue with you or anyone but I'd suggest that to some people, exercising and racing hard is living! I know when I was sedentary and 35 lbs heavier in 1999 I was a very unhappy individual. Both at work and at home and with life in general. Plus my internist wanted to start me on antihypertensives and my triglycerides were awful. Now I'm lean, mean and love my life. My blood work is exemplary and my BP was an amazing 106/58. The nurse asked if it usually ran that low and was worried!!! My resting HR is 40.
I'm just a physician and not a statistician but I'd take the odds of sudden death in exercise to my crappy labs and physical status in 1999 when I was 33 yo which would only have worsened dramatically in the ensuing 12 yrs.
As for dying doing something we enjoy suddenly while young, that's again a personal call although hypothetical. I am a geritrician and see many, many people in nursing homes w/ all sorts of horrible wasting diseases and dementias slowly deteriorating. If you asked them if they'd have preferred a sudden cardiac event to their current status, who knows what they'd answer. Again, I'm not trying to persuade you to train crazy hard in 100+ degree temps, just demenostrate things are never black and white.
I sincerely hope you find peace and reach a decision which brings you and your family happiness and contentment.
Wishing you and all the EN Haus a happy Thanksgiving and quality family time.
@Bob - Thanks for honestly sharing what is going through your head. I have had a similar internal dialogue the last few days (sans being as fast as you guys or doing an IM next year). I am sure that the last .2 of the 10K tomorrow I will be extra twitchy about kicking to the finish...
There was an interesting article in the October issue of Ultrarunning that addressed the effect of ultramarathons on the heart. It's a pretty small publication, and as far as I know they don't have an online version but I'll look into seeing if I can get a link to it. It's worth reading.
Sadly, a lot of people have stories about young, apparently healthy people who have died young from a cardiac problem. In my former life, I was a nurse practitioner in a cardiology practice and part of my job was supervising and interpreting treadmill stress tests. I have many stories about people who are alive today because they had risk factors, and came in to get checked out prior to marathons, etc. despite the absence of symptoms. I would agree with what Richard said in that there is no good screening test for low risk athletes. But if you have a family history and risk factors, don't ignore them. My most memorable treadmill test was performed on a friend's husband. Super fit guy, 40, marathoner, wanted to summit Mt. Everest but his dad had a MI at 40 something, so he decided to get a stress test first. He had absolutely no symptoms or chest pain, but it was a markedly positive test. His cardiac cath showed significant three vessel disease, and he went home with a couple stents. Bob's point is valid. We all love living more than racing. There may not have been anything Chris could have done differently, but if there is something you know you could do to reduce your risk, then be sure to do it.
We all have to live life doing what makes us happy while taking reasonable actions to mitigate the biggest risks. I admire Chris so much because he did just that while setting a HUGE example of service, husband and father to all others. You can't live your life in a bubble and you can't avoid all risk.........so what is the balance? That is what we are all struggling with right now. Living in fear/worry everyday is not living at all.
Living wrecklessy is also not acceptable nor does it respect those around you which depend on you in so many ways. I have a wife, one daughter, and 3 boys. I am 44.
I take the precautions one can take, worry about what I can control and try to live each day to the fullest. I have had he full heart exam under stress test, with the ink, reviewed by a cardiologist just before my first IM at age 41 and passed with a very strong report. That did not guarantee anything but it was one thing I could do to be smart about how I go forward.
Triathlon, the strategy, the work, this team and the benefits makes me happy. My family makes me happy. Helping others find ways to overcome their obstacles and make it to the other side better makes me happy. I do not forsee a change in that path for me as a result of fearing what could happen............
Everyone of us will make those choices for ourselves. One important question from this tragedy is, How will each us take this event, step up and make sure this team comes away stronger and better than before?.........That is what Chris would expect of us.
@Linda I noticed no one has answered your question regarding tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy. This typically happens when someone's heart rate has been inappropriately high for weeks to months - not 2x12' @ 90-95%, but a heart rate of 130-150 without any break for weeks. I've never seen it in any athlete, or in any fit athletic person for that matter (I was in the Army for 7 years, so had a chance to see alot of cardiac-healthy people). Tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy typically occurs in people with atrial fibrillation who really don't feel the high heart rate and irregular rhythm, so go for a long time without being identified. If the duration of the high heart rate has been short, the heart function usually gets back to normal when we slow the heart rate and return the person to a normal rhythm.
I share everyone's concerns. Our risk is low low low because of what we do, and I agree with Jeff B that our choice of this lifestyle is the best way to reduce risk. We are also the first generation where there is a large group of endurance athletes, of varying backround risk, who stay in endurance sports for decades. Hopefully we'll be able to refine risk further based on our collective experience.
This event and this topic is causing a lot of discussion in our household as well. My hubby does triathlons occasionally, but thinks I'm nuts for taking on the Ironman again.
I did a lot of soul-searching after my first IM in which I drove my body too long and hard in a dehydrated state and ended up passing out cold in front of my kids shortly after the finish line. The last thing I heard was my husband yelling "Medic!" as my eyes rolled up in my head and my 7-year-old daughter asking "Is mommy dying?". At the time, I honestly couldn't have told you the answer to that question, but fortunately it was just low blood pressure and dehydration and I came back around a half an hour later in the med tent.
Still, the scare is there for people who are extremely driven - we are capable of driving ourselves long past the point when we should've been shutting down. The brain is amazing at holding together that long/faster/harder pace just until we hit that finish line. That's a scary thought, and something that goes through my mind a lot as I prepare for IM #2 - how can I make myself more aware of the feedback my body is sending me, and more importantly how can I not push through it? Also, how can I prepare and race smarter so I don't get in a situation where my body is depleted of something vital.
On the other hand, I know how much joy my sport brings into my life. Most of the other women my age that I know are already on some form of drug therapy - for cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and most commonly for depression. I do believe that this sport that I love so much has kept all of that at bay and improved the quality of life to the point where most moments of the day are filled with the joy of living and of having the energy to do absolutely anything I can put my mind to. That is a priceless gift, and not one I'm sure any of us would give up lightly.
So in the end, it comes down to risk and managing it. One of the reasons I'm here is to learn to train smarter, race smarter, execute better. Although the OS is challenging, I can already feel that it's less wearing on my body than the multitude of hours I was throwing at it before. I feel healthier and more well rested in my training already. So EN and everything I'm learning from you folks is a blessing. Just in watching the 4-keys talk and thinking about it constantly, I already know I will be racing smarter the next time around. I think all of that helps to reduce (although of course not eliminate) the risk.
I am new here and didn't know Chris, but clearly he was an amazing person. I have lost friends before in sports that I love. It's always a moment that gives us pause to reflect on what we're doing and re-assess the risks we might be taking. And also to reflect on what the sport brings to us and its gifts in our lives. I appreciate the thoughtful discussion and information here.
Folks, this is great stuff and, I think for once, something that BELONGS OUTSIDE EN as well. I am happy to redact names, etc., but any objections to putting some form of a summary out there for the endurance community to consider?
I have to say that this tradegy has been eye opening for me and my family. My wife, who has a Phd in research sciences and now works in regulatory affairs, has always had concerns about my "lifestyle". What scared me the most was just how similar I am to Chris. I never knew him, and looking back now, it's almost amazing that I didn't. I did IMLP in 2008, he finished exactly 2 minutes in front of me! So we probably saw each other at multiple times on the course. I am ~2 years younger than him, with two kids that are about the same ages. It was ever wierder that my best open marathon was at Philly. My 1/2 split was exactly were Chris was (1:31). Same for 30K. I did a 3:02 that year and remember how hard I pushed that last 1/4 mile.
Fortunetly, I have no family history of cardiac events similar to this. My grandmother did die of a heart attack, but she was older and had a horrible diet (as almost everyone else in my family does). Still, I do take some meds that could raise my blood preassure and I am going to get myself checked out for sure.
I think I do need to learn more about the risks with some of the medications I do take.
@David (and all), I think that's what hits home so much. Chris was a great example of the average Age Grouper athlete. A large majority of us are exactly like him. We have families, careers and just happen to live an active fitness lifestyle. What made Chris extra special in terms of Endurance Sports was how good (fast) he was and he was willing to share his smarts with others. However, I don't consider the fact that Chris finished LP 2 hours ahead of me to mean him and I are all that different in this world of Ironman. I can tell you all that while my wife and I did the bed time routine with my 3 year old daughter last night which includes a tea party, books, and a few songs I was thinking about Chris and how I would be foolish to think that couldn't happen to me. I also find comfort in knowing that it doesn't happen all the time.
@Patrick, I would say not now....Do we know for sure that a heart attack was the official cause of death? I would be hesitant to open up the discussion to the outside endurance community without knowing that, and without knowing how Chris's wife would feel about it. Hearing all of your stories, and about the positive impact he had on others lives is probably most helpful to her at this point. It's certainly worth discussing in the future, but at this point in the grieving process I think staying focused on his widow and children is of primary importance. I'm new to EN, and didn't know Chris at all, so if you feel that this is something he would really want, then I would defer to your opinion.
Wow, what a great thread. I'm glad I just spent the past 25 minutes reading thru it and thinking about all the points raised, medical, spiritual, personal. Thanks to Kevin for starting this and producing such a cogent summary of his lit review; and to all those who shared inner fears and doubts and goals. Really got me pondering things, as well as clarified a few medical issues.
@ Patrick, I think you were really asking about sharing the two main themes here: what are the actual medical risks, especially cardiac, inherent for healthy people engaged in training and racing at the Ironman distance; and how do people of various ages, backgrounds, and life situations deal with those risks. Although triggered by Chris' death, this is not about our reaction to that event, but rather our conversation about a more general issue. In that context, our little world of triathlon could benefit from what we've collectively said here - it would be the equal of any article I've read in the past month in Lava, Inside Triathlon, Triathlete, or 3Go.
On the topic, I'm glad folks like Bob brought up whether or not one should race and train in challenging conditions, when so little seems at stake. Seems to me, the options are not limited to "dying with his boots on" vs going quietly at home in bed or your easy chair. Given the choice, I would much rather go out on skis, a bike, in the ocean, or in my Newton's than in a hospital bed surrounded by hissing and beeping machines, flashing lights, and noisy staff. And the whole range of other gruesome possibilities - bone mets, car crash, brrrr.
I could no more stop skiing or racing Ironman than I could stop loving my children. It's such an ingrained part of who I am to go fast down a groomed slope, bump along straight down the moguls, slalom through the aspen trees, or float along in knee-deep powder down impossibily steep chutes. Likewise, swimming in a lake, through the surf, or gazing at the turtles while I churn across A Bay on the Big Island. Snaking through the big firs down a Cascade slope on my mountain bike; back flat with a tail wind on my TT bike down beside the Fryingpan River; or running with power and grace, heart pounding with joy, through the finishing chute of an Ironman.
I'm 62, and have had a great life (so far!), so maybe it's easier for me to say this, but if I can't die, like my mother @ 89, surrounded by kids and grandchidren, cogent to the end, then my second choice would be skiing, swimming, biking, or running.
@P I'm fine w/ either option of sharing w/ more people or keeping it lower key but does seem like a good idea to get this general info into the hands of more people. As many as possible really. If some people are concerned about privacy, perhaps redacting names and keeping it general would satisfy their concerns.
First I must say that my heart goes out to everyone who has been touched this or similar tragedies. Thank you for sharing.
My reflection on this thread is that for me, I've come away with an even clearer understanding of why I race triathlons, do IM's, etc. I asked myself, "if I knew for certain that someday, somewhere in the near/distant future, I would suffer a similar fate, would I stop?" The answer was no. These things contribute too much to the quality of the life I lead each day. For me, quantity takes a distant second to quality. I don't train for the health benefits, although I recognize them. I'm content to minimize the risks as best as I can and to enjoy the moments that I have. This includes making sure that my affairs are in order and that my family will be taken care of should the unthinkable happen (I am 42 and have 3 young girls and a wonderful wife). But I know that for me, not only is my life enriched by these experiences but so too are the lives of my family because of the energy and enthusiasm I share with them every day (as a direct result of my training and racing). I recognize that my answers won't apply to everyone. I do appreciate everyone who has shared their perspective so that I may achieve my own. Thanks!
This is a great discussion and really got me thinking. The other runner who passed away in the Philly Marathon was just 21 years old, a year YOUNGER than I. I've always assumed that my level of fitness combined with my youth would essentially make me invincible at my age, but this really struck me. Recently, I've been paying lots of attention to things like my nutrition, rest/recovery and injury prevention, but maybe there's a bigger picture that I'm missing.
When I first started doing triathlons a little more than a year ago, I would always get myself injured from running. Namely, going too fast and too far too soon, and paying for that by being out of business for a month or more at a time. I never really considered the damage I was doing to my body at the time, and only had myopic thoughts like "oh this sucks, now I have to wait another month to have fun again". I guess now that I'm marginally more experienced, I have a better perspective of how to take better care of myself. Nowadays, I'm always thankful for the fact that I'm able to run pain and injury-free, even if I'm having a tough day.
That being said, these recent events have given me more of a reason to keep myself healthy. I still have plenty of time ahead of me and intend to live life to the fullest, but I have no intention of going out with a bang any time soon.
Now here's a question for all of you. What would be your advice with regards to developing in this sport for younger folk like me? I'm still inexperienced in a lot of things and have lots to learn about triathlon and life, but I'd like to continue pursuing this sport with a passion without burning myself out as a result of recklessness and overambition. Most of you are well wiser, and hearing all your thoughts is really eye-opening.
Posted By Jeff Brandenburg on 23 Nov 2011 08:05 AM
@Bob We all have to decide what is an "acceptable risk" to each of us and it is very individual but I would caution you not to restrict an activity you love (racing in the summer) on a miniscule chance of a poor outcome. Sounds like a good plan to "sit back and reevaluate things for a while" but I'd like to add there are risks we take every day.
I don't love racing in the summer. It's quite miserable actually so I'm fine letting that go. The three summer races I was signed up for had high temps during the day of 104, 109 (tied the highest recorded temp in Houston history) and 97. Houston is as humid as a jungle in addition to the heat. That list doesn't include the 91 degree day in May for IMTX. I'm just not willing to put up with that any longer. My decision was only reinforced by the unfortunate situation this past weekend, ie. minimizing risk.
I'm not quitting the tri game or anything like that. I just plan on reeling in the intensity a bit and enjoy it more - if that makes sense.
On the topic, I'm glad folks like Bob brought up whether or not one should race and train in challenging conditions, when so little seems at stake. Seems to me, the options are not limited to "dying with his boots on" vs going quietly at home in bed or your easy chair. Given the choice, I would much rather go out on skis, a bike, in the ocean, or in my Newton's than in a hospital bed surrounded by hissing and beeping machines, flashing lights, and noisy staff. And the whole range of other gruesome possibilities - bone mets, car crash, brrrr.
I don't think any of us want to go out completely infirmed, incapable and tied to a ton of machines. I'd rather go out doing something I love as well... when I'm old and have lived a full life. I don't want to go out in any way when I'm 41, least of all in the pursuit of a hobby.
@Bob Understood. I don't love the hot and humid temps in SC in the summer either. I agree you have it bad in TX. I lived in New Orleans 4 years and it is a sauna! Now, I go to Boone, NC where high temps are closer to 80 in the summer to train rather than 95 degree temps in SC.
I'm with you. I'd like to go in my sleep after Sunday dinner and a walk with my future grandchildren and my family. If that means living a time a bit infirm for a time, but into old age, so be it.
I've been in that abyss of denial and risking my freakin' heart health for training and racing. It is a stupid and an incredibly messed-up, immature thing to do. I was dishonest and very much betrayed my essential character and, more importantly, I betrayed those who trust and love ME. I am not proud of my actions last year, but am lucky enough to live to tell about them. It was fool's gold I was after.
What a great thread! I have much enjoyed all the wisdom here. There is, however, a tendency to fixate on how one would hope to die. Death is inevitable. Life is inevitably too short no matter at what age it ends. I suggest that the focus of EN should be...as it is...a focus on how to LIVE. Thanks to all here who have helped me to live that much fuller a life. I'm 55, have few regrets. I'll bet Chris G had even less.
After reading this thread over the past few days, I have started and stopped and started again, and now here I go again... We truly have the "Best Team Ever", I always thought it, and now I know it!!! What we do for a "hobby" has risk, although we mainly focus on the external risks like bike vs car. Our loss as a team cuts so much deeper because we are a family here inside EN, and losing family hurts, plain and simple. The loss of Chris has been not only a punch to the gut for many of us, it has been a "look in the mirror" moment, and that is never easy. There are very few days in our lives that we wake up and are mad at the sun for rising, because how could it rise on a new day when so much had been lost the morning before...that was Monday for many people in the greater triathlon comunity, and for the core of this team. I think many great ideas have been shared in this thread about where we go from here and how we honor Chris going forward. That is where we should go from here...Forward. I have packed a lot of things in my short 36 years here on earth, and I hope I can keep it going for at least another 36, but when the good lord calls me up, I plan on being late, sliding through the pearly gates screaming "that was one hell of a ride, can I do it again?" and then I will write my "life report" and title it "Best Life Ever!!!"
Like others, I appreciate the thoughtful discussion here. That said, I most definitely fall into the Bob/Nate camp. I'm 38. My sons are 4.5 and 2. That seems to be a bit a theme among those of us in that camp.
One year ago last weekend, while trying deperately to set a 13.1 PR in unseasonably warm and windy conditions, I collapsed about 8 blocks from the finish. Totally blacked out. Vomitting. Someone called 911 and an ambulance picked me up and rushed me to the nearest ER. First thing I remember post-blackout was being wheeled into the ER. There was a stranger with me who had ridden in the back of the bus with me and helped me get checked in. I never got his name or saw him after that. I think he was a wonderful good samaritan; my mother, who is extremely religious, genuinely believes it was a guardian angel. No RoadID, no emergency contact info on the back of my number. Wife, kids and father in law are waiting at the finish and have no idea where I am. I can't remember my wife's cell phone number or even my SSN for quite a while after coming to, so no one knows how to get a hold of them. Literally the first thoughts when I figured out where I was were 1) am i going to die?, 2) how much life insurance do I have and 3) why didn't I sign my stupid estate planning documents. The good news: it was only heat exhaustion/dehydraftion. I've had two physicals including treadmill tests since and have checked out fine. But it scared the everloving shit out of me.
Like Bob, I'm not getting out of the game, because it keeps me healthy and sane. But I definitely spend more time thinking about how to be smarter about stuff like this. And remembering that, for me, it is most certainly just a game.
In the spirit of the holiday tomorrow, I'm thankful for my health, my family and for this wonderful community of people that I have the opportunity to learn from.
Now here's a question for all of you. What would be your advice with regards to developing in this sport for younger folk like me? I'm still inexperienced in a lot of things and have lots to learn about triathlon and life, but I'd like to continue pursuing this sport with a passion without burning myself out as a result of recklessness and overambition. Most of you are well wiser, and hearing all your thoughts is really eye-opening.
@Anson, the younger person's death was shocking too. I have to wonder if he had some underlying undiagnosed condition that he was unaware of. As a mom with a son who is not too much younger, I really feel for that young mans' parents.
As for your question, I started triathlon in 1986 at the age of 20, so I was right where you are at today, except it was 25 years ago and I have never stopped loving it!. I'm not sure I could condense everything I've learned into anything short of a novel, but here's a few things:
1) Learn from your mistakes: Luckily, you're here at EN where you also get to learn from everyone else's mistakes and successes too. That's a huge advantage. Triathlon was so small when I started that I had to make every single mistake myself. Each time though is a learning process and hopefully you just keep coming back stronger and stronger with every new thing you learn. Every race is a learning experience unto itself since every course and every day is different, that's one of the things that makes the sport intriguing enough to do for a few decades.
2) Take the sport seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously. Train hard and race harder but also know that not everything is in your control and that getting angry with yourself or others in a race where you really gain nothing but self-respect by doing well (unless you're a pro) doesn't make sense. My most favorite race in the world, a race that was on its 30th year, was shut down by an angry age-grouper who unloaded on a bystander for making them a few seconds slower. Was their potential podium spot in a local race worth it? No way. Keeping perspective in the heat of a race might be hard, but it makes it all worthwhile, whether that particular race is a good one or a tough one for you.
3) Use Coach Joy. She's my sidekick who reminds me every day to not take for granted all of the wonderful things my body can do. Yes, even in the middle of intervals that totally suck, I can be grateful.
4) Cheer on other competitors and thank the course volunteers and marshalls. I make it a point in every race to find at least one newbie in the transition area before the race and give them some encouragement and also to cheer other people on during the race and holler out thanks to course volunteers and officers who are keeping the intersections safe. I also try to go up to the marshalls after the race and thank them because they have a very thankless job yet they keep us all much safer and keep the races more fair by ensuring that the rules are followed.
5) Keeping asking questions, keep learning, and I hope you have as many great years in the sport as I have!
OK I'll throw in my $0.02. For those that don't know, I'm a heart surgeon.
1. If you feel like you want to get your heart checked out, do it. But don't forget that heart disease is not something that happens due to a single cause. It is typically a combination of different risk factors that interact with your individual genetic makeup to create and build atherosclerotic placques in your body's arteries. These things take years to build to significant levels which is why older people have more heart disease, but why youth does not make you immune. Because it is so uncommon in people under 40 (without family history of heart attacks in 40ish family members), don't be surprised if you get a history, physical, EKG, and a clean bill of health. For people over 40 with few, if any, risk factors, your check up may not be much different. Of course, if you have any symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, progressive fatigue, etc., your risk is higher and your workup will likely be more extensive. But if you are having symptoms, you are stupid if you are ironman training without medical clearance. Let's not forget that none of us were inside his mind or body. None of us knows if he was having symptoms (and ignoring them), if he had other risk factors, or what his family history was. Also, more importantly, assuming he was never evaluated for heart disease, chances are that if he truly had few, or no, risk factors, he would have received a routine workup that probably would have been negative. So would him walking into his doctor's office 3 months ago saved his life? No one will ever know, but it probably wouldn't have. Then we would all be sitting here having the conversation about what the point of having heart check-ups was if they didn't prevent sudden cardiac death.
2. Being physically fit, whatever that means to you, is always healthier for your heart than a sedentary lifestyle.
3. It makes no sense whatsoever that it's OK for your heart to race for 10-16 hours, but not OK to sprint the last 200 yards to the finish.
4. While it may often be true that many people die near the end of different types of races, my understanding is that the majority of people who die in triathlon do so during the swim......of heart-related causes.
5. Everyone needs to assess their own perceived risk of participating in triathlon and weigh their own personal consequences in determining if they want to participate. I certainly do respect the person that quits to eliminate the risk of leaving behind a spouse and kids for what they consider a hobby. But don't forget that this is extremely rare. Trying to explain statistics to Chris' wife will mean nothing because as far as they are concerned it was 100% in him. But the statistics are real. Whether it's 1 in 50,000 or 1 in 200,000, it's still extremely rare. And while I don't know her, I would bet that she would encourage people to get checked, to be careful, but not to stop racing because of Chris. I never knew the guy, but reading all the stuff from people who did, I would doubt that he would discourage anyone from doing it either.
So many new names and faces after taking a year away from EN. Always great to read what Al has to say.
To say the least, I've been heart broken all week. It's not that Chris and I were buddies but that he was a great contributor and competitor in the EN family and like most of us, tri's weren't his day job. The craziness that we enjoy as endurance athletes bond us far beyond explaination. Something about the joy of suffering on purpose that I can't explain.
I might also be struggling a bit more as I have a family history of sudden death due to MI as well as aging up this week, which always makes me consider my family's life if I were to fall prey to an errant driver or MI enjoying 'a hobby'.
I did a treadmill a year ago at Sacramento Heart. Sadly, I ran longer than anyone that the tech had tested in 11 yrs. I say sadly because those of you that know me know I'm not a great runner, which means Sac Heart sees lots of very unfit and sick people. The MD that runs the clinic told me even with a "superior result" like I produced that he could only give me an approximately 80% clean bill of health regarding my heart. To give me 100% I would need to do a CT scan of the heart looking for blockages. I am now considering that as a birthday present to myself although if they find some partial blockages I could end up a basketcase mentally over the thought of '25% occlusions'.
Regarding lipid testing I recommend LLP testing at my office by Spectracell. It's a more comprehensive panel and my understanding it is cutting edge for preventative diagnostic purposes.
Rather than use aspirin: I personally use 6-8 grams/day of Omega-3's as a thinner and anti-inflam.
Thanks for this thread and all the thoughtful comments. EN has some very bright minds that are willing to share, debate and harass. Good times.
I have started this response several times. I want to say something. To be involved in this discussion but I am so jumbled on the topic that my attempts at a post are like my brain disorderly. I guess in a way I look at how much time I spend training and listening to my body. Resting an extra day here, pushing a little bit more there. I then think about how on race day I try not to listen to my body. To push away the “demons” telling me to slow down, to coast a little here to walk a little there. We so often push to the edge of our abilities and then push a little farther. The consequence of this in a race can be a trip to the medical tent.
Does this pushing take a toll on our bodies? I’m suspect it does. Does this impact our life? Again I suspect yes. Though I believe it is not always in a positive way. Yes I think training and being physically fit are good things in general that promote health and long life. However, I often wonder what the effect of pushing our bodies beyond the edge, sometimes for years, in training and during races, does to us. That consistent pressure has to have some negative impact as does pushing through the “demons” on race day to get that PR or Kona slot. Sure there are the nagging overuse injuries that we all deal with but what about overuse issues with internal organs? What is that cost? What is the overall cost that is hidden inside of us? I have no answers but have just been wondering, especially this week and after a rough stretch in my last race 2 Sunday’s ago.
As I close this post I am reminded of a blog I read from a participant getting ready for the Escape from Alcatraz. They had spent months training for this event and were planning on doing well with a podium finish. The night before the race the coach sent the racer a note that said “Remember to enjoy your race. Take time to roll on your back during the swim and see the Golden Gate Bridge from a perspective that few get to.” This has become somewhat of a ritual for my wife on race day as she always reminds me “Don’t forget to roll on your back”. I hope that all of you will find the time during your training and races to “roll on your backs” and enjoy the wonder and beauty that is the world we are in. You never know when it’s your time.
Hoping all in En and the tri community have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
@Dewey- Awesome post! I was reminded of that fact leading up to IMAZ this year. I got a message from my 75 year old mom who doesnt really get what an IM is, that said something to the effect of: don't just go to Arizona to be competitive, remember to enjoy it and have fun.
At both the team dinner and 4 keys, Coach Rich emphasized the same thing: "this is a game..." and even said "have fun." yes to some, having fun is pushing their bodies to the limit and to others it is just being here to partipate on any level. Think of John Stark's "lap of fun" by going into IMAZ with the intention of just finishing in style due to an injury. He spread 140.6 miles of awesome mojo and fun to those around him.
we all need to stop, smell the roses and remind ourselves that this is recreation and that we are all fortunate enough to be here to do so.
I know this topic is largely about the effects of triathlon training on our own selves, but I think it's also worthwhile to consider the effect on people around us. I am blessed to live in a very physically fit town. Eugene, OR, aka "Track Town USA" is home to some of the world's top runners. These are people who truly push themselves to the outer edge of their limits. I can be out jogging and have someone like Marla Runyan blow past me (or when I started running here, it was Alberto Salazar) at an incredible pace. The offshoot though is that the whole town is much more exercise-oriented than many others in our country. We also have a big emphasis on bicycling, with miles of bike lanes and paths and one of the highest bike commute rates in the country. Portland to our north also has a very high cycling rate.
With all of this emphasis on running and cycling, the trickle down is impressive. Because our roads are full of bikes, more kids bike here. Because many people run here, we have awesome running trails (including Pre's trail, created by the legendary Steve Prefontaine) and bike paths that are not just full of joggers but with families and children. Oregon has the lowest childhood obesity rates in the country at under 10%, and it's the only state whose childhood obesity rate has fallen in the last decade. So when we're out there running or out there on our bike, it might feel like we're just doing this for us. But when we're active, our kids are active. Our kids friends are more active, people around us become pulled in, maybe a co-worker or friend does their first 5k or first triathlon. The ripple effect of our activities is, overall, a net positive for many people. I'm not saying that this means we should disregard our own health, but that our lifestyle has many benefits that we may not even notice.
Thanks everyone for your great posts on both sides of the issue. When I started this thread, I really didn't know if I was the only one struggling with all these issues. Great to know that whichever way you look at it, we're all sort of struggling with the same issues and its great we can do it together.
Comments
@Bob We all have to decide what is an "acceptable risk" to each of us and it is very individual but I would caution you not to restrict an activity you love (racing in the summer) on a miniscule chance of a poor outcome. Sounds like a good plan to "sit back and reevaluate things for a while" but I'd like to add there are risks we take every day.
I don't want to offend or argue with you or anyone but I'd suggest that to some people, exercising and racing hard is living! I know when I was sedentary and 35 lbs heavier in 1999 I was a very unhappy individual. Both at work and at home and with life in general. Plus my internist wanted to start me on antihypertensives and my triglycerides were awful. Now I'm lean, mean and love my life. My blood work is exemplary and my BP was an amazing 106/58. The nurse asked if it usually ran that low and was worried!!! My resting HR is 40.
I'm just a physician and not a statistician but I'd take the odds of sudden death in exercise to my crappy labs and physical status in 1999 when I was 33 yo which would only have worsened dramatically in the ensuing 12 yrs.
As for dying doing something we enjoy suddenly while young, that's again a personal call although hypothetical. I am a geritrician and see many, many people in nursing homes w/ all sorts of horrible wasting diseases and dementias slowly deteriorating. If you asked them if they'd have preferred a sudden cardiac event to their current status, who knows what they'd answer. Again, I'm not trying to persuade you to train crazy hard in 100+ degree temps, just demenostrate things are never black and white.
I sincerely hope you find peace and reach a decision which brings you and your family happiness and contentment.
Wishing you and all the EN Haus a happy Thanksgiving and quality family time.
Jeff Brandenburg
Sadly, a lot of people have stories about young, apparently healthy people who have died young from a cardiac problem. In my former life, I was a nurse practitioner in a cardiology practice and part of my job was supervising and interpreting treadmill stress tests. I have many stories about people who are alive today because they had risk factors, and came in to get checked out prior to marathons, etc. despite the absence of symptoms. I would agree with what Richard said in that there is no good screening test for low risk athletes. But if you have a family history and risk factors, don't ignore them. My most memorable treadmill test was performed on a friend's husband. Super fit guy, 40, marathoner, wanted to summit Mt. Everest but his dad had a MI at 40 something, so he decided to get a stress test first. He had absolutely no symptoms or chest pain, but it was a markedly positive test. His cardiac cath showed significant three vessel disease, and he went home with a couple stents.
Bob's point is valid. We all love living more than racing. There may not have been anything Chris could have done differently, but if there is something you know you could do to reduce your risk, then be sure to do it.
We all have to live life doing what makes us happy while taking reasonable actions to mitigate the biggest risks. I admire Chris so much because he did just that while setting a HUGE example of service, husband and father to all others. You can't live your life in a bubble and you can't avoid all risk.........so what is the balance? That is what we are all struggling with right now. Living in fear/worry everyday is not living at all.
Living wrecklessy is also not acceptable nor does it respect those around you which depend on you in so many ways. I have a wife, one daughter, and 3 boys. I am 44.
I take the precautions one can take, worry about what I can control and try to live each day to the fullest. I have had he full heart exam under stress test, with the ink, reviewed by a cardiologist just before my first IM at age 41 and passed with a very strong report. That did not guarantee anything but it was one thing I could do to be smart about how I go forward.
Triathlon, the strategy, the work, this team and the benefits makes me happy. My family makes me happy. Helping others find ways to overcome their obstacles and make it to the other side better makes me happy. I do not forsee a change in that path for me as a result of fearing what could happen............
Everyone of us will make those choices for ourselves. One important question from this tragedy is, How will each us take this event, step up and make sure this team comes away stronger and better than before?.........That is what Chris would expect of us.
SS
@Linda I noticed no one has answered your question regarding tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy. This typically happens when someone's heart rate has been inappropriately high for weeks to months - not 2x12' @ 90-95%, but a heart rate of 130-150 without any break for weeks. I've never seen it in any athlete, or in any fit athletic person for that matter (I was in the Army for 7 years, so had a chance to see alot of cardiac-healthy people). Tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy typically occurs in people with atrial fibrillation who really don't feel the high heart rate and irregular rhythm, so go for a long time without being identified. If the duration of the high heart rate has been short, the heart function usually gets back to normal when we slow the heart rate and return the person to a normal rhythm.
I share everyone's concerns. Our risk is low low low because of what we do, and I agree with Jeff B that our choice of this lifestyle is the best way to reduce risk. We are also the first generation where there is a large group of endurance athletes, of varying backround risk, who stay in endurance sports for decades. Hopefully we'll be able to refine risk further based on our collective experience.
This event and this topic is causing a lot of discussion in our household as well. My hubby does triathlons occasionally, but thinks I'm nuts for taking on the Ironman again.
I did a lot of soul-searching after my first IM in which I drove my body too long and hard in a dehydrated state and ended up passing out cold in front of my kids shortly after the finish line. The last thing I heard was my husband yelling "Medic!" as my eyes rolled up in my head and my 7-year-old daughter asking "Is mommy dying?". At the time, I honestly couldn't have told you the answer to that question, but fortunately it was just low blood pressure and dehydration and I came back around a half an hour later in the med tent.
Still, the scare is there for people who are extremely driven - we are capable of driving ourselves long past the point when we should've been shutting down. The brain is amazing at holding together that long/faster/harder pace just until we hit that finish line. That's a scary thought, and something that goes through my mind a lot as I prepare for IM #2 - how can I make myself more aware of the feedback my body is sending me, and more importantly how can I not push through it? Also, how can I prepare and race smarter so I don't get in a situation where my body is depleted of something vital.
On the other hand, I know how much joy my sport brings into my life. Most of the other women my age that I know are already on some form of drug therapy - for cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and most commonly for depression. I do believe that this sport that I love so much has kept all of that at bay and improved the quality of life to the point where most moments of the day are filled with the joy of living and of having the energy to do absolutely anything I can put my mind to. That is a priceless gift, and not one I'm sure any of us would give up lightly.
So in the end, it comes down to risk and managing it. One of the reasons I'm here is to learn to train smarter, race smarter, execute better. Although the OS is challenging, I can already feel that it's less wearing on my body than the multitude of hours I was throwing at it before. I feel healthier and more well rested in my training already. So EN and everything I'm learning from you folks is a blessing. Just in watching the 4-keys talk and thinking about it constantly, I already know I will be racing smarter the next time around. I think all of that helps to reduce (although of course not eliminate) the risk.
I am new here and didn't know Chris, but clearly he was an amazing person. I have lost friends before in sports that I love. It's always a moment that gives us pause to reflect on what we're doing and re-assess the risks we might be taking. And also to reflect on what the sport brings to us and its gifts in our lives. I appreciate the thoughtful discussion and information here.
I have to say that this tradegy has been eye opening for me and my family. My wife, who has a Phd in research sciences and now works in regulatory affairs, has always had concerns about my "lifestyle". What scared me the most was just how similar I am to Chris. I never knew him, and looking back now, it's almost amazing that I didn't. I did IMLP in 2008, he finished exactly 2 minutes in front of me! So we probably saw each other at multiple times on the course. I am ~2 years younger than him, with two kids that are about the same ages. It was ever wierder that my best open marathon was at Philly. My 1/2 split was exactly were Chris was (1:31). Same for 30K. I did a 3:02 that year and remember how hard I pushed that last 1/4 mile.
Fortunetly, I have no family history of cardiac events similar to this. My grandmother did die of a heart attack, but she was older and had a horrible diet (as almost everyone else in my family does). Still, I do take some meds that could raise my blood preassure and I am going to get myself checked out for sure.
I think I do need to learn more about the risks with some of the medications I do take.
Dave
Wow, what a great thread. I'm glad I just spent the past 25 minutes reading thru it and thinking about all the points raised, medical, spiritual, personal. Thanks to Kevin for starting this and producing such a cogent summary of his lit review; and to all those who shared inner fears and doubts and goals. Really got me pondering things, as well as clarified a few medical issues.
@ Patrick, I think you were really asking about sharing the two main themes here: what are the actual medical risks, especially cardiac, inherent for healthy people engaged in training and racing at the Ironman distance; and how do people of various ages, backgrounds, and life situations deal with those risks. Although triggered by Chris' death, this is not about our reaction to that event, but rather our conversation about a more general issue. In that context, our little world of triathlon could benefit from what we've collectively said here - it would be the equal of any article I've read in the past month in Lava, Inside Triathlon, Triathlete, or 3Go.
On the topic, I'm glad folks like Bob brought up whether or not one should race and train in challenging conditions, when so little seems at stake. Seems to me, the options are not limited to "dying with his boots on" vs going quietly at home in bed or your easy chair. Given the choice, I would much rather go out on skis, a bike, in the ocean, or in my Newton's than in a hospital bed surrounded by hissing and beeping machines, flashing lights, and noisy staff. And the whole range of other gruesome possibilities - bone mets, car crash, brrrr.
I could no more stop skiing or racing Ironman than I could stop loving my children. It's such an ingrained part of who I am to go fast down a groomed slope, bump along straight down the moguls, slalom through the aspen trees, or float along in knee-deep powder down impossibily steep chutes. Likewise, swimming in a lake, through the surf, or gazing at the turtles while I churn across A Bay on the Big Island. Snaking through the big firs down a Cascade slope on my mountain bike; back flat with a tail wind on my TT bike down beside the Fryingpan River; or running with power and grace, heart pounding with joy, through the finishing chute of an Ironman.
I'm 62, and have had a great life (so far!), so maybe it's easier for me to say this, but if I can't die, like my mother @ 89, surrounded by kids and grandchidren, cogent to the end, then my second choice would be skiing, swimming, biking, or running.
Great Stuff everyone!
@Al I think you are right on
@P I'm fine w/ either option of sharing w/ more people or keeping it lower key but does seem like a good idea to get this general info into the hands of more people. As many as possible really. If some people are concerned about privacy, perhaps redacting names and keeping it general would satisfy their concerns.
My reflection on this thread is that for me, I've come away with an even clearer understanding of why I race triathlons, do IM's, etc. I asked myself, "if I knew for certain that someday, somewhere in the near/distant future, I would suffer a similar fate, would I stop?" The answer was no. These things contribute too much to the quality of the life I lead each day. For me, quantity takes a distant second to quality. I don't train for the health benefits, although I recognize them. I'm content to minimize the risks as best as I can and to enjoy the moments that I have. This includes making sure that my affairs are in order and that my family will be taken care of should the unthinkable happen (I am 42 and have 3 young girls and a wonderful wife). But I know that for me, not only is my life enriched by these experiences but so too are the lives of my family because of the energy and enthusiasm I share with them every day (as a direct result of my training and racing). I recognize that my answers won't apply to everyone. I do appreciate everyone who has shared their perspective so that I may achieve my own. Thanks!
When I first started doing triathlons a little more than a year ago, I would always get myself injured from running. Namely, going too fast and too far too soon, and paying for that by being out of business for a month or more at a time. I never really considered the damage I was doing to my body at the time, and only had myopic thoughts like "oh this sucks, now I have to wait another month to have fun again". I guess now that I'm marginally more experienced, I have a better perspective of how to take better care of myself. Nowadays, I'm always thankful for the fact that I'm able to run pain and injury-free, even if I'm having a tough day.
That being said, these recent events have given me more of a reason to keep myself healthy. I still have plenty of time ahead of me and intend to live life to the fullest, but I have no intention of going out with a bang any time soon.
Now here's a question for all of you. What would be your advice with regards to developing in this sport for younger folk like me? I'm still inexperienced in a lot of things and have lots to learn about triathlon and life, but I'd like to continue pursuing this sport with a passion without burning myself out as a result of recklessness and overambition. Most of you are well wiser, and hearing all your thoughts is really eye-opening.
I don't love racing in the summer. It's quite miserable actually so I'm fine letting that go. The three summer races I was signed up for had high temps during the day of 104, 109 (tied the highest recorded temp in Houston history) and 97. Houston is as humid as a jungle in addition to the heat. That list doesn't include the 91 degree day in May for IMTX. I'm just not willing to put up with that any longer. My decision was only reinforced by the unfortunate situation this past weekend, ie. minimizing risk.
I'm not quitting the tri game or anything like that. I just plan on reeling in the intensity a bit and enjoy it more - if that makes sense.
I don't think any of us want to go out completely infirmed, incapable and tied to a ton of machines. I'd rather go out doing something I love as well... when I'm old and have lived a full life. I don't want to go out in any way when I'm 41, least of all in the pursuit of a hobby.
@Bob Understood. I don't love the hot and humid temps in SC in the summer either. I agree you have it bad in TX. I lived in New Orleans 4 years and it is a sauna! Now, I go to Boone, NC where high temps are closer to 80 in the summer to train rather than 95 degree temps in SC.
Bob,
I'm with you. I'd like to go in my sleep after Sunday dinner and a walk with my future grandchildren and my family. If that means living a time a bit infirm for a time, but into old age, so be it.
I've been in that abyss of denial and risking my freakin' heart health for training and racing. It is a stupid and an incredibly messed-up, immature thing to do. I was dishonest and very much betrayed my essential character and, more importantly, I betrayed those who trust and love ME. I am not proud of my actions last year, but am lucky enough to live to tell about them. It was fool's gold I was after.
I have much enjoyed all the wisdom here.
There is, however, a tendency to fixate on how one would hope to die. Death is inevitable. Life is inevitably too short no matter at what age it ends.
I suggest that the focus of EN should be...as it is...a focus on how to LIVE.
Thanks to all here who have helped me to live that much fuller a life.
I'm 55, have few regrets.
I'll bet Chris G had even less.
We truly have the "Best Team Ever", I always thought it, and now I know it!!!
What we do for a "hobby" has risk, although we mainly focus on the external risks like bike vs car.
Our loss as a team cuts so much deeper because we are a family here inside EN, and losing family hurts, plain and simple.
The loss of Chris has been not only a punch to the gut for many of us, it has been a "look in the mirror" moment, and that is never easy.
There are very few days in our lives that we wake up and are mad at the sun for rising, because how could it rise on a new day when so much had been lost the morning before...that was Monday for many people in the greater triathlon comunity, and for the core of this team. I think many great ideas have been shared in this thread about where we go from here and how we honor Chris going forward.
That is where we should go from here...Forward.
I have packed a lot of things in my short 36 years here on earth, and I hope I can keep it going for at least another 36, but when the good lord calls me up, I plan on being late, sliding through the pearly gates screaming "that was one hell of a ride, can I do it again?" and then I will write my "life report" and title it "Best Life Ever!!!"
Like others, I appreciate the thoughtful discussion here. That said, I most definitely fall into the Bob/Nate camp. I'm 38. My sons are 4.5 and 2. That seems to be a bit a theme among those of us in that camp.
One year ago last weekend, while trying deperately to set a 13.1 PR in unseasonably warm and windy conditions, I collapsed about 8 blocks from the finish. Totally blacked out. Vomitting. Someone called 911 and an ambulance picked me up and rushed me to the nearest ER. First thing I remember post-blackout was being wheeled into the ER. There was a stranger with me who had ridden in the back of the bus with me and helped me get checked in. I never got his name or saw him after that. I think he was a wonderful good samaritan; my mother, who is extremely religious, genuinely believes it was a guardian angel. No RoadID, no emergency contact info on the back of my number. Wife, kids and father in law are waiting at the finish and have no idea where I am. I can't remember my wife's cell phone number or even my SSN for quite a while after coming to, so no one knows how to get a hold of them. Literally the first thoughts when I figured out where I was were 1) am i going to die?, 2) how much life insurance do I have and 3) why didn't I sign my stupid estate planning documents. The good news: it was only heat exhaustion/dehydraftion. I've had two physicals including treadmill tests since and have checked out fine. But it scared the everloving shit out of me.
Like Bob, I'm not getting out of the game, because it keeps me healthy and sane. But I definitely spend more time thinking about how to be smarter about stuff like this. And remembering that, for me, it is most certainly just a game.
In the spirit of the holiday tomorrow, I'm thankful for my health, my family and for this wonderful community of people that I have the opportunity to learn from.
Hug everyone and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
@Anson, the younger person's death was shocking too. I have to wonder if he had some underlying undiagnosed condition that he was unaware of. As a mom with a son who is not too much younger, I really feel for that young mans' parents.
As for your question, I started triathlon in 1986 at the age of 20, so I was right where you are at today, except it was 25 years ago and I have never stopped loving it!. I'm not sure I could condense everything I've learned into anything short of a novel, but here's a few things:
1) Learn from your mistakes: Luckily, you're here at EN where you also get to learn from everyone else's mistakes and successes too. That's a huge advantage. Triathlon was so small when I started that I had to make every single mistake myself. Each time though is a learning process and hopefully you just keep coming back stronger and stronger with every new thing you learn. Every race is a learning experience unto itself since every course and every day is different, that's one of the things that makes the sport intriguing enough to do for a few decades.
2) Take the sport seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously. Train hard and race harder but also know that not everything is in your control and that getting angry with yourself or others in a race where you really gain nothing but self-respect by doing well (unless you're a pro) doesn't make sense. My most favorite race in the world, a race that was on its 30th year, was shut down by an angry age-grouper who unloaded on a bystander for making them a few seconds slower. Was their potential podium spot in a local race worth it? No way. Keeping perspective in the heat of a race might be hard, but it makes it all worthwhile, whether that particular race is a good one or a tough one for you.
3) Use Coach Joy. She's my sidekick who reminds me every day to not take for granted all of the wonderful things my body can do. Yes, even in the middle of intervals that totally suck, I can be grateful.
4) Cheer on other competitors and thank the course volunteers and marshalls. I make it a point in every race to find at least one newbie in the transition area before the race and give them some encouragement and also to cheer other people on during the race and holler out thanks to course volunteers and officers who are keeping the intersections safe. I also try to go up to the marshalls after the race and thank them because they have a very thankless job yet they keep us all much safer and keep the races more fair by ensuring that the rules are followed.
5) Keeping asking questions, keep learning, and I hope you have as many great years in the sport as I have!
1. If you feel like you want to get your heart checked out, do it. But don't forget that heart disease is not something that happens due to a single cause. It is typically a combination of different risk factors that interact with your individual genetic makeup to create and build atherosclerotic placques in your body's arteries. These things take years to build to significant levels which is why older people have more heart disease, but why youth does not make you immune. Because it is so uncommon in people under 40 (without family history of heart attacks in 40ish family members), don't be surprised if you get a history, physical, EKG, and a clean bill of health. For people over 40 with few, if any, risk factors, your check up may not be much different. Of course, if you have any symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, progressive fatigue, etc., your risk is higher and your workup will likely be more extensive. But if you are having symptoms, you are stupid if you are ironman training without medical clearance. Let's not forget that none of us were inside his mind or body. None of us knows if he was having symptoms (and ignoring them), if he had other risk factors, or what his family history was. Also, more importantly, assuming he was never evaluated for heart disease, chances are that if he truly had few, or no, risk factors, he would have received a routine workup that probably would have been negative. So would him walking into his doctor's office 3 months ago saved his life? No one will ever know, but it probably wouldn't have. Then we would all be sitting here having the conversation about what the point of having heart check-ups was if they didn't prevent sudden cardiac death.
2. Being physically fit, whatever that means to you, is always healthier for your heart than a sedentary lifestyle.
3. It makes no sense whatsoever that it's OK for your heart to race for 10-16 hours, but not OK to sprint the last 200 yards to the finish.
4. While it may often be true that many people die near the end of different types of races, my understanding is that the majority of people who die in triathlon do so during the swim......of heart-related causes.
5. Everyone needs to assess their own perceived risk of participating in triathlon and weigh their own personal consequences in determining if they want to participate. I certainly do respect the person that quits to eliminate the risk of leaving behind a spouse and kids for what they consider a hobby. But don't forget that this is extremely rare. Trying to explain statistics to Chris' wife will mean nothing because as far as they are concerned it was 100% in him. But the statistics are real. Whether it's 1 in 50,000 or 1 in 200,000, it's still extremely rare. And while I don't know her, I would bet that she would encourage people to get checked, to be careful, but not to stop racing because of Chris. I never knew the guy, but reading all the stuff from people who did, I would doubt that he would discourage anyone from doing it either.
To say the least, I've been heart broken all week. It's not that Chris and I were buddies but that he was a great contributor and competitor in the EN family and like most of us, tri's weren't his day job. The craziness that we enjoy as endurance athletes bond us far beyond explaination. Something about the joy of suffering on purpose that I can't explain.
I might also be struggling a bit more as I have a family history of sudden death due to MI as well as aging up this week, which always makes me consider my family's life if I were to fall prey to an errant driver or MI enjoying 'a hobby'.
I did a treadmill a year ago at Sacramento Heart. Sadly, I ran longer than anyone that the tech had tested in 11 yrs. I say sadly because those of you that know me know I'm not a great runner, which means Sac Heart sees lots of very unfit and sick people. The MD that runs the clinic told me even with a "superior result" like I produced that he could only give me an approximately 80% clean bill of health regarding my heart. To give me 100% I would need to do a CT scan of the heart looking for blockages. I am now considering that as a birthday present to myself although if they find some partial blockages I could end up a basketcase mentally over the thought of '25% occlusions'.
Regarding lipid testing I recommend LLP testing at my office by Spectracell. It's a more comprehensive panel and my understanding it is cutting edge for preventative diagnostic purposes.
Rather than use aspirin: I personally use 6-8 grams/day of Omega-3's as a thinner and anti-inflam.
Thanks for this thread and all the thoughtful comments. EN has some very bright minds that are willing to share, debate and harass. Good times.
Vince
Does this pushing take a toll on our bodies? I’m suspect it does. Does this impact our life? Again I suspect yes. Though I believe it is not always in a positive way. Yes I think training and being physically fit are good things in general that promote health and long life. However, I often wonder what the effect of pushing our bodies beyond the edge, sometimes for years, in training and during races, does to us. That consistent pressure has to have some negative impact as does pushing through the “demons” on race day to get that PR or Kona slot. Sure there are the nagging overuse injuries that we all deal with but what about overuse issues with internal organs? What is that cost? What is the overall cost that is hidden inside of us? I have no answers but have just been wondering, especially this week and after a rough stretch in my last race 2 Sunday’s ago.
As I close this post I am reminded of a blog I read from a participant getting ready for the Escape from Alcatraz. They had spent months training for this event and were planning on doing well with a podium finish. The night before the race the coach sent the racer a note that said “Remember to enjoy your race. Take time to roll on your back during the swim and see the Golden Gate Bridge from a perspective that few get to.” This has become somewhat of a ritual for my wife on race day as she always reminds me “Don’t forget to roll on your back”. I hope that all of you will find the time during your training and races to “roll on your backs” and enjoy the wonder and beauty that is the world we are in. You never know when it’s your time.
Hoping all in En and the tri community have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
@Dewey- Awesome post! I was reminded of that fact leading up to IMAZ this year. I got a message from my 75 year old mom who doesnt really get what an IM is, that said something to the effect of: don't just go to Arizona to be competitive, remember to enjoy it and have fun.
At both the team dinner and 4 keys, Coach Rich emphasized the same thing: "this is a game..." and even said "have fun." yes to some, having fun is pushing their bodies to the limit and to others it is just being here to partipate on any level. Think of John Stark's "lap of fun" by going into IMAZ with the intention of just finishing in style due to an injury. He spread 140.6 miles of awesome mojo and fun to those around him.
we all need to stop, smell the roses and remind ourselves that this is recreation and that we are all fortunate enough to be here to do so.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I know this topic is largely about the effects of triathlon training on our own selves, but I think it's also worthwhile to consider the effect on people around us. I am blessed to live in a very physically fit town. Eugene, OR, aka "Track Town USA" is home to some of the world's top runners. These are people who truly push themselves to the outer edge of their limits. I can be out jogging and have someone like Marla Runyan blow past me (or when I started running here, it was Alberto Salazar) at an incredible pace. The offshoot though is that the whole town is much more exercise-oriented than many others in our country. We also have a big emphasis on bicycling, with miles of bike lanes and paths and one of the highest bike commute rates in the country. Portland to our north also has a very high cycling rate.
With all of this emphasis on running and cycling, the trickle down is impressive. Because our roads are full of bikes, more kids bike here. Because many people run here, we have awesome running trails (including Pre's trail, created by the legendary Steve Prefontaine) and bike paths that are not just full of joggers but with families and children. Oregon has the lowest childhood obesity rates in the country at under 10%, and it's the only state whose childhood obesity rate has fallen in the last decade. So when we're out there running or out there on our bike, it might feel like we're just doing this for us. But when we're active, our kids are active. Our kids friends are more active, people around us become pulled in, maybe a co-worker or friend does their first 5k or first triathlon. The ripple effect of our activities is, overall, a net positive for many people. I'm not saying that this means we should disregard our own health, but that our lifestyle has many benefits that we may not even notice.