Athlete In Pain

I just wanted to share what has been going on with training these last few weeks as I prepare for Ironman 70.3 California.

In the midst of training I have been unable to write new blogs as frequently as I would like. I have grown accustomed to maximizing my daily routine and time to the sport of triathlon. It’s not easy being an age group athlete with a full time job, two kids and a great wife. It’s not uncommon for me these days to be up at 4am pounding the trainer or treadmill. After that early wake up it’s off to work then to another training session.  Does it sound like I am complaining? It could be perceived that way but I guess I enjoy the demands of the sport too much to complain.

Ironman 70.3 is a few weeks away and I am feeling really fit and strong. I am however, nursing a mysterious heel injury that has slowed me down a bit. I don’t know what it is but I will blame my club foot deformity on this not my “overtraining”.  I really have no desire to see a doctor because all he will say is, “You know Tony someone born with club foot should not be doing what you’re doing. Why don’t you just stick with swimming? I recommend you quite running forever, if you don’t your putting yourself at risk.”  I would probably end up repsonding with something like, "Blah Blah Blah… then give me a freakin Cortisone shot already!"  

I have noticed that more pain has become evident this last year. I have been experimenting with all sorts of methods to ease the pain. Some help and some don’t. It’s just an everyday struggle that’s hit or miss. I have tailored my running somewhat and I hate the idea of missing out on a few extra miles. In the last 3 months I have tried several shoes, had my inserts modified, experimented with new pain management tools and feel like nothing has really changed. The only thing that has changed is the pain seems to be increasing more and more daily.

I am about two weeks out from the big race and I am looking forward to my “taper” where I can rest my wounded body and allow it to grow strong before race day. I have done all I can to be prepared. I have put in 15-20 hours a week of swim, bike and run. Numerous two a days, a.m. wake up calls and evening runs. I have modified my race training by adding more intense sessions, hard and easy days.  I have been practicing a more aggressive recovery plan. I found that ice has become my new friend. As a matter of fact as I write this I have ice packs in the refrigerator at work. I am waiting for my break so I can ice these bad boys before I hit an 8 mile run when I get off… People at work are like, “what are these?” Oh, there for that disabled athlete guy!” It’s funny because I now am the “disabled  athlete guy” who brings his training gear with him because I have to sneak in a session before I get home to my second job, being a dad!

Totally off topic but One of my students asked me if I had one of those silly blue “ hangy” things with a handicap guy on it. I said yes at she starred and me and said, “but you’re a triathlete they don’t use those.”

Some people have asked what my race schedule looks like. So here is my race schedule for the year.

Ironman 70.3 California

San Diego Tri Club race

Tour De Cure Century Ride

San Diego Triathlon Classic

San Diego International triathlon

Solana Beach triathlon

Mission Bay triathlon

Ironman Arizona

Stay tuned for a race update!