"Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore"

Oct 2, 06 19:57

Post #1 of 63 (7775 views)

I went to my Orthopod last week for a lingering shoulder injury and while he was walking out the door to get something(cortisone shot) he said "doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore". Then he was gone for a bit and I chewed on that comment(he has always seemed very interested in my racing, training, travel etc.

He "IS" an accomplished "Masters Sprint Specialist" so his workouts don't involve any relativity to what I do, but it really pissed me off that he'd make that statement and not back it up with some kind of reasoning. I should have asked!

I didn't ask him what the hell he meant because he had a needle the size of Montana in my right shoulder bursa sac SO... my conclusions so far...and I will ask him the next time I see him...
1)He can't run more than 200 yards without puking so Ironmen suck.
2)He's made alot of money off of endurance athletes and doesn't need my business anymore.
3)Everyone is an Ironman and NOBODY is a "Masters Sprint Specialist" so it's not a big deal to him.
4) He's impotent, bald, overworked, and I'm not, so Ironmen suck.
I truly believe AND always will believe that finishing an Ironman(or any triathlon) is a life changing accomplishment. Obviously, not everyone thinks so, and I am okay with that, but it was really surprising to hear that kind of comment from another athlete.

Thoughts on my rebuttal?

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:01

Post #2 of 63 (7758 views)

He's that one person in a group of 100 that will never get it, will never care, and whose opinion you don't value highly anyway. Move on.

Last edited by: jameshinton: Oct 2, 06 20:02

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:06

Post #3 of 63 (7722 views)

'being a doctor doesn't mean that much anymore.'

'doing your wife doesn't mean that much anymore.'

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:10

Post #4 of 63 (7710 views)

Thoughts on my rebuttal?

Yeah.... no reply, & no return appointment. I'd get a new doc- FAST.

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:11

Post #5 of 63 (7706 views)

Unless he is able to explain/clarify his comment:

I will tell you this, I would NEVER return to that ortho. NOT b/c he "insulted" the Ironman, but, b/c he has demonstrated an incredible lack of judgment, an inconsiderate attitude, and is obviously not a supportive doc.

I will never understand a "professional" in the "customer service" business -- yes, a doc is in customer service, you provide a service to your patient -- alienating his/her customers.

This guy obviously does not know you well enough. If he did, he would not have made that comment. He obviously does not understand or respect the effort you put in to complete this race. Why would you want this guy working on you?

My ortho constantly asks about my training and has "demanded" I give him a picture from IMMoo to add to his wall (currently containing 2 athletes) of IM athletes. He takes pride in making sure athletes -- at all levels -- are able to compete. Your guys sounds like an ass...

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers

Emery's Third Coast Triathlon | Tri Wisconsin Triathlon Team | Push Endurance | GLWR

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [JSA] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:16

Post #6 of 63 (7676 views)

Well stated JSA -

I make it my personal mission to find out something about each of my patients (well, the ones I think I may/will be seeing often), make a note in the computer, and I'm sure to ask them about it. This serves multiple purposes: #1 - calms the patient and they think I am truly interested in their well being (which of course I am), #2 - you learn a lot about the person and that can often change your treatment plan a little as well #3 - They usually return questions about me and get to know me. Nothing better than meeting patients out in the community and NOT having the awkward moment meeting your doc or teacher or whatever. Instead, I can ask about their woodworking classes or whatever.

____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:20

Post #7 of 63 (7657 views)

1. It still means a lot to those that do it ... and let's face it, many folks are still impressed with an ironman feat ... not that it should be why anyone does.

2. The "impossible" aspect of an Ironman has been shattered ... but that happens with anything that gains popularity.

Running a marathon doesn't mean what it once did, in terms of rarity ... but it's still a big event to most people.

I STILL don't get the hangup with ironman participants regarding what *others* think about the achievement. Does it matter? Does it make it less worth it? Wouldn't it feel stupid if everyone you met congratulated you for finishing an IM race as if you just cured cancer?

The sport/event grew ... barriers came crumbling down. It happens. No biggie.

Heck, to be honest, the proper year of training (relative) up to the event is IMO much more impressive than suffering the 11-17 hour day of the event.

=======================
-- Every morning brings opportunity;
Each evening offers judgement. --

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:25

Post #8 of 63 (7644 views)

Ditch your doctor. I would. I specifically chose a doc based on his experience with triathletes. As it turns out, he's one himself and done Kona multiple times.

Triathlon (and especially Ironman) is not that common a pursuit for the average American. You should work with a ortho that not only has a lot experience with the physical ailments common to triathletes/runners/cyclists/swimmers, but also one who understands the mindset.

__________________
JP

my twitter feed

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [rroof] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:30

Post #9 of 63 (7632 views)

that's it. i'm going to OH to get my foot and ankles looked at next time i need it!!!

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 20:42

Post #10 of 63 (7602 views)

Ask him if he graduated last in his class...and if so why he is not a Coroner. Then ask him how many times it took him to pass his boards...oh....and why is this guy your doctor?

----------------------------------------------------------

What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

Post deleted by Administrator [ In reply to ]

Martin C

Oct 2, 06 21:02

Post #11 of 63 (7560 views)

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [Martin C] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 21:07

Post #12 of 63 (7547 views)

Quote: "the opinion still exists, so therefore, it is real."

______________________________

What part is real -- 1) people have the perception that doing an Ironman does not mean that much or 2) doing an Ironman really does not mean that much anymore?

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers

Emery's Third Coast Triathlon | Tri Wisconsin Triathlon Team | Push Endurance | GLWR

Last edited by: JSA: Oct 2, 06 21:09

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 22:02

Post #13 of 63 (7479 views)

That comment - absent of emotion and context - has all kinds of possible meanings. It's quite likely that a discussion would find you both in agreement rather than at odds. You should ask him to explain rather than walk out over 8 words that left you confused. Who knows what he meant - surely no one here does. I can think of many ways that I would agree wth his statement.

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 2, 06 22:39

Post #14 of 63 (7441 views)

why do you think doing any triathlon from sprint to IM is a lifechanging experience?

Is it more or less of a life changing experience, in your opinion, than doing any other sport or leisure activity?

I have a friend who is mad for touch rugby - he started playing about five years ago, he trains for it in the off season, plays about 5 games a week in season, and is absolutely nuts for it. Isn't it all the same sort of thing, really?

i suppose what I am saying is that doing an IM, or any kind of race, never did mean much, did it? It's just a bunch of people running round in circles in stupid clothing. Now, I am more than happy to count myself one of them, but I do so I believe with a healthy dose of perspective.

Ka Kite.

kiwipat

per ardua ad astra

Last edited by: kiwipat: Oct 3, 06 1:11

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 3:33

Post #15 of 63 (7336 views)

does it mean that much anymore? Kona means a lot, the others don't, do they?

_________
kangaroo -- please do not read or respond to any of my posts

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 4:07

Post #16 of 63 (7286 views)

Well, has Ironman "jumped the shark"?

The fact that the Ironman Brand has gone mainstream and now appeals to the masses could also be interepreted to mean that it isn't as special an event as it used to be. Also, as more people complete Irondistance races the uniqueness of such an accomplishment diminishes.

For example, take a look at summitting Everest. For years it was the biggest and best challenge out there, but nowadays (while it is far from easy or common) reaching that peak is not as 'special' as it was once considered.

An interesting gauge would other races of physical endurance. As they too have grown, Ironman distance begins to shrink in comparison.

I think that this issue drives a lot of people crazy because the more hardcore among us identify a lot of their self-image with the fact that they are IRONMEN and that when that is diminished they feel diminished (but excuse me while I play analyst)....

my two cents,

Brian

-------------------------------------------------
http://www.teamorganicnyc.com
Sponsored by: TBA

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 4:16

Post #17 of 63 (7273 views)

FIDO

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [eganski] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 4:40

Post #18 of 63 (7241 views)

Amen.

Can't speak for all docs, but when I left medicine almost twenty years ago, all of my colleagues and partners (except my running buddies, curiously enuf!) thought I was crazy. Now they all (a) envy me, (b) resent me for escaping, or (c) send me resumes to see if I can find them a job.

And I now train more, compete more, and have more fun than all of them. So your doc is probably frustrated with his life, feels trapped by whatever financial success he's enjoyed, and needs to remind himself that he's superior.

Don't rebut - let it go. You're the one who's accomplishing cool things.

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 4:51

Post #19 of 63 (7199 views)

swimfan is an orthopod?

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 4:56

Post #20 of 63 (7189 views)

I truly believe AND always will believe that finishing an Ironman(or any triathlon) is a life changing accomplishment.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is it, why? I can't honestly say that any of the IMs I have completed have changes my life, although my one IM dnf in South Africa has been the closest to that and not in a positive way.

Unless one has serious self-esteem problems or has overcome serious health issues, I can't see it having an effect of that magnitude. It has changed things that I do in my life but not in "a life changing accomplishment" way.

"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 4:59

Post #21 of 63 (7183 views)

Maybe he just meant doing an Ironman in XX:XXhrs doesn't justify further aggravating a bum shoulder.

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 5:12

Post #22 of 63 (7156 views)

i wouldn't over think it. going 140+ in one day is hard as hell, there is no way around it. it's so difficult that anything can happen.

so, maybe it doesn't mean that much to HIM, because he's never done one.

or, maybe he's just a hater. the world is full of them, and comments like this are a hater's style. ignore it.

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 5:16

Post #23 of 63 (7143 views)

The hell it doesn't. I am a brand new ironman and there were moments during the run that I didn't think I could get the legs to hold out. This is a cruel distance that shows you all of your weaknesses. I'm amazed that people do it more than once. I'm going to take a season and become a more mature runner, as this was a serious weakness. Then I'm back to see what I can do.

People don't think as much of a finish anymore because it has gone from impossible to very difficult. I have heard other short distance triathletes say that anyone can do it if they have the time to train. If it were only that simple. I'm proud of the training that I did and have a much greater respect for the distance having actually done it. It kicked my ass. I'm hooked.

P.S.- I'm a Doctor. That guy is a sh!thead.

Sweat dries, blood clots, bones heal.

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [JulianInEngland] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 5:42

Post #24 of 63 (7095 views)

In my younger days I was a triathlete and an aspiring Ironman. I went back to graduate school and at the same time qualified for Kona(when it was alot easier). Due to work constraints I wasn't able to go that year. I did not do another race, at all, for 15 years~ I got married, started a family and got fat...alot of us can associate with this. My twin brother had a heart scare when we were 39 and it got me moving towards a healthier lifestyle(my cholesteral level was 311!)

In 2000, I asked my friend Janet what it would take to get to Kona nowadays. I've changed my athletic life around and done 10 marathons, 6 Ironmans and helped others in my community become Ironman finishers.

My close friends have altered there exercise lifestyle and share with me that they are proud of what I am doing.

Yes it has been a life altering experience. My wife, the other day, said "it's become one of the best parts of who you are..."

Re: "Doing an Ironman doesn't mean that much anymore" [THENICETWIN] [ In reply to ]

Oct 3, 06 6:21

Post #25 of 63 (6754 views)

My reply would have been, "It means a lot to me". If that didn't get an apology from him I'd find a new Doctor.

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