Advice Needed Regarding Ironman After Accident
July 21st I was involved in a bike vs car accident in which I suffered a fractured left clavicle, fractured right thumb, severe road rash and my bike was destroyed. I find out Monday 8/6 if surgery on my thumb is needed, the clavicle was not displaced so surgery is not needed. The healing process for the collarbone is 4-6 weeks. The thumb (if surgery is not needed) is a little longer. If I am able to sit on a bike for 6-7 hours and do a 2.4 mile swim I am planning on making it to Ironman Canada 8/26, 5 weeks after the accident. The collarbone will likely effect swim due to limited strength in the shoulder and the bike because of having to support my weight for 6-7 hours, but if it's possible I want to compete. I haven't done ANYTHING since the accident training wise and probably won't for 2 more weeks, that will leave 1 week before the race to test the collarbone and see if I can sit on the bike long enough. Going into the week of my accident, my bike was at an all time high (FTP 310) my run had returned to normal (Vdot 51) and my swim was in the range of 1:10 for the distance. I will have to do the bike on my road bike because of the damage to the tribike, my LBS said that we can adjust the road bike to make it more "tri" like. But it won't be a tribike. Do you have any advice on how to execute this race, what to do in the last few weeks before the race (stationary recumbant bike, walking, one arm swim). My goal time pre-accident was 11:00:00, now I know it will take me more than 15:00:00 and I am OK with this. I know this is all a game and my life won't be diminished if I can't do it, but I WANT to do it. I won't do it if the doc says I shouldn't but right now he is saying wait and see. I have ordered a full shoulder "Spider Tape" kit for my left shoulder to help support it.
Comments
Steve, knowing you I shouldn't bother trying to tell you not to do the race. I will say I have often thought about what my "falling off a log" Ironman would be like, meaning what racing be like - going in with just some basic training and innate fitness with no special training efforts.
I found out last year in CDA, going 16 minutes slower on my swim, 40 minutes slower on the bike, and walking for eight of the last 15 miles at the end. The worst part of it was the emotional devastation - I simply could not handle the thought that I was going that slow.
You have nothing to prove. Having gone through what I have the past two years, I wish someone had whapped me up side the head while I was in the hospital and said, "Let it heal, idiot!"
OTOH, if you go up there and can swim for an hour in the lake pre-race with no problem and are willing to put up with the aerobars/cow horns for six, then you should be able to finish. Just be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.
Steve - So sorry to hear about your crash. I wasn't aware of it.
I know you had been working hard to recover from your leg injury from the spring marathon. This must really be a big emotional blow.
I'm not going to tell you want you should or shouldn't do, but I think our friend Al has some very relevant perspective. I know you like to "race" and your post clearly indicates your exceptation isn't to "race" but to finish. My only question for you is "will particiating in IMC hurt or help my chances for a successful 2013 race season?"
Whatever you decide to do, I am wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.
On training, I found it pretty easy to ride on the trainer and that's what I'd do in your case. For your shoulder - if you are not in PT now, I'd get there to see what kind of rang of motion you have in that arm and if the swim is going to be possible over a long distance.
Would have to agree with my brother and ask if doing the race will hurt your chances for a recovery for next season - don't blow next year by trying to do a race when you are injured. I can appreciate your wanting to do it - really sucks to have to stand down and watch races that you've signed up for, so just make sure of your decision before you start - and keep in mind that after what's happened, no shame in DNF if it gets to rough....
Hey Steve! I don't have any great advice for you but I would like you to know I've been thinking about you lots. What a "character building" year you've had! Anyway, I know you'll make a good decision with input from the WSMs. Worst case you are welcome to join my hubby on the boat as a swim course marshall for a different perspective on the swim and get registered for 2013!
@Roy and Penny- My wife read your comments and she said "if it were me you would say if you CAN race then race..." It's true, thats exactly what I would say.
@Al- I love rollar coasters (emotional or not)!
Steve - Good news... I agree with Paul. A long, safe training day on swim & bike, then you let 'er rip the last 10k of the run. Good luck and have fun.
All right, then, Steve - No Quarter. I fully intend to lord it over you when I finally finish ahead of you for once!
Good luck and be safe, any issue DROP and continue to fight for another day.
Because you ran it by the team for input I see you are going to execute this one super smart, to the best of your abilities given the constraints.. Just wanted to wish you best of luck!! You will have a fantastic story to tell your grandson some day!!
On the swim, could it be worth it to rent a sleeveless wetsuit? Due to my shoulder issues, that's what I've been doing.....realize it may be too late, and you probably already thought of it, but figured I'd put it out there.....
---Ann.
Congrats on grandson!
Best wishes on the race. After my crash on bike I did the last 9+ hours w/ 3 seperated ribs but got it done. I know you can too! Just one thought, cross the line!