Frank - thanks for the interest. I am indeed planning on ‘participating’ in Hawaii this year. It is a bit presumptuous to say that I will be ‘racing’ and including my name in the list of favorites is certainly a stretch.
So far, all the post-operative test results have been very encouraging. I returned to training within weeks of surgery but the recovery process is slow. Factor in the meds and it has made an interesting and, often times, frustrating, process. After plenty of work, swimming pace is ok. Cycling and running are taking more time and, yes, I am using the PowerCranks (one of the first things I attempted in the weeks after surgery). Just need to be patient and put in the miles.
Given the nature of this disease and the necrotic section on the heart, my surgeon and cardiologist are following this recovery process with great interest. It is a refreshing change for them to find someone who looks forward to the rehab and shares an interest in exploring the boundaries of recovery. At this point, I have no idea what that limit is but will keep pushing until I find it.
It still shocks me that in less than a year I could go from crossing the finish line on Ali’i to being barely able to climb a flight of stairs. My happiest post-op moment (beside waking up from surgery and seeing my family) was when I could begin training again. It certainly puts things into perspective and gives one a new-found appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
Hopefully, other individuals suffering from heart disease are motivated by my example. And, for those with a family history of heart disease, don’t think that exercise alone provides immunity.
If anyone is interested in more details on my case, Jim Scott wrote a nice article in early May for Ironman.com.
Hope to see you in Kona.
Brian
Very cool. I am sure your docs are interested in your recovery. Hope they write it up.
The only thing that should limit you is the degree of permanent heart damage you have. Didn’t realize you had progressed that far before surgery. I was always amazed at how good some of the post heart attack people could do in rehab when they put their mind to it, and most of them were starting from sedentary backgrounds. You, hopefully, will amaze them all.
Good luck.