Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Injury and the Frightened Turtle...
This week has been somewhat a difficult week when it came to training for me. I started off the first of the week with fever and upper respiratory congestion. I knew that I better take it easy training, or it would turn out to be a full blown sinus infection. I took the day off and just relaxed on Monday. I am so glad I did because I started to feel much better by that evening. I went back to work on Tuesday, but did not get back into my training routine till Wednesday when I went to the gym for my swim and run workouts.
When I got to the gym I noticed a sign that said, "Pool Heater Broken" I asked the guy at the front desk how much colder was the water and he told me that it was only 77 degrees. I thought, “That is not that bad.” I knew that I would warm up once I got into my workout and probably would not even notice after a while. I was right, well somewhat right.
Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s weather was some of the coldest that we have had all season so my body was already cold before I got into the pool, but as soon as I jumped into the cold water, which was actually closer to 70 degrees, it immediately took my breath away. It took me back to the days when my brother and I were so anxious to start the swimming season in our outdoor home pool that we would tough the cold water out in March. I guess I am much older now, and it did not seem near as fun to jump in the cold water as it was as a kid.
By the time I was down with my warm up 300 yards, my lips were blue, I had Goosebumps all over my body, and as George Costanza would say, I had shrinkage.
I was able to finish the workout, but I immediately got out, dried off, and started the thawing process. It did not take very long to get warm though because I immediately got on the treadmill for my run. By the time I was done, my body was steaming, I was exhausted, and my family jewels had relocated back to their proper location and proportion.
My wife was not feeling well last week to the point that she coughed so much that she pulled a muscle around her ribcage. The doctor put her on lift restriction, which does not allow her to pick up Shawn for the next couple of weeks. I really feel bad for her, because I know how much she loves her nightly routine with Shawn. I of course have had to rush home from work to take care of Shawn which limited my availability to get to the gym. As with any injury though, you can’t rush it, so she is fighting through it trying to get better and I found a way to get most of the workouts in. Keep her in your prayers.
This week is a recovery week for me. I am glad because the last three weeks have been hard on the body. Of course with last week being broken up with my sickness and having to be home put Shawn to bed, my training suffered. I really think the recovery week will act as a great week to get back into the normal routine of training for me. Of course my night college classes start this week too, so I have to see how much of a stress that puts on the training as well.
I respect the professionals who do this for a living a lot. Triathlon is thier job, and I really think that you have to have a strong mind to stay focused on training, but I am starting to respect the age groupers much more than the professionals. Not only do you have to keep focus on training, but you also have to make sure that your other priorities do not suffer because of training. I have had to learn how to juggle my real job, my family, going back to school, and training. Sometimes one gets in the way of the other, but you just have to roll with the punches and pick up where you left off. My real story is not just about the finish line but the journey to the start.
When I got to the gym I noticed a sign that said, "Pool Heater Broken" I asked the guy at the front desk how much colder was the water and he told me that it was only 77 degrees. I thought, “That is not that bad.” I knew that I would warm up once I got into my workout and probably would not even notice after a while. I was right, well somewhat right.
Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s weather was some of the coldest that we have had all season so my body was already cold before I got into the pool, but as soon as I jumped into the cold water, which was actually closer to 70 degrees, it immediately took my breath away. It took me back to the days when my brother and I were so anxious to start the swimming season in our outdoor home pool that we would tough the cold water out in March. I guess I am much older now, and it did not seem near as fun to jump in the cold water as it was as a kid.
By the time I was down with my warm up 300 yards, my lips were blue, I had Goosebumps all over my body, and as George Costanza would say, I had shrinkage.
I was able to finish the workout, but I immediately got out, dried off, and started the thawing process. It did not take very long to get warm though because I immediately got on the treadmill for my run. By the time I was done, my body was steaming, I was exhausted, and my family jewels had relocated back to their proper location and proportion.
My wife was not feeling well last week to the point that she coughed so much that she pulled a muscle around her ribcage. The doctor put her on lift restriction, which does not allow her to pick up Shawn for the next couple of weeks. I really feel bad for her, because I know how much she loves her nightly routine with Shawn. I of course have had to rush home from work to take care of Shawn which limited my availability to get to the gym. As with any injury though, you can’t rush it, so she is fighting through it trying to get better and I found a way to get most of the workouts in. Keep her in your prayers.
This week is a recovery week for me. I am glad because the last three weeks have been hard on the body. Of course with last week being broken up with my sickness and having to be home put Shawn to bed, my training suffered. I really think the recovery week will act as a great week to get back into the normal routine of training for me. Of course my night college classes start this week too, so I have to see how much of a stress that puts on the training as well.
I respect the professionals who do this for a living a lot. Triathlon is thier job, and I really think that you have to have a strong mind to stay focused on training, but I am starting to respect the age groupers much more than the professionals. Not only do you have to keep focus on training, but you also have to make sure that your other priorities do not suffer because of training. I have had to learn how to juggle my real job, my family, going back to school, and training. Sometimes one gets in the way of the other, but you just have to roll with the punches and pick up where you left off. My real story is not just about the finish line but the journey to the start.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Shedule Changes In A Good Way
After a lot of consideration and prayer, I have decided that it is going to be best for me, and my family, not to compete in the Ironman 70.3 in St. Croix. It is a great race, and I really wanted to do it, but the timing and financial strain is just too much on the family right now. Don’t worry though, I am still on my journey, but instead of it going through the Virgin Islands it goes through Walt Disney World at the Rohto Ironman 70.3 Florida on May 15th.
Taking place at Walt Disney World Resort, athletes will enjoy the fresh water swim in Bay Lake at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, a challenging bike course along the famous World Drive in Walt Disney World Resort and a scenic run course through Disney’s Wilderness Trails and Roadways.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is the host for Rohto Ironman 70.3 Florida. Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (Cabins) or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are both within walking distance to the race. To find out more about the race CLICK HERE!
In reality the Rohto Ironman 70.3 Florida is a much better fit for all of us. Theresa and Tommy (One Pair of Shawn’s Grand Parents) live in Jacksonville, so it gives us a good excuse to spend time with them. We will also get to visit Rachel’s sister and sister’s husband and help them celebrate the new birth of their little one which is due around the first of May.
I have also decided to sign up for a Sprint Triathlon and Olympic Distance Triathlon before Rohto Ironman 70.3 Florida. I have chosen to compete in the St. Patrick’s Day Triathlon on May 13th in Keller, TX. It will consist of 300 meter pool swim, 12 mile bike course, and a 3.1 mile run.
I am very excited about this race because it will be the first of my season. My mother lives in North Richland Hills, TX which is very close to Keller, and give us a chance to visit and stay with her. Of course any excuse for Shawn to go see his Ya Ya is fine with Ya Ya. Rachel and I also have a lot of close friends in the DFW since we met and lived there in our first years of marriage. I am hoping that one of those friends will decide to compete in the triathlon with me…hint….hint! You know who you are! For more information about the race CLICK HERE!
So if you are near Keller, TX on March 13th or in Orlando, Florida on May 15th, come out and cheer us on. . We would love for you to come celebrate with us, so send me a message and let me know you are coming. See ya there!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Shawn's Ironman and Texas Children's Hospital Team Up For Urological Research
In today’s society there are so many foundations that are worth giving to. Because of the vast amount of charities, donations are low unless you or someone you know has been affected by an illness or condition. Shawn is our miracle, but his conditions are so rare that more research is needed to successfully help others with similar conditions in the future.
Texas Children’s Hospital is ranked #9 in the US and #1 in Texas – in pediatric urology by U.S.News & World Report. The urology service provides medical/surgical care for children with genitourinary problems related to congenital birth defects or trauma and medical conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections and dysfunctional voiding patterns. Patients from birth to 19 years of age are seen by self and physician referral.
We owe a lot of gratitude to Texas Children’s Hospital for completing the research and procedures that have helped Shawn be like any normal happy child his age. Special thanks is given to Dr. Cisek and his team who administered the groundbreaking surgery on our son.
Unfortunately, there are many kids just like Shawn that need care at Texas Children’s Hospital, so Shawn’s Ironman was formed to raise money and awareness for urological research at Texas Children’s Hospital. Today we are happy to announce that a fund has been set up for such research.
I ask you to please consider giving to Texas Children’s Hospital in honor of Shawn’s Ironman even if it is just a $1. Also know that 100% of your charitable donation goes to Texas Children’s Hospital and not to getting me or my family to the Ironman. That is my job and the responsibility of my sponsors. I truly believe we could all could come together as a community and reach the goal of $10,000 or more before the Ironman 70.3 in St. Croix. This is just a start, but it will mean so much to the next set of parents that are in the waiting room to find out what is wrong with their child like Rachel and I had to do.
Thank you for your support!
 |
| Dr. Lawrence Cisek |
Unfortunately, there are many kids just like Shawn that need care at Texas Children’s Hospital, so Shawn’s Ironman was formed to raise money and awareness for urological research at Texas Children’s Hospital. Today we are happy to announce that a fund has been set up for such research.
I ask you to please consider giving to Texas Children’s Hospital in honor of Shawn’s Ironman even if it is just a $1. Also know that 100% of your charitable donation goes to Texas Children’s Hospital and not to getting me or my family to the Ironman. That is my job and the responsibility of my sponsors. I truly believe we could all could come together as a community and reach the goal of $10,000 or more before the Ironman 70.3 in St. Croix. This is just a start, but it will mean so much to the next set of parents that are in the waiting room to find out what is wrong with their child like Rachel and I had to do.
Thank you for your support!
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