tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20504017338047262732024-03-22T12:02:07.716-07:00Tony Spineto Clubfoot AthleteTony Spineto- Clubfoot AthleteTony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-85282423722312907982013-10-23T10:21:00.000-07:002013-10-23T20:14:33.162-07:00Updates With Exciting NewsWell, long time no blog! I know I know my sincere apologies. I have to admit that sometimes I just don’t have the time or energy to write a few of my thoughts from time to time. I promise I will try harder! Okay enough of that and let’s give you all a few updates about my injuries, season, an exciting new clubfoot documentary in the works and my thoughts on the growing clubfoot community!<br />
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As many of you know I am currently in my offseason from training and racing. I am nursing a shoulder injury back to health after two significant training crashes. I went to the surgeon a few weeks ago for a follow up to my MRI. I was given the green light to return to light training while I let my shoulder and Labrum heal. <br />
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I am really excited and lucky that I do not have to have surgery. If I were to have surgery I would be looking at a 10-12 month rehab which would put me out of my season for next year. In the meantime I have been doing light work outs focusing more on strength and just staying in shape until I resume fulltime training in December for a HUGE season coming up! More details on my season to follow!<br />
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Now, what I am really excited to write about. I was delighted to hear about a documentary in the works called <a href="http://www.footnotefilm.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">The Footnote Film Project</span></a>. My ears perked up when I heard about a documentary being made in the hopes of raising awareness about the Ponseti method and how it can be used to treat children in developing countries with untreated clubfoot.<br />
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The film is a wonderful piece of art that raises questions and provides answers to the ongoing confusion of clubfoot treatments available especially in developing countries. The film’s Director Zach Gorelick was born with bilateral clubfoot and has firsthand knowledge of what it’s like dealing with the everyday struggles of having clubfoot. <br />
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As a graduate of George Washington’s school of Journalism, Zach has taken a chance and a once in a life time experience traveling the country to get real answers and meet with real life Ponseti treated children and their families. Zach has taken his passion for journalism and heroically entered the world of clubfoot deformity. <br />
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Zach’s mission is to raise awareness and spread the message of hope and inspiration to thousands of children in developing countries living with untreated clubfoot. This film cannot be made without your generous gifts and support. Please visit<a href="http://www.footnotefilm.com/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: red;">The Footnote Film Project’s </span></a>website to see how you can help.<br />
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I personally had a chance to speak with Zach for an hour or so. It was a great conversation and one I have not had in a while. We both suffer with clubfoot and know how hard it is. We both shared our desires to bring awareness to clubfoot deformity. <br />
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However, what I took away from the conversation was a tangible commonality we all share. I have seen over the years a tremendous growth with the online communities of clubfooters sharing their experiences both good and bad. It’s great to see how awareness of clubfoot is growing and how many want to see this community grow.<br />
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I am so blessed daily with emails asking questions about clubfoot, treatments and possible outcomes. I also have seen parents actively looking for advice and hope for their children as the make their journey into clubfoot treatment. When I speak to fellow clubfoot suffers and parents Its rewarding and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us!<br />
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Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-70157509188262196742013-09-03T10:45:00.000-07:002013-09-03T10:45:11.756-07:00Dealing with my Injury<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay positive time will pass!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nobody especially an athlete wants to be injured. I took for granted that for the last five or so years of racing and training I never experienced and “significant” injury. I raced for years in a tremendous amount of pain from the clubfoot but it has never really stopped me dead in my tracks like my shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week my MRI results came back showing a tear in my right shoulder Labrum. I was not expecting the bad news. I suspected it was nothing more than a sprain and with light work outs I would be able to finish of the season and glide into the offseason with no problem. Wrong! I am now officially in my off season. I decided for the sake of my career and goals for next year to pull the plug on the remainder of this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What went wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can beat myself up over what went wrong and how I allowed myself to get injured but I won’t. It sucks not be able to perform now at the level I was at. I was involved in two bike crashes a couple months apart and never fully recovered from my injuries. On top of daily training and ignoring the pain I am now facing the consequences of my personality. Pushing through pain is what I have been accustomed to but ignoring injury is not wise. I never really took a break after Ironman Arizona and entered this season with lots of races on my calendar. I love racing however, this season and experience taught me that racing to much can have consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reflections of a season past<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I spent very little time recovering from Ironman Arizona and started training for Ironman 70.3 Oceanside and Wildflower long course way to early. I pushed through like I always do but I was not smart about my recovery. I took very little time for myself as a person. With work, kids and a heavy training schedule I should have practiced my recovery strategies better. I filled my race calendar with too many back to back races and a few to many “A” races. I ignored potential injuries and focused too much on completing prescribed workouts. Lessons learned!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s next?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I am taking about 17 weeks of for recovery, rehab and base training. I cannot swim for at least 6-8 weeks as I cannot lift my shoulder above my head. I am glad I can still run and cycle. I plan on working with my coach this off season to get me back in shape and strong for next season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My eyes are still on the National and World paratriathlon championships and a possible shot at the Ironman World Championships depending what’s best for me. There are many weeks ahead of rehab and relaxation coming my way. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder if my injury is a blessing in disguise. I am excited to return stronger and welcome this time off as it will only make me more competitive and stronger athlete next season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to heal this body. I raced and trained hard this year. I raced for all my clubfoot suffers and set an example for children with clubfoot that anything is possible with that in mind <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">my season was a success!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-42586029959852982832013-07-02T20:47:00.000-07:002013-07-02T21:06:47.020-07:00When It All Comes Together<br />
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First, as always I would like to thank my sponsors for everything they have done for me and their support. I could not have won this race without <a href="http://hokaoneone-na.com/" target="_blank">Hoka One One</a>, <a href="http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/" target="_blank">Xterra Wetsuits</a>, <a href="http://www.francobikes.com/" target="_blank">Franco Bikes</a>, <a href="http://torhans.com/" target="_blank">Torhans</a>, <a href="http://2xu.com/" target="_blank">2XU</a> and <a href="http://guenergy.com/" target="_blank">GU</a>!</div>
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Have you ever had a moment when your preparations just never seem good enough for an event? That was how I felt going into this weekend's San Diego International Triathlon. It was a physical and mental challenge for me. I felt flat and really did not know what to expect. </div>
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Just a 'B' Race</h3>
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This race is one of my favorite mid-season races after a few early season Half Ironman distance races. I had just come off a third place finish at Wildflower, which took a lot out of me. I went into this race with very little rest because I picked up training again shortly after Wildflower as I am preparing for some “A” races scheduled at the end of September.</div>
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The week leading into the race I was dealing with a significant amount of pain in both feet which was really hard to explain. I also had another bike crash a week prior which left me with shoulder pain, stiffness and very limted range of motion. </div>
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I had no known injury in my feet, rather, the typical unexplainable clubfoot phantom pain which comes and goes. I was worried how this was going to effect my race. I never know how my feet are going to feel from day to day. My body was weak and tired from the prior weeks training load and I entered this race with no taper hoping that it wouldn't affect my performance.</div>
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I arrived at the course feeling mentally ready and prepared for the day, but my body was damaged goods. I awoke with pain in both feet. Tight and sore, I racked my bike and set up transition. I zipped up my brand new Xterra Vendetta Westsuit and headed to the swim start. </div>
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The Swim</h3>
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I entered the water about fifteen minutes before the start and got a good warm up and indication of how my body was feeling. This was my fisrt time racing with my Xterra Vendetta on and I was not let down. The Vendetta is a very fast and form-fitting suit.</div>
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Skeptical about my day, I darted forward when the gun sounded and soon found my body gliding forward in a smooth motion. My Vendetta wetsuit felt amazing and fast. I was surprised how I was feeling mid-way through the swim and thought to myself for the first time that this could be my day. </div>
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I foucused on staying positive rather then paying too much attention to my wounded body. I quickly exited the water and headed into T1.</div>
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<o:p>The Bike </o:p></h3>
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I grabbed my Franco Trifuno Speed and prepared for the long, hilly course ahead. I took in some fluids from my Torhans and was able to get some needed calories from my GU gels and Roctane. Once I felt my nutrition kick in at the top of the climb I realized that I was riding a lot fasrter then anticipated. </div>
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I was doing 25-30 mph in many sections. It was a great feeling passing many pros and being led into T2 with a police escort. I thought to myself, I am going to take first today.</div>
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The Run</h3>
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I headed into T2, quicky transitioned into my Hoka One One Bondi B’s, and darted onto the course. My feet were hurting badly and I new first place was going to be a battle. After a few miles, the comfort and cushioning of my Hoka One One’s eased my pain and I was well on my way home. </div>
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I felt good and new. I was running way faster than I normally do. I only had a few miles left and was focused on finishing strong. I told myself that I wanted this race to hurt and I did not let myself down. I pushed myself beyond my pain and finished first in my division.</div>
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<o:p>The Take Away </o:p></h3>
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There were two things I learned. </div>
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Number 1- Just because your preparations are not perfect, does not mean you won't perform well. </div>
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Number 2- Staying positive can make the mind and body do great things. I could have let all the distractions of pain, interrupted training sessions and two siginifigant bike crashes within two months pull me away from a great performance. Instead I let it ll go and put forth my best effort and the results were worth it.</div>
Erin Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157749982841352468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-71685944399315632162013-05-31T10:15:00.000-07:002013-06-05T07:50:24.915-07:00Clubfoot Pain Managment Diet and Nutrition<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daily pain is something that I have been accustomed to my whole life. Childhood memories of pain are still a big part of my psyche to this day. Of course now that I am getting older the pain is getting worse. Clubfoot pain is very common for most children and adults living with this deformity. While surgeries and casting correct the look of the foot I am finding that many people with post clubfoot correction are dealing with pain regardless of updated medical procedures and pain medications. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think this blog is over do but timely as many of my fellow “clubbies” have asked how I manage or control my pain on a daily basis, especially being an athlete. I put a lot of demand on my feet and body. Pain is ever present after each training session and race. First, I think it’s important to mention that what works for me may not work for someone else and it’s always important to talk with your doctor before staring anything new in the context of pain management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUu3ELDzctaeOp7aScBxk5fvZsF5IrscTdTo6V3y_OHNSp6zGqW9Z5m7JXlNlhLQtj-h75GasKk7lKzzjEZ7P8P9aR42xtz6yCsH3z9L-8O22eS6_kFZ0sSEvjh-aOUMNGnpsDVpzGl-d/s1600/Meat+And+Potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUu3ELDzctaeOp7aScBxk5fvZsF5IrscTdTo6V3y_OHNSp6zGqW9Z5m7JXlNlhLQtj-h75GasKk7lKzzjEZ7P8P9aR42xtz6yCsH3z9L-8O22eS6_kFZ0sSEvjh-aOUMNGnpsDVpzGl-d/s200/Meat+And+Potatoes.jpg" width="200" yya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up I was a meat and potatoes kind of kid. My family always had some kind of meat or dairy product in the house and the occasional burger and steak was not uncommon. I ate meat and loved every ounce of it. I was a big fan of dairy and put cheese on everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I was not very active growing up because my clubfoot pain was too much. I wanted to be like others so I played sports but was never really fast or good at what I was doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I graduated high school I was really unhealthy and I was not very active. I saw my weight balloon to 260 pounds at 5’8. After my first child was born I decided to change my bad habits and get myself into shape. Today I have lost over 100 pounds and I am Ironman triathlete making a living at something I thought I would never be able to do. I contribute much of my success to my strict vegan diet. My pain levels have decreased and I am able to recover and endure the demands of Ironman racing because of the benefits of my vegan diet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inflammation is a major cause of many of our lifestyle diseases and the cause of pain. Inflammation is defined as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>the first response of the immune system to infection or irritation</strong></i>. The symptoms of chronic inflammation can be swelling, redness and pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR30aVArlitjpIxg6ohUZYO6-YDSO7czfx7-C6YleDNGqFuqlKwvQxoamyPSi5wTzu8NJeddlKUVotr3Vc2rUB-B8meHthavArwbIhTAp7_qXb2i_rJPZDSyWgaR-gBcRKAg4ho0YTEKuC/s1600/Fruits-and-Vegetables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR30aVArlitjpIxg6ohUZYO6-YDSO7czfx7-C6YleDNGqFuqlKwvQxoamyPSi5wTzu8NJeddlKUVotr3Vc2rUB-B8meHthavArwbIhTAp7_qXb2i_rJPZDSyWgaR-gBcRKAg4ho0YTEKuC/s320/Fruits-and-Vegetables.jpg" width="320" yya="true" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Swelling and pain is very familiar to those suffering with clubfoot. It’s not uncommon to have the foot swell with pain after a simple task like standing or walking for any amount of time. I have completed numerous triathlons and have felt a tremendous amount of pain during and after an event. Since I have become a vegan I have seen and experienced less swelling and pain on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm747MkZKRLVkB8-6noYZbBk7r-jqOZ0eKJYHkbM9B5iPKwLUWVp_jStIQvkvR7ESiKpcOxhkzLvGaWStq2JB-BUcYG_R9-4zO5LAnrEMKuAEpINAzMB7N4FuqJeDpIOo1GroaA-1UsHK/s1600/veg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm747MkZKRLVkB8-6noYZbBk7r-jqOZ0eKJYHkbM9B5iPKwLUWVp_jStIQvkvR7ESiKpcOxhkzLvGaWStq2JB-BUcYG_R9-4zO5LAnrEMKuAEpINAzMB7N4FuqJeDpIOo1GroaA-1UsHK/s320/veg.bmp" width="320" yya="true" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what foods do I eat in large amounts to control the pain and potential damage I am doing to my feet? Part of being a plant based vegan is making sure that all the six major nutrients are met daily from food sources that are natural or organic. Most of the foods on the market are highly processed, void of any nutrients and grown with pesticides. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Below is a chart of foods that I eat daily which counter inflammation and foods that contribute to inflammation. I recommend that if your diet is void of these anti-inflammatory foods that you begin to slowly incorporate them into your daily diet and eventually make them a everyday part of your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ANTI-INFLAMITORY FOODS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">FOODS TO AVOID<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All green vegetables</b> ex: broccoli, brussels sprouts and greens such as kale and chard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All fruits</b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ex: apples, berries and avocados<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nuts and seeds</b>: ex: Almonds, sunflower seeds and walnuts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Oils </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ex: Coconut and olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Drinks</b>: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ex: teas and water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All Herbs and spices</b> ex: basil, cayenne and oregano<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eat as much organic foods as possible. Eat all the above in their natural state and avoid overcooking or heating which can kill off the majority of nutrients that aide in controlling inflammation<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sugars</b> ex: Soft drinks, candy, snacks and desserts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Common cooking oils</b>: Vegetable oils, cottonseed, corn and sunflower oils<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trans Fats</b> ex: Fried foods, processed foods, anything packaged, partially hydrogenated oils<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dairy products</b> ex: milk, cheese, and hidden dairy in breads, crackers and most cereals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red meat and processed meats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alcohol in excess<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Refined grains </b>ex: White rice, White breads, white noodles and pasta including pastries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Artificial food additives</b>. Most foods that are commercially grown and packaged contain large amounts of additives to extend self-live and flavor.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you can see the majority of foods that counter inflammation and pain are foods such as fruits and vegetables in their natural state. Unfortunately the majority of the food on the market is highly processed and full of additives that have very little nutritional value. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most commercially grown meats are feed a diet of grains such as soy beans and corn that is high in inflammatory omega 6 fatty acid but low in Omega 3 fatty acids. Most of these animals gain a significant amount of fat (SATURATED FATS) while enclosed in their tight environments. These animals are also injected with hormones and fed with antibiotics which make them grow faster, fatter and less sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choose not to eat meat for these above reasons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Go ahead and give it a shot and see if any of these foods help. Don’t expect results over night but begin to make eating these foods a daily part of your life. I highly encourage a vegan plant based diet but understand that it may not be for everyone. Below I listed a couple books and documentaries that I recommended highlighting this topic in further detail that helped shape my decision to be a vegan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.drfuhrman.com/weightloss/about.aspx" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eat to Live</i>: Dr. Furman<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thrive-diet-brendan-brazier/1102812468?ean=9781600940606" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thrive Diet</i>: Brendan Brazier<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forks over Knives</i>: Documentary<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fat Sick and Nearly Dead:</i> Documentary<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-74246595244246525082013-05-16T11:26:00.001-07:002013-05-28T11:51:37.794-07:00All Recovered Up!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Time to rest up! Well, it’s been almost two weeks since Wildflower and I am feeling good. I recovered quickly (thanks to <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://guenergy.com/" target="_blank">GU Energy</a></span> providing awesome products.) I took a week off doing only light and shorter workouts when I felt like moving. It was awesome not getting up at 4:00 a.m. and having nothing to do when I got home from work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s been awhile since I had nothing really to do during the week and no training schedule to follow. So, as you can imagine sitting around being lazy was fun but annoying as well. I had to force myself <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to do anything for a week. However, the rest was well worth the effort and now I am feeling ready to get back to the grind of a daily training schedule and early wake up calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have a few more half Ironman’s scheduled for the remainder of my season mixed with a few Olympic distances. I will be starting a 16 week training schedule heading into my much anticipated Orangeman Long Course and my favorite race of the year, the San Diego Triathlon classic. I only added two “A” races to my schedule this season, Wildflower and SD Tri Classic. I am starting a new block of training with some base work as I build and peak. Hopefully, I will be able to podium the San Diego Tri Classic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am excited to plan my 2014 season. I am focused on being a advicate for clubfoot athletes with my efforts improving the classification process for paratriathletes at the hands of the ITU. I will share more as the 2014 season unfolds. Until then I need to hold my body together in hopes of making it though the remainder of this season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s been an awesome season so far with a few podium spots especially at Wildflower, which I worked really hard to achieve! I am hoping and training hard to get back on the podium this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have formed some new relationships with outstanding sponsors such as <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/" target="_blank">XTERRA </a></span>wetsuits and <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://torhans.com/" target="_blank">Torhans</a></span>. I am very happy and excited that I have the sponsors I do that share my vision and offer support as I head into the remainder of my season and next!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So it’s that time again to get the training journal out, plan my weeks and nail my sets as I move toward the end of my season!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-51932978455266559782013-05-06T15:25:00.006-07:002013-05-13T12:32:05.000-07:00Wildflower Long Course Race Report -3rd Place In My Division<!--StartFragment--><br />
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I am tired and sore. My body is completely running low on glycogen and writing this blog requires energy I just don’t have right now. Wildflower long course triathlon reared its ugly head this week and lived up to its reputation as being one of the hardest half Ironman distances around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will try to keep my race report quick because honestly I don’t know how much I can write today!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Mzu9sRYANoCw_ASfvOu6rSGr3QrQfz85bZbvmFsb-ozXfsaP7FqEcANRfXpheGo4Q7N6d2oYH_jCmolzO2eIffDZtr6WdPQpn6uhDNCo47R-p7_H0BzyzzrYMwTDQkDlCMdeuuoEgqE/s1600/DSCN8855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Mzu9sRYANoCw_ASfvOu6rSGr3QrQfz85bZbvmFsb-ozXfsaP7FqEcANRfXpheGo4Q7N6d2oYH_jCmolzO2eIffDZtr6WdPQpn6uhDNCo47R-p7_H0BzyzzrYMwTDQkDlCMdeuuoEgqE/s320/DSCN8855.JPG" width="240" /></a>First, before I go any farther I once again have to give a huge amount of thanks to my sponsors<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://hokaoneone-na.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Hoka One One</span></a>, <a href="http://www.francobicycles.com/" target="_blank">Franco Bikes</a>, <a href="https://guenergy.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">GU Energy</span></a>, <a href="http://www.2xu.com/" target="_blank">2XU </a>,<a href="http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">XTERRA Wetsuits</span></a>, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://torhans.com/" target="_blank">Torhans</a> </span>for providing support and cutting edge</div>
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products that made this weekend possible. I placed 3<sup>rd</sup> in my division and I contribute much of my success to them this weekend. It was also a pleasure to be asked to share about clubfoot deformity and being a triathlete. I was asked to be on a panel of “inspirational” athletes sharing their unique stories and challenges. It was a wonderful time of education.</div>
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As we arrived into town Friday I knew that the temperatures were going to be an issue. The sun was out and it was dry. The temperature for Friday was hovering around 100 degrees with an expected temperature in the low 80’s for Saturday’s long course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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I had a chance to drive 25 miles of the 56 mile bike course. We headed out to the nasty grade so I could see what I was going to be up against. I fell silent as we began the long ride up the hill and I realized for the first time what I was going to be up against. I am very glad that I had to a chance to drive this course because it gave me a opportunity to see what was ahead. I did not want to be surprised by anything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKNDefFE_SUHN0LxW8s1X5oJ85zuNjjunY3kuFYxsmXHzJqykP_3ihEjIC7Oumjm1KEhKlbo1AYSumd7j8UNskZL7_RNFrLyhU4vrNw_7PaLDCERieM-38YA2zCmuYK4nKK-zk_FeHdlk/s1600/IMG_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKNDefFE_SUHN0LxW8s1X5oJ85zuNjjunY3kuFYxsmXHzJqykP_3ihEjIC7Oumjm1KEhKlbo1AYSumd7j8UNskZL7_RNFrLyhU4vrNw_7PaLDCERieM-38YA2zCmuYK4nKK-zk_FeHdlk/s320/IMG_3559.JPG" width="238" /></a><b>Swim:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The swim was rather uneventful and was not really too hard. The water was warm, around 70 degrees, which made for a nice comfortable swim. The winds at this time were low and the water was relatively calm. I had a fast swim around 34 minutes. I really wanted to stay slow and steady. I knew if I got my heart rate high I would be done for the day. I kept a nice steady pace the whole time with the exception of trying to adjust my goggles which filled with water a few times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">At one point I stopped so I could sight the next buoy. The sun had just started coming up and it was difficult to sight because of the glare off the water. As I exited the water I just lightly jogged/walked up the steep boat ramp into T1 knowing if did run the ramp I would run the risk of getting on the bike with a high heart rate. I took four minutes into T1 and every minute was well worth the wait. My heart rate quickly dropped as I grabbed my bike and headed out for a very challenging day.</span></div>
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<b>Bike: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">As I left transition I knew I was in for a hell of a ride. My race plan for the bike was to stay aero when I could, climb easy and keep my heart rate down! I had no concern for high average speeds, knowing that I would possibly blow up later in the course if I tried to push the pace. Heading out I was greeted with a few small rollers. The first major climb was less than a mile away and I knew what to expect. It was not bad at all. It was a long hill, but I managed to keep my HR down the whole climb. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">At the top of the climb I began to feel the heat of the day. I managed to take in some salt stick and a few gels. The next 15 miles or so were rolling hills, hot temperatures and wind. The winds were hitting from all directions. The roads were horrible and made for a very bumpy ride. Around mile 25, I was caught by a nice tail wind which kept me comfortable for a short time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I kept looking down on my Garmin to make sure I was in my correct HR zones. I was also counting miles knowing that mile 40 was ahead, which meant I was about to meet the Nasty Grade. Miles 30-40 were just brutal. The unforgiving head wind just kicked by butt around town. I was actually looking forward to climbing Nasty just to get the hell out of the wind. I hit the Nasty Grade grinding and mashing for 4 miles straight up hill. At this time my HR was screaming over 200 bpm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I managed to make it to the top and began my decent into town. I approached mile 50 thinking the next ten miles would be easy. I had no legs left after that Nasty climb which left me fighting against my mind for </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the remaining miles</span>. I started mentally checking out during this time. I knew if I could keep moving I would be into T2 in no time. I finished off my salts and my remaining gels while spinning out my legs into transition. I made it!</span></div>
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<b>Run: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">I laced up my <a href="http://hokaoneone-na.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Hoka One One’s</span></a> and headed onto the course. At this time it was hot and my legs were shot to pieces after that bike course. I had to walk the first half mile just to gain my composure and reset my heart rate. I took in a few gels, took a few sips from the first aide station I saw and began to feel a little better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">On the first few miles of the run course there are some small hills to run. At this time these hills seemed huge, but I managed to settle into a pace. The real challenge comes around miles 4-13. There is really not much to say or words to describe it, but the next 9 miles SUCKED! It was hot, the hills where tough and many where forced to walk in pain. I knew around mile 8 I needed to gather my composure and muster as much physical and mental strength I could. I knew I would finish but it was going to be hard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I managed to run, jog and walk when needed. I hit every aide station staying wet and hydrated along the way. During the run I must have dumped at least a few gallons on me over the course of the day. I headed down Lynch Hill, which is a steep 1.5 mile decent into the finish line. At this point my feet and legs where screaming for me to stop. I had to walk a few feet here and there because of the pain of the day. I managed to make it, though. I finished. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRmSLfQ5bE3LoV6yRg8XNHhsPeOSSScFjv8loNhC6Xy-JdVQpoqIvOMRQAa42vy69DG6cZFc25IY4sO5cszG_QBarXXcGfpU_FSjzVD4AerKNWa6UvExbG_6nRrzifCOKZilqk0HA4s27/s1600/DSCN8885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRmSLfQ5bE3LoV6yRg8XNHhsPeOSSScFjv8loNhC6Xy-JdVQpoqIvOMRQAa42vy69DG6cZFc25IY4sO5cszG_QBarXXcGfpU_FSjzVD4AerKNWa6UvExbG_6nRrzifCOKZilqk0HA4s27/s320/DSCN8885.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;">I ended up in medical with several ice bags in my shorts and underneath my tri top and arm pits. I was hot and I started feeling sick. I was nauseous and thought I was going to throw up, but I didn’t! I finally cooled down and headed to the festival to grab my much needed and anticipated beer.</span></div>
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Back at camp many reported that the conditions where the worse they have seen in years. It was just to damn hot and windy. </div>
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Wildflower broke me to some extent. Even though I finished it was not easy, that course was nasty! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Ironman Arizona was easier. Wildflower did not let me down though and I loved every minute. I raced against some fast guys and was inspired by their will to survive as well. It was a spectacular humbling weekend and look forward to taking it on again next year!<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-26567360387124149412013-05-01T10:24:00.000-07:002013-05-01T12:01:47.191-07:00Franco Triunfo Speed Set Up for Long Course<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Over the years of racing and doing long course triathlon I have learned that dialing in your bike for these distances require some thought because out on the course triathletes need to be self-sufficient when it comes to nutrition and having a plan for a mechanical error. A slight mishap in nutrition or a mechanical failure will certainly end your race quickly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAbnG7xk8iRV2QOaSAa4ESc6VeBgsJQDiYkdDwMcxx38xPlAJI3gxXNYB61hxfJabyWjIPR2pux75NsDfzOd1rc7itsETo8i9gHf2ls7jk8JjiATD2g9ZhUjBkUDP93smY33srxVRtuz-/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-02-05-at-07_31_58.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 209px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 346px;"><img border="0" height="209" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAbnG7xk8iRV2QOaSAa4ESc6VeBgsJQDiYkdDwMcxx38xPlAJI3gxXNYB61hxfJabyWjIPR2pux75NsDfzOd1rc7itsETo8i9gHf2ls7jk8JjiATD2g9ZhUjBkUDP93smY33srxVRtuz-/s320/Screen-shot-2013-02-05-at-07_31_58.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4yCVgvozclLRlOFp4A8ANAr05vRcGrQ_oTPHaoVikxIHeZHHs26BGwKL6o_dD1b0T9wwmo9A2bhvUIEC65kMR_o8s0pLa6l_V6FpM41JtJ4-3eqflair3ojWcrjAYYeTTS0gnXSxPRfh/s1600/orientation+class+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 239px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 338px;"><img border="0" height="239" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4yCVgvozclLRlOFp4A8ANAr05vRcGrQ_oTPHaoVikxIHeZHHs26BGwKL6o_dD1b0T9wwmo9A2bhvUIEC65kMR_o8s0pLa6l_V6FpM41JtJ4-3eqflair3ojWcrjAYYeTTS0gnXSxPRfh/s320/orientation+class+7.JPG" width="320" /></a>I have learned that sometimes less is more and it’s not necessary to weigh down the bike with too much stuff. I thought this would be appropriate to share with you how I set up my <a href="http://www.francobicycles.com/road-1/triathlon/triunfo-speed.html" target="_blank">Franco Triunfo Speed</a> and how I will prepare for this weekend’s Wildflower Long Course. </div>
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For long course racing I like to use the <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://torhans.com/" target="_blank">Torhans 30 Aero bottle</a></span>. I fill this with just plain water and refill at every aid station as needed. I really like this bottle for a couple of reasons. I like how you can refill quickly and its splash resistant. For a while I was using a Profile Design bottle but hated the yellow sponge that stuck out from the top. No matter how hard I tried to deal with that stupid yellow sponge I would always find a way to spill my water out the top every time I hit a bump in the road. Sometimes the yellow sponge worked its way down into the bottle causing my headache than it was worth. I have had no problem with the <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://torhans.com/" target="_blank">Torhans system</a></span>. The Torhans straw is incased in a rubber sleeve which aids in aerodynamics but also keeps the straw from flip flopping around like the Profile Design system. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>I like the aero bottle for long distances because it reminds be to drink often because the straw sits slightly below my chin as a constant reminder making drinking a much easier task. For short course racing I use a horizontal water bottle mount and remove the bottle to drink as necessary. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p>I use two salt stick pill dispensers that I zip tie between my aero bars. I take one capsule per hour. I really like having this available. The salt stick dispensers are easy to twist and pop out a pill rather than trying to dig in my top tube bag or back pocket when I need my salts. </div>
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I use the Garmin 500 cycle computer that I mount to my bars as well. Although the front end looks cluttered its aerodynamic and fits between my arms really well. <o:p> </o:p>I only use <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://guenergy.com/products.html/" target="_blank">GU </a></span>because it’s the only nutritional product on the market that works for me and my stomach. The subtle taste makes drinking much easier on a hot day when my stomach will not take in much. I keep one dense bottle of <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://guenergy.com/products.html/" target="_blank">Roctane</a></span> on my down tube and keep several gels taped to my stem between my aero bars. Again, I like to have everything right in front of my face as reminder to fuel often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmacDLoFPbqOgB3y7-sqRYznDuyf73uBzaH3JQmx111RIb3Mk3cRP3qBSGQ9Rg7dfuatKXqtHfKNg5MYebyccqHKvzPFmPlehzmUlJdh80wIJEZNAQFzL8pNj9mU5zaY3wQbUgjD_jMQlJ/s1600/orintation+class+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 344px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 240px;"><img border="0" height="320" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmacDLoFPbqOgB3y7-sqRYznDuyf73uBzaH3JQmx111RIb3Mk3cRP3qBSGQ9Rg7dfuatKXqtHfKNg5MYebyccqHKvzPFmPlehzmUlJdh80wIJEZNAQFzL8pNj9mU5zaY3wQbUgjD_jMQlJ/s320/orintation+class+1.JPG" width="236" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will take in about two gels every how followed by <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://roctane./">Roctane.</a></span> I keep one open cage available for plain water bottles. I like to keep this open and exchange water bottles at the aide stations for my <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://torhans.com/" target="_blank">Torhans</a></span>. I don’t like top tube bags but sometimes I feel they are a necessary evil. I keep my <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://guenergy.com/products.html/" target="_blank">GU</a></span> chomps in there when I feel like I need something solid to chew on. I also keep a few Co2 canisters and back up salts just in case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I really hate flat kits. I don’t like trying to figure the best way to carry them aerodynamically and after months of trying to figure this out I gave up and simply strap two tubes with valve extenders already installed along with to C02 bombs ready to go. I use black tape to attach the tubes to my seat post and secure them down with a Velcro strap. So far so good, the flat kit sits nicely behind my thighs and away from the wind and it’s easy to access and put back together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn926MKXxEQqCWhJhgD4jvLKmxrtFSHUv_tAbCnKa2mmQU9LlnRa0xkBH80pJ2QVodnUQIyuQHIwNnfk5jSzvs2sV_pPu5aojCIUmMt9IVfEQU-jXrxML-VLm4UYiUJKS9zuL618HHpIv-/s1600/orinetation+class+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn926MKXxEQqCWhJhgD4jvLKmxrtFSHUv_tAbCnKa2mmQU9LlnRa0xkBH80pJ2QVodnUQIyuQHIwNnfk5jSzvs2sV_pPu5aojCIUmMt9IVfEQU-jXrxML-VLm4UYiUJKS9zuL618HHpIv-/s320/orinetation+class+2.JPG" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p>I have two sets of wheels, ZIPP Sub 9 disc and 808 front. I also use HED Jet 9 FR's as well. For Wildflower I will use my HED Jet 9 FR’s. These are very fast wheels. However, the front is pretty deep and I am hoping that the cross winds will not be that bad, I can handle front end nicely but hope Mother Nature is nice. I am not oblivious that deep dish wheels dont like cross winds but these wheels have worked for me on similar terrain. These wheels are better suited for fast short courses over a mild less hilly terrain but also serve well as an all-around wheel set.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LMDKPtCyZqwT6U9RMJb6fgSX62sywwD6TutH5qyuWQVcj29U9F8zj7nVJRPHV0Q9b52eFmHSK3BK8Wiub7lSD1oDflutf4zotQCcWc9r0orf9598hEmESGSzwCfyLlmpTZzU7TZU6WNW/s1600/orientation+class+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LMDKPtCyZqwT6U9RMJb6fgSX62sywwD6TutH5qyuWQVcj29U9F8zj7nVJRPHV0Q9b52eFmHSK3BK8Wiub7lSD1oDflutf4zotQCcWc9r0orf9598hEmESGSzwCfyLlmpTZzU7TZU6WNW/s320/orientation+class+6.JPG" width="239" /></a> I will be using my Dura Ace 11 speed Mid Compact crank Wildflower is notoriously hilly and a mid-compact crankset should work just fine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So as you can see nothing to fancy just a simply lay out of how I set up my bike for a long course event. I also use the same set up for an Ironman distance as well with additional nutrition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This set up has worked for me over a few races of trial and error. I am sure it will change in the future though because I tend to keep things simple but yet over think things as well.</div>
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</span>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-8573828639589436062013-04-30T09:15:00.003-07:002013-04-30T09:26:26.495-07:00Wildflower Long Course<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The one and only Wildflower triathlon is this weekend and boy am I excited. Well, maybe not too excited because this will be the first time taking on the infamous Long Course which is a considered the toughest Half Ironman Distance around. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I am more excited about the festival like atmosphere of camping this weekend. Considered the “Woodstock” of triathlon, Wildflower never fails to let me down. There is a lot of post-race beer flowing, athletes high on endorphins, good local micro brews and plain old fun! It’s just an all-around great time of hard racing and post-race parties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDnp_-v9U-HKZ9C6w9WnMxPuL1YlOjD7HAhhjaGU6jGjZvCx9LTY9iwPitlTUT2IYJM0eFCiWkVaQoAgrpAxztdVIy-mOSOY2mGdoA2FYL3_xfXf-cd7pbshoGZIZcVgoO5x1Ynxd3dp9/s1600/wildflower+transition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDnp_-v9U-HKZ9C6w9WnMxPuL1YlOjD7HAhhjaGU6jGjZvCx9LTY9iwPitlTUT2IYJM0eFCiWkVaQoAgrpAxztdVIy-mOSOY2mGdoA2FYL3_xfXf-cd7pbshoGZIZcVgoO5x1Ynxd3dp9/s320/wildflower+transition.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This course is 70.3 miles of hell to pay, so I heard. I have been to Wildflower twice. Wildflower is where I Caught the Triathlon bug 5 years ago. Wildflower was my first race and I have not turned back since. I have completed the mountain bike sprint and the Olympic course there. However, this will be the first time attempting the long course. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have heard and read accounts of scary moments, heavy tail winds,unrelenting head winds and not to mention the occasional cross winds that hit you unexpectedly. This course is not like others and only the smart survive. This course requires that you stay in a steady aerobic zone the whole time which means slightly slower than usual times but well worth the patience. Even the elite pros have a difficult time here, often posting slower times as well.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The swim is a rather easy 1.2 mile swim in calm in relatively warm water. </span>The bike is a nonstop uphill 56 mile battle against winds and hot temperatures. There are a couple major climbs consisting of distances from 1 mile to a 5 mile grade called the “nasty grade” starting at mile 40. Once you think you are done here comes the rollers to finish of the course. The run I heard is the most evil part of this course. Some suggest that this is worse than the bike. The run consists of lots of hills, trails and paved roads assembled in consistent climbs of in your face hot temps reaching around 100 degrees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDXzf0qJkSk-wehTQHgZ7Da42YwbcRR_rOks3Vt6NHx7zAtTw2FNrFk20FjSx34OabbgNzDm_c6GsQFaFhDZz1BW-A6FFR82C-NrLqycJeoJ_EgTz04yBd4ti0hb-Kqso0ANJKW2Gi-bb/s1600/wildflower+longcourse+bike+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDXzf0qJkSk-wehTQHgZ7Da42YwbcRR_rOks3Vt6NHx7zAtTw2FNrFk20FjSx34OabbgNzDm_c6GsQFaFhDZz1BW-A6FFR82C-NrLqycJeoJ_EgTz04yBd4ti0hb-Kqso0ANJKW2Gi-bb/s320/wildflower+longcourse+bike+map.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is the bottom line for me. My last Half Ironman (Ironman 70.3 California) was not what I had planned and walked away very disappointed in my first ever DNF. However, that race taught me a lot. It showed me what I was doing wrong and gave me a reason and motivation to change my race strategies. I really have to focus on racing by feel and staying in my HR zones. At this distance you can’t go balls out and race 70.3 mile anaerobically. The Key to these distances is patience. Stay calm, stay aero, keep the heart rate down and race your race.
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So it’s that time again to pack the bags, check the bike, and choose the right wheels, nutrition and all that comes with being a triathlete. It’s exciting and I enjoy every stressful minute. I am also excited that I was chosen to speak and represent my faithful sponsors on a panel during the pre-race festivities in regards to living and training with clubfoot. Once <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>again <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>its another great opportunity to share with others my experiences dealing with this daily and raising awareness for Congenital Talipes </span></div>
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Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-28926703480342373222013-03-15T12:20:00.001-07:002013-03-15T12:20:46.324-07:00A Few Weeks Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a few weeks to go and its time for my 2013 season. I am really excited that I finalized my sponsors and wanted to send them a little thanks as we move forward!</div>
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HOKA ONE ONE</div>
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2XU</div>
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FRANCO BIKES</div>
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GU ENERGY</div>
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Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-55755219974101521562013-02-26T08:23:00.000-08:002013-02-26T08:23:28.171-08:00Ironman 70.3 California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, it’s that time of year and my 2013 season starts in a few short weeks! Ironman 70.3 California is my first race of a long season of challenging races ahead for 2013. Coming off of Ironman Arizona was the best I have ever felt. My Arizona preparation could not have gone any better than I wanted. Training was excellent and the race could not have been any more perfect than planned. After Arizona It was nice taking a break from training and just enjoying riding, swimming and running with no purpose. I took a few months off with my sights set on Ironman 70.3 California 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year’s preparation for Ironman 70.3 Oceanside has been a bit of a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a significant bike crash that delayed my training a few weeks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after recovering from crash I started training at a low level but soon got side lined again with a short bout of the flu that resulted in more lost training time not to mention the stress of trying to replace my bike that I just now got with four weeks until race day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year is the first time I have dealt with some “burn out” and “boredom” during training. It’s difficult and challenging to train for these long distances while having other obligations such as family and work. I usually train twice a day for a total of three to four hours and additional long hours on the weekend. I think what has helped me get through burn out is a little rest, a support system, creative ways to train and putting things in perspective. I sometimes question if what I am doing is worth it, if I am reaching my goals, or making any impact raising awareness for clubfoot deformity? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to think about why I race to bring me back down to reality. When I think about my son and others with clubfoot it makes getting up early an easier thing to do. I could not do it with out my sponsors as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This season is going to the best season yet. Raising awareness is a wonderful fulfilling part of my life and this is what keeps me moving. This year I have a wonderful group of people and sponsors behind me that continue to support me as an athlete raising awareness for the clubfoot deformity. I am excited this year and with the support I have I hope and expect to see great things this season.</span></div>
Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-43339224561964187142013-01-22T13:31:00.002-08:002013-01-22T13:31:34.580-08:00I knew it was going to happen one day.So here I am on a nice sunny day in beautiful Southern California. I should be at work or enjoying the nice beach weather we are having. Instead I am lying on my couch recovering from a pretty significant training accident. On Saturday I had my typical long ride ahead of me. The plan for this workout was a 4 hour ride along the coast at a moderate pace, nothing to fast nothing to slow. around mile 40 I began my decent down a rather significant hill. I never take this hill fast but today I decided to go for the ride. I was in the aero position when I looked down at my computer. I was approaching about 30-35 mph. At that point I decided to slow down. As I was coming up from the aero position I hit a rather large pot hole.<br />
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I knew I was going to hit the deck. It's a scary moment for that brief second when you know your going down. That's the last I remember. I came to on the side of the road and watched by bike go into traffic without me on it. A city worker kinda looked at me and laughed. I laid there for awhile as two other riders approached me and offered help. They called 911 and off I went to the emergency room. Several hours later and a few CT scans I was given the ok to go home. Nothing broken, just a few little fractures in the shoulder and fingers, some road rash, a bruised ego and a short episode of vertigo.<br />
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I came away lucky compared to what I have seen heard. I am glad to be alive and breathing today. I have been riding and racing for many years, and I knew this day was coming!<br />
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The moral of the story, WEAR YOUR HELMET!Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-50481921940179081452013-01-12T21:51:00.001-08:002013-01-12T21:51:47.950-08:00Training run with "corrected" clubfoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-A8EYe9fPXI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Running has never been my strongest discipline for many different reasons, primarily because the structures of my feet are deformed causing a myriad of problems and pain. Although the foot is "corrected" there is obvious problems in the gait cycle. This video shows how corrected clubfoot greatly effects how I run. The deformity causes significant pain from the feet through the hips and knees.Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-81779929238106391662012-11-29T08:08:00.000-08:002012-11-29T08:08:24.066-08:00What's Next?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPShFqyeAovReYO0AMPqEFLeTpX2BWhvbiGdH8JIz1PLnarMBHzSAp1swGzdFeanWRJWNdXS1RNS_J-hExTotjIv3i8eobNKpM4Nnxb7x9qiDFgjIMoTUOggSOqzs03sUjATbw5-BJ08Y/s1600/whats-next.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPShFqyeAovReYO0AMPqEFLeTpX2BWhvbiGdH8JIz1PLnarMBHzSAp1swGzdFeanWRJWNdXS1RNS_J-hExTotjIv3i8eobNKpM4Nnxb7x9qiDFgjIMoTUOggSOqzs03sUjATbw5-BJ08Y/s1600/whats-next.jpg" tea="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what’s next? It’s been going on two weeks now since Ironman Arizona and I feel great. I have recovered way faster than expected. I am slowly getting back into short easy training sessions and resisting the temptation to push it hard. It’s been nice coming home and not feeling the stress of a training schedule looming over my head and not to mention I get to sleep in a later than normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am excited for 2013. I am thankful that I have wonderful supportive sponsors (Hoka One One) that share my vision of inspiring others to do something great. I am thankful for my health and my ability to push through barriers with clubfoot deformity. I am also thankful for the wonderful people I have met in the triathlon community that continue to inspire me as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My 2013 race schedule is in the planning stages and I am looking to challenge myself even more next year. I am looking into racing outside California in more challenging courses and venues. In addition, I am in the planning stages of continuing to support clubfoot organizations through donations and fund raising. I see great things happening in the future. I am excited to see what’s ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, I will enjoy the rest of my short off season before I prepare for 2013. In a few short weeks I will start training again for one of my favorite races, Ironman 70.3 Oceanside. This will be my fourth time racing this event and look forward to it every year. Who knows, maybe I will through in a couple Ironman distances for 2013?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-12863806261330783232012-11-23T19:48:00.001-08:002012-11-24T15:21:44.042-08:00Ironman Arizona 2012 My Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoAUbArhuktYG8vnF9Bw367VjK76EmkiUWm1rlkskbF8mTf5sLXB1KlyCHpbJwDvyz84s_YH3S0sAuyx_R_QvYv-9ceMP_CgENQyUW6uwcybT3lpWZGhRjembeDXxjzyETqlty8mZH-sO/s1600/az3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoAUbArhuktYG8vnF9Bw367VjK76EmkiUWm1rlkskbF8mTf5sLXB1KlyCHpbJwDvyz84s_YH3S0sAuyx_R_QvYv-9ceMP_CgENQyUW6uwcybT3lpWZGhRjembeDXxjzyETqlty8mZH-sO/s320/az3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";">I
never thought I would be writing a race report about an Ironman. However, I
knew the day was coming and it wouldn’t be my last. There were times I thought
I couldn’t accomplish such an amazing feat. I was told it was impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
have corrected clubfoot. My feet, legs, and hips are not like everyone else’s.
I can’t run very well. I am not like the others in my sport. My lower body has
deformities that make running and exercise a very painful experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
again want to thank those who believed in me; my wife, my children, my parents
and my mother and father-in-law. I want to thank Miracle Feet for giving me a
reason to race that was bigger than myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
want to thank my son for giving me a reason to race. Without you I would not
have a cause. Without you, Eli, I would not have a reason to sacrifice the time
and energy it takes to make you proud and to be the best example I can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
want to thank my nutrition sponsor, Xterra Wetsuits, Profile Design and Recovery Pump for getting my legs and feet back to normal after days of hard training and pain. With the Recovery Pump I was able to log mile after mile. I
especially want to thank Hoka One One for their support and one hell of a great
shoe that eased my pain through the marathon. Without your shoes I would be
running in excruciating pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>PRE-RACE<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
day started at 4 am and felt great upon waking up. I managed to get a full
night sleep, which is rare for me the night before a race. I headed down to
transition and felt completely calm, as if it was just another day of training.
I got into transition around five and quickly set up my bike and double-checked
my nutrition. I managed to have some time to kill before the race so I was able
to hang with a few friends, which got my mind off the gigantic physical task
before me.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed to take in a few gels followed
by some electrolyte drink to make sure I topped off my glycogen stores for the
swim. I then headed over to the swim start and saw many panicked, excited and
peaceful faces. The swim start was flooded with emotion and tension. It was
thick in the air and no one could escape what was about to take place.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>SWIM</b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
entered the water along with 1800 other athletes about five minutes before
seven. I quickly scanned the sea of bodies to see what would be a good strategy
for getting to the front of the pack. I decided it would be best to hug the
wall for a few moments and see what others would do before the gun went off. I
quickly discovered that this was not the best idea. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
looked around and saw several people with the same strategy. Before I knew it,
the cannon exploded and I was quickly swallowed by panicked bodies thrashing to
and fro. I am a very strong and confident swimmer and I knew if I rode out the
chaos I soon would be up front where I am most comfortable. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
a few punches to the face, kicks to the stomach, feet to the face, I arrived in
my comfort zone, the front of the pack. In a few brief moments I wove through
traffic and found myself all alone in a comfortable and sustainable quick pace.
About one mile in I began to take in the emotion of the day. I thought to
myself that I would have never thought in a million years I would be doing a
Ironman. I thought of my son and why I was doing this. I thought about
thousands of children born with clubfoot. I thought about my family and my
amazing wife who challenged my to do my first triathlon 5 years ago. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Soon,
I felt a tremendous peace and confidence surge through my body. I sucked in the
energy and felt invincible. I knew today was my day to be an Ironman. As I
looked up I saw the last turn buoy in sight and the sea of bodies exiting the
lake in a crowd of craziness. I was heading into the swim to bike transition.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>BIKE</b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cycling
has always been my strongest of the three sports and I felt that I would be
able to make the 112 mile journey easily. Throughout my training I spent
numerous hours building my endurance and speed. I rode hundreds and hundreds of
miles throughout<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>training and knew
if I got into a steady pace I would be fine. I carried about 1800 calories and
managed to burn through it by the end of the ride. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Heading
out onto the Beeline Highway I felt great. My legs and feet worked together in
unison like well-oiled pistons. The Beeline Highway has a false flat, meaning
you think the road is flat, but really you are climbing a steady incline the
whole way up. The course consisted of three 37.something mile loops. As I made
the first turnaround I was greeted with a tailwind that left me flying down the
Beeline and thirty-plus miles an hour. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
I made my way into town I saw my wife and friends. That added a boost to my
confidence and well-being. During the second lap I began to feel my energy
fade. I realized I was hammering to hard on the bike and I needed to slow my
pace in order to keep from blowing up. The winds out and back during the third
lap where absolutely brutal. They changed from head wind to side wind to tail
wind without warning. I was forced to make some strategic moves in order to
keep my pace and cadence high while maintaining even power and heart rate. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
flatted at mile forty. I was lucky tech support was there to quickly change my
flat and get me back on the road. As I was heading into town after my third lap
I tried to ignore the screaming neck and back cramps I developed around mile
twenty. During this time I began to feel nauseas and almost threw up several
times because of the pain. I managed to suck up every drop of pain as I pulled
into Transition Two, knowing my night had just begun.</div>
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<b>RUN<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
I hit the run course, I still was struggling to shake off the cramps without
success. Soon the DNF (Did Not Finish) demons were resting comfortably on my
shoulder trying to talk me out of completing this marathon. I fought them with
every tool in my mental toolbox, including a brief moment of pause reassuring
myself that the cramps would go away now that I was in an upright position not
hunched over on the bike. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
knew that if I jog/walked slowly I would regain my composure and tick off miles
quicker as the marathon progressed. Throughout the marathon I battled inner
demons and felt my mind rise above my body. Heading out I knew my twisted and
deformed feet would give me the biggest fight of my life, but I was determined
not to give in. Mile six was quickly approaching and I felt my body begin to
loosen up and the remaining miles became less daunting. I quickly rediscovered
my pace and ran at a steady cadence. My feet where in so much pain, but I
ignored them and again thought about why I was attempting something so brutal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
the sun slowly set I began to plan how I was going to finish the marathon. I
sucked up my pain, began to find my inner-strength and focused on one mile at a
time. I managed to see my friends and my wife several times throughout the run,
which left me energized and refocused. I saw the mile 18 marker and my
endorphins kicked in. I ran the remaining miles high on endorphins, which made
my pain non-existent. I crossed mile marker 25 and knew I had this in the bag.
I stopped and sat for a moment, not because I was in pain, but because I wanted
to take a moment to think how far I had come in my life.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>THE FINISH<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
sat on the edge of the wall that surrounded Tempe Town Lake and thought about
the times I doubted myself, my pain, my disability. I thought about the
sacrifice the last six months. The missed events, the early mornings, and late
training sessions. I thought about my family, my amazing and understanding
wife. I thought about my family. I though about my inner-strength and the
opportunity God has given me to be an example and inspiration to others born
with clubfoot. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
took in the moment and rose from that wall. My inner voice reassured me that
that day I would be an Ironman. I tightened up my Hoka’s one last time and
darted to the finish line. It was pitch black by the time I reached the
100-yard marker before the finisher chute. I felt silence and a warm numbness
possess my body as I approached the chute. I felt the energy of the crowd, but
could not anticipate what I would feel next. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
I turned into the finishers chute I was greeted with a large cheering crowd,
bright blinding lights and the indescribable feeling of accomplishment. I
reached deep down inside myself and disregarded all my pains and fears that
day. I tossed them aside and picked up a new me. I picked up my son and his
clubfeet. I picked up a new outlook on life and an unwavering desire to inspire
others to be their best. I quickly ran through the chute reaching for volunteers
to catch my weak body. I fell forward and felt the day come over me like a warm
blanket in the middle of a cold night. I did it. I am an Ironman!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-19770065161204785702012-10-09T12:38:00.002-07:002012-10-09T12:38:47.692-07:00I am ready!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BeXU9ZsrE2bRWvmtOG5aJ2I5X2OZBuv_jAyOXOfhphlZh7ao672uNl2YjQmyA_QdGRNAz-zoI-LPb-46oA1IF5DwiDmtvekoOgmY4QpMdp30jrTvqqJRLvZiobG6IWLFKWmdF6RGiPh6/s1600/im+ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BeXU9ZsrE2bRWvmtOG5aJ2I5X2OZBuv_jAyOXOfhphlZh7ao672uNl2YjQmyA_QdGRNAz-zoI-LPb-46oA1IF5DwiDmtvekoOgmY4QpMdp30jrTvqqJRLvZiobG6IWLFKWmdF6RGiPh6/s320/im+ready.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here we are a few weeks away from taper week. Many great things have happened in the last nineteen weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have seen my body transform into a well-oiled machine. I am feeling tired and beat up but in a very positive and healthy way. I am feeling way stronger, leaner and in way better shape than last year’s race season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have made some big changes in my diet (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">now a vegan</b>) and nutrition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost some serious weight and I think this is a good thing. As I begin to log more and more miles on my feet I am feeling less pain. I am seeing my feet get stronger daily but I still struggle with daily pain but it’s getting easier. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I contribute this to my weight loss, fantastic shoes, my Hoka One One’s and my Recovery Pump, (I will be writing a reviews on Recovery Pump soon) and solid nutrition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my 2011 race season I raced at 180 which is considerably high for a triathlete. This year I am going into Ironman Arizona at 160-165. I have noticed that shedding some weight my feet are taking way less of a pounding than normal. I am finishing 18-20 miles with less pain than usual and looking forward to 26.2 miles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have discovered a few things about Ironman training these 19 weeks that I did not expect. Perhaps many of you veterans have felt these things and can relate. I knew that is would be physically draining but did not realize that most of its mental preparation for pain, stress, nervous anxiety and tremendous rushes of endorphins. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have spent 20 plus hours a week locked into my shell of solitude training alone and only rely on myself to get through the next mile. I have developed a thick skin against myself doubt and negative thinking. It’s me and only me that am going to be on that course and I must learn to get along with who I am if I want to finish strong. I also rely on seeing the big picture to help me through training. I think about kids with clubfoot and my son. It’s important to realize that sometimes this race is not about me, it’s about them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After 19 weeks of training, 2 training sessions a day, 4:30 a.m. wake up calls, multiple threshold rides/runs and back to back 100 mile rides I am ready to get to the starting line! I have put in the work and hours and I am looking forward to taking on this adventure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This would be a good time to personally thank my sponsors and supporters for this year. Without them as individuals and great products I am not sure how I would be feeling today. First without a doubt I want to thank <strong>Hoka One One</strong> for a tremendous shoe that I recommend to anyone with or without a foot deformity. In addition, a big thanks <strong>Hammer Nutrition</strong> for getting me through 6-7 hour training rides and workouts. I have relied heavily on Hammer gels, and Perpeteum solids to get me to the next level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so thankful to <strong>Recovery Pump</strong> and the generous offer to test and use their product. I use my pump daily and have seen a remarkable change in my inflammation and recovery. There is no way that I could have imagined having clubfoot and running and cycling the distances I have without Recovery Pump. As mentioned earlier I will be giving a full review in a few days so please check back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks <strong>Profile Design</strong> for the RMC rear hydration system and <strong>Zoot </strong>for replacing my old training gear for 2013 upgrades and <strong>Xterra Wetsuits</strong> for providing me a suit that will keep me a float as I drag my clubfeet through the water! I love my <strong>Rudy Project</strong> swifty's and helmets which make a great addition to my gear bag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Only a few more weeks until full blown taper and looking forward to updating you then!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-74611400194889986472012-07-22T16:45:00.001-07:002012-07-22T16:45:50.049-07:00Race Day Update, Solona Beach Triathlon<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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4 am wake up call, sleepy eyes, cramped feet and a fatigued
body from weeks of training is how my morning started as I headed out to the
Solona Beach Triathlon this morning. It was a great race today. </div>
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Today’s race was not so much a priority race rather a small trial run for Ironman Arizona. I headed into the swim just
taking my time as the other athletes in my age division rushed into the water
where they where swept back by the waves, inexperience, panic and high heart
rates. </div>
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I managed 10<sup>th</sup> out of
the water in eight minutes flat. I began the long run on paved road (damn that
hurt) into t2 taking my time as I felt my heart rate plummet to a tolerable
beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked on raising my
cadence (96-106 rpm) on the bike to ride more efficiently rather then mashing
out big gears that eventually destroy my legs leaving nothing in the tank for
the run. </div>
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Much to my surprise I headed into
the run with fresh legs thanks to modifications on my pedal strokes and power outage. My feet really worked with me today! I contribute this
to my new Hoka One One’s. My feet are well supported and cushioned which made
for a faster run split this year. This year I decided to ditch the heart rate
monitor. I always pay way to much attention to my heart rate during a race. I
focus way too much on this. My distraction slows me down and does nothing for
me other than showing me that I am working hard. I felt naked with out it but I
liked the feeling of being nude for this race. </div>
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Overall it was a great day. I am
not completely happy but that’s my type A personality getting the best of me. I
just wanted to take it easy today and work on a few things as I prepare for Ironman
Arizona and with that respect it was a good day today!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-87493835239407624152012-07-18T09:25:00.003-07:002012-07-18T09:27:09.622-07:00Countdown<br />
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I thought it would be a great Idea to keep everyone in the loop how my training is going and how I am managing my daily pain. Well, that was supposed to happen six weeks ago. Once again I have fallen victim to limited time, laziness, procrastination and utter fatigue from training twice a day not to mention being a dad! I once again apologize for starting this late but I hope this can provide you with some insight to my daily training routine. </div>
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So here I am, 6 weeks into a very difficult and challenging
training schedule for Ironman Arizona. I am currently using a 24-week training
schedule that consists of 15-25 hours a week of swim, bike and run. In the
early stages of training for an Ironman, I am working on general endurance
training. This means many hours a day working on all three sports. The most
challenging is the run. </div>
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Having clubfoot and being an endurance athlete do not go
together well. However, I have been fortunate thus far to achieve what seems
impossible. It simply is not easy doing what I am doing. Many nights I come
home after training and deal with a significant amount of pain. Some days I can
barley walk and limp about the house until I train again. Why do I even try,
you ask? It’s for my son, fellow club footer, and the rest of you that are
affected by clubfoot or have a child born with this disability. I do it for
you. To show you that anything is possible regardless of what limitations may
be before us.</div>
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My typical training day starts around 5:00 am. I head to the
pool and swim for an hour, working on my speed and endurance. After the pool, I
head into the weight room where I work on strengthening my feet and calf
muscles. It is important not to neglect strength training when dealing with
clubfoot. Your feet are the foundation and it needs to be a strong foundation
in order to complete a race of 140 miles. I arrive home 2 hours later so that I
can spend time with my family and, of course, eat quite a bit for my second
workout of the day. </div>
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In the afternoon, I prepare for my second workout which
usually is a run or bike session. I typically bike about 30 miles, working on
speed, endurance, and strength. If I have a run scheduled for the day, it
usually is anywhere from 4 miles to 20 miles. At the end of the week I have
covered around 100 miles or so on the bike, many miles in the pool and about 20
miles running.</div>
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At the end of the day, I try to rest my feet as much as I
can. I stretch them and ice them throughout the night. I have a very difficult
time walking about the house, but mange as best as I can. The following morning
is the absolute worst experience in having clubfoot. I wake up to tremendous
pain. It takes me several minutes to prepare my body to get out of bed. As the
day progresses, it gets better, but I am never pain free.</div>
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As the weeks progress in my training, I will be sure to
update you on my progress, pain management advice and how I am doing overall.
Again, it’s not easy doing what I am doing. If I can help one child born with
clubfoot or motivate someone with clubfoot to be the best they can be
regardless of a disability, it makes it all worth it. It also makes 140 miles
of swim, bike and run much easier to fathom!</div>
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Stay tuned for more updates!</div>
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<br /></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-91619976442010762122012-05-22T11:15:00.000-07:002012-05-22T11:15:48.902-07:00Rudy Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizih2dDjTSzh_xDC5NmcVihHT3ojz1w74QZNf4GRFqriHNsoYhLdnROpgDiqrg8yJicXkEdVC56UACEzg0CylZyYmTjWX9MDMfWGurG02flfGrwgU6ajXoi9VLpP994G03osY9fJ1k5raq/s1600/rudyProject.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizih2dDjTSzh_xDC5NmcVihHT3ojz1w74QZNf4GRFqriHNsoYhLdnROpgDiqrg8yJicXkEdVC56UACEzg0CylZyYmTjWX9MDMfWGurG02flfGrwgU6ajXoi9VLpP994G03osY9fJ1k5raq/s320/rudyProject.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I spend a significant amount of time training and especially riding my bike for hours on end during the week. It’s been a great experience getting out and training my body to endure long course racing such as Ironman. As a result of spending numerous hours training I tend to wear out a lot of gear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had the pleasure of testing out a few products here and there. Some products are mediocre and some meet the quality and standards that athletes want in an invested product.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had the opportunity to try a few products from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rudy Project</b>. I am excited about their company and the quality of their eye wear and innovative helmet designs. My first initial reaction receiving the product is that Rudy spends a significant amount of time on packaging design and creating a beautiful product that makes your invest more appealing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tested the Swifty Racing edition sunglasses. The Swifty’s are extremely light weight and sleek in design. The sleekness of the design creates and outstanding aerodynamic feel. The lens quality is superb as the road appeared crystal clear with minimal glare. I am real sunlight sensitive and felt no need to strain my eyes to stay focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other advantage of the Swifty is the interchangeable lenses that can be used for different conditions. The Swifty also accepts RX prescription lenses and change in and out with ease. The Swifty’s are light weight and the superb construction is noticeable once you put them on. I have tried several name brand glasses including Under Armour, Oakley and several others but non compare to the innovative design look and feel of Rudy Project’s Swifty Racing Edition. I highly recommend these for training and racing at all levels and disciplines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One other product that Rudy makes is quality and well-designed helmets for all activities on the road. I tried the Sterling and immediately felt comforted and safe. The helmet is light weight a provides eighteen vents for cooling and air flow. The summer is coming up and 4-6 hour rides are in my future and I am looking forward to these vents cooling my head. The straps and pads are extremely easy to adjust and position to your needs. I love the dial locking system in the back of the helmet to make adjustments easy as needed. This is a very comfortable and light helmet. I especially like the mesh liner because its helps keep my sweat form my eyes during hard and hot rides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The padding is exceptional and comfortable and can be replaced with larger pads as needed. The helmet comes with a great carry bag as for travel before and after races and training. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, I am excited about my products and look forward to using them in the years to come. I believe based on construction and sound design they will be on my list of recommended products, Rudy’s customer service is exceptional. Rudy prides its self on customer satisfaction and service which is crucial to creating a great product. I highly recommend Rudy Project for all your head and eye needs.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/index_inner_detail.php?group_id=1&cat_id=&item_id=SP14076931WR1"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/index_inner_detail.php?group_id=1&cat_id=&item_id=SP14076931WR1</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/index_inner.php?group_id=3&cat_id=88">http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/index_inner.php?group_id=3&cat_id=88</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-54422256864356890142012-05-09T13:30:00.001-07:002012-05-10T08:48:46.325-07:00Hoka One One Time To Fly<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running shoes, shoes, shoes and more shoes what can I say? I have literally seen them all and, even more, have tried them all. My bank account can surely testify to the fact that I don’t have a shoe fetish, but, rather a desire to find something that will make my feet, hips and knees happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have tried trendy triathlon shoes, casual walkers, racing flats and cutting edge shoes that promise new personal records and even lower heart rates. Claim after claim. What am I to do? Well, my feet and I set out on a journey to find the best shoes that will allow me to race and train with little or no pain. I knew it was a long shot, but after many hours and research, trial and error, I have been able to say with confidence that my feet and I now have a mutual understanding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friends, I am eager to report to you that the search has been declared over. Why do you ask? Have I given up on running? Have my feet fallen off? Or did I, wait for it, find a shoe that actually makes me run and train with less pain and inflammation?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">May I introduce you to my new love and best friend Hoka One One. Hoka One One has delivered to me a present that has long been hiding under my proverbial Christmas tree. I contacted Hoka in hopes that they would allow me the privilege of trying their shoes to try to make a breakthrough in my search.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hoka’s Jay and Cyrus where so gracious to send me a pair of Bondi B’s to try and I eagerly accepted. My initial reaction was that these shoes do not look like the typical running shoe. They have an over sized and wider look to them. But this serves a well-designed purpose. The Hoka One One Bondi B and Mafate style provide exceptional cushioning and support that I have never felt before. This is crucial for clubfooters because each stride brings a pounding on the joints and ligaments like no other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have put in several miles thus far while wearing the Hoka’s and I am glad to report a significant reduction in pain and swelling after each training session. Dare I say, I am looking forward to my next run, especially my next race in 4 weeks? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am amazed at the quality and design behind the shoe; pure genius in my opinion. Hokas provide an exceptionally cushioned ride. In addition to their Trail running shoes, Hoka now offers a road running shoe of similar design and cushioning system. As I am writing this, I am wearing their causal black leather shoe that serves well in the work place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am no shoe expert, but I can tell you how I feel. I don’t know all the correct terms and lingo, but I can tell you I feel great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I guess, in a sense I have become a bit of an expert in my shoe journey and I have tried numerous shoes and none compare to the Hoka One One. I am pleased to be working with them this year and want to thank them for their sponsorship. I will definitely be racing Ironman Arizona in my Hoka’s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I highly recommend looking into getting a pair for clubfoot pain. These shoes provide the cushioning that we all need and the stability we all desire. I won’t leave home without em!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.hokaoneone.com/</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIeCw3CloG-a_M9p5-uirU8jZbViVc6-cFxDrX7bFi4yMP2oXEf0KijxtABTGRl3gQKpxg4Z9CEqEwq97xn8ZxJyilIVWi5cYvzFovBcHbikLCJp3DiYMRgjuen1LC5ZGUyjE1vSVX6i5/s1600/hokalogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIeCw3CloG-a_M9p5-uirU8jZbViVc6-cFxDrX7bFi4yMP2oXEf0KijxtABTGRl3gQKpxg4Z9CEqEwq97xn8ZxJyilIVWi5cYvzFovBcHbikLCJp3DiYMRgjuen1LC5ZGUyjE1vSVX6i5/s1600/hokalogo.png" /></a></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-6868512727467419852012-05-02T11:52:00.003-07:002012-05-02T12:31:07.283-07:00Chronic Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="299" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a2UZE3CoZ1jdNJ2PGTIlCWsyrxFKjt0G88EG-YhI6OwqpBI_FXuSpvNiVGg-zklKt5nl7LI9YCyMIGRgY22jqobaWRZdmPW3x5fjzWDwV74ygEZx57Ha5XdM6jy7cr_0j0AT3eik7ZBQ/s320/FootPain.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remember some time ago I heard someone refer to their clubfoot pain as chronic. I guess I just took that word for granted because I heard it some years ago when I was much younger and never really cared what it meant to others. When I was younger I never fully understood the lasting effects that clubfoot has on a person and myself. So in the true sense of the word my pain is daily, sever at times, irritating, episodic and totally incapacitating at times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chronic pain can be considered a persistent type of pain lasting for three to six months or longer and lingers beyond the expected course of healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often chronic pain among clubfooters can lead to depression, anxiety and a general sense of helplessness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many ways that people choose to deal with their clubfoot pain but others tend to ignore the implications of sitting around and feeling helpless and depressed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did that for many years and watched as my health took a steady nose dive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been following many other clubfooters and clubfoot forums via social media sites and find in general depression and helplessness to be a common theme. I find that many parents are confused about what clubfoot methods are best for their children, people refused disability insurance because their governments refuse to recognize clubfoot as a disability, people who are unable to work because their jobs require them to stand, women who are unable to wear fancy shoes to dinner parties and social gatherings, children and adults facing multiple surgeries that seem to be doing no good at all. The list goes on and on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If anything living with a disability that limits motion and creates a significant amount of pain can be devastating. I am thankful that there are like minded clubfooters that share a desire to see each other through tuff and painful times both mentally and physically. I am excited that parents have recourses available to them to make sound and informed decisions regarding their child’s health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes clubfoot pain will never go away and become chronic. This seems to be the only guarantee from the medical community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder how many exciting things and wonderful things we could do if we harness our depression and helplessness and use it for good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to offer some encouragment to my fellow clubfooters experiencing trying times to take the negative and turn it into to a positive way of coping with a debilitating deformity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps staring a blog, sharing with others your tips and advice living with pain, helping children with clubfoot, reaching out to orginizations such as Miracle Feet to see how you can help, donating resources and time in your comminuty, finding other clubfooters in your area and get together, encourage one another and challenge yourself to do something you never thought you could do with clubfoot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Triathlon and endurance racing has been my outlet. I have chosen to defy the medical community and the odds stacked against me. I have taken my life sentence of pain and used it to encourage my son and others with clubfoot deformity to push themselves to become active and ambassadors for the clubfoot community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This in itself has helped me deal with my pain because my pain now has a purpose. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did however follow my doctor’s advice for many years and the end result was an overweight, unproductive, unhealthy blob of depression wondering why or if I would ever fit in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I watch my son play and run with his friends and I wonder if he too will be experiencing what I go through on a daily basis. I hope that my efforts to encourage others and bring awareness to clubfoot deformity will have a positive and lasting effect on his life as he grows older and learns what the word chronic means.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-62337934266281302032012-03-09T11:53:00.003-08:002012-03-09T18:52:25.393-08:00Athlete In Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AM9ALqThoUCPeSduGwqH_ziilxapuM9LCqxiPdL3LOnmJvff6isoO0Zt8sWm_v9TaFPABsWzjgBEgDZBWqtyLRggea_rZAExKhHlg4TU0jwzyFniyfDh0GqZ2vKAoV3Yd4p47vywj3iM/s1600/Athletes+in+pain+KONA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AM9ALqThoUCPeSduGwqH_ziilxapuM9LCqxiPdL3LOnmJvff6isoO0Zt8sWm_v9TaFPABsWzjgBEgDZBWqtyLRggea_rZAExKhHlg4TU0jwzyFniyfDh0GqZ2vKAoV3Yd4p47vywj3iM/s320/Athletes+in+pain+KONA.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just wanted to share what has been going on with training these last few weeks as I prepare for Ironman 70.3 California.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">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.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">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!" </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">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.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">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!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">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.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some people have asked what my race schedule looks like. So here is my race schedule for the year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ironman 70.3 California </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">San Diego Tri Club race</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tour De Cure Century Ride</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">San Diego Triathlon Classic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">San Diego International triathlon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Solana Beach triathlon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mission Bay triathlon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ironman Arizona</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay tuned for a race update!</span></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-88691700860716959532012-03-02T08:08:00.002-08:002012-03-02T08:08:59.598-08:00Motivational Monday Comes Early To Friday.Hi all please welcome Kathleen with another great story of encouragement and strength!<br />
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<div style="font: 10.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;"><b>The Gift That Keeps On Giving... Thanks Mom! </b><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande';"><b><br />
</b></span><b>Current mood: grateful </b><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande';"><b><br />
</b></span><b>Category: </b><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.viewCategory&FriendID=28488104&BlogCategoryID=12"><span style="color: #3211fd; font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Life</b></span></a><b> </b></div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">My original post was lost in cyberspace along with some older Blogs. <b>This is a re-post</b> </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">This was a letter I sent to a young woman with Arthrogryposis in response to a question about how I felt about growing up and living with a disability.</div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">It took me many years and a lot of hard work to understand I was not alone. Since I was born in the 50's life tended to be isolating... I was the only "handicapped" kid in my classes until high school. </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">I will share with you what is now termed an "Aha Moment" in my life, which paved the way for a "Take Life By The Horns" attitude which is still with me today. </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">When I was 5 yrs old we lived in military housing in Germany. At this time I had a 3" difference in leg lengths and wore the old metal braces on both legs, both hands and feet were severely clubbed. I refer to these times as my, "Iron Maiden Days." </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">Mom would let me play in the front yard, while she did her magic on her sewing machine..she loved making me beautiful dresses, always with one eye on me through the big picture window in the front room. </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">On this sunny day, I had been playing with the neighborhood kids, when one particular boy a few years older than me, referred to me in a term I had never heard, nor knew the meaning of. </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">However, I did know right off the bat, that this tone, and body language which accompanied the word were usually not used with terms of endearment. </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">In my determined way, I ran in the house.. well.. waddled in, and with a loud voice and a very stern look on my angelic face asked my mom, "Mommy, am I a cripple?" </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">Her one word answer was straight forward and matter of fact.</div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">It was all I needed to hear to send me back outside, with confidence and tenacity, as if I knew I was being watched over by General Patton and his entire Army. </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">I turned on my heels, limped back outside as though I was a soldier heading for the front line of battle. As I approached my accuser, I looked him straight in the eyes and in tandem as I raised my right arm to his body, to make sure he completely understood me, I knocked him over while uttering these words with an attitude of sheer determination and confidence, "I AM NOT A CRIPPLE!!!!" </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">One word, one moment in time.... Neither of us really knew that at that moment, Mom had given me the greatest gift that day.... one that I would re-open everyday, for the rest of my life. </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">Focusing on the good "Aha" moments of my life is something which takes practice and determination, but by doing so, I have made my Arthrogryposis an asset, one that has enriched my life far more profoundly than I could have ever imagined in my wildest dreams. </div><div style="font: 13.5px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 1.4px 0.0px 1.4px 0.0px;">I am sharing this with you in the hopes that you too, will find the strength to look past those stares, comments and moments of outright discrimination to know that who you are has nothing to do with other people's opinion of you. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-65298374816946446092012-02-06T07:55:00.000-08:002012-02-06T07:57:08.226-08:00Motivational Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafa_YfRoyDJvWa479J_x9IM14onyhsBwf8mVL_yOazjluAZewq4CkQdxOBeLPW9pj90II791s-zvkXupSuQQqpruouXVCLCQumH3aO4S71in1M35I5InvfL4ZEoNJG3THrpg5znK0RNlB/s1600/mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafa_YfRoyDJvWa479J_x9IM14onyhsBwf8mVL_yOazjluAZewq4CkQdxOBeLPW9pj90II791s-zvkXupSuQQqpruouXVCLCQumH3aO4S71in1M35I5InvfL4ZEoNJG3THrpg5znK0RNlB/s1600/mm.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Over the last few months this blog has grown and in the process I have met wonderful people with stories of strength and determination not allowing a disability such as clubfoot limit the potential that each person has. I decided that I wanted to share with others what motivates and encourages me. "Motivational Monday's" are dedicated for a guest to write a blog describing their unique situations and how they live with a disability especially post clubfoot treatment.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Please welcome Sam!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Hello all,</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Please bare with me, as not typed up a blog before. First time for everything. Let me tell you bit about me. My name's Samantha, i'm 28 years old nearly 29 and from the UK in a town called Watford. I was born 8 weeks prematurely with bilateral clubfeet. I also had breathing difficulties and a heart murmour. When I was born I had to be transferred to a different Hospital in London. This was because the hospital I was born in had no specialised baby care unit at the time.Around 5 months before I was born, my mum didn't know she was expecting me at the time. I had my very holiday abroad to Vancouver Canada :-). I had a very interesting begining of my journey.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I recovered well from my birth. When I was 6 months old I had my first operation on both feet to length my tendons. Then when I was still a baby, I then full castings on both legs. I didn't crawl as a baby just rolled a long. I was extremely lucky as when had one of the castings off, they accidently cut my foot. I had my first steps when I was 16 months old. The treatment still wasn't enough. When I was around</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">2 and a half. I had my tendons lengthened again. When I was 6 years old I had to wear Dennis Brown boots with the bar accross at night time. I also had to do daily exercises. Whilst growing up I was aware that I also had a hip condition and my knees were always knocked knees. My balance hasn't been 100%.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">My diagnosis wasn't picked up til last year. I was misdiagnosed as a child. Surgen told me I had an ancepatuated hip. (more movement on one side). Not sure on correct spelling. Last year I found out I was born with Increased Anterversion on both hips and different leg lengths. Recently found my right ankle and my hips have created extra length on my right side. Also found out recently my right leg mussles aren't working how they should. Its my stronger leg and put all my weight on that side. My left leg mussles are working how they should. Both my ankles are still very stiff. My left foot is more of a normal shape, whereas my right ankle is more inwards and my foot is more deformed to more inside on the lower leg. Hard to describe. Mostly my right ankles causes me more pain when I walk.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Dispite all my walking difficulties, I mainly always tried putting a brave face and compensating since I was a small child. I had my sister to grow up with, she is just under 12 months younger than me. I had to face lots of outside difficulties too. I was bulled in the infants (5-8 years old roughly) I got bullied because I walked intoed and had a speach impairment. I become very shy, depressed and withdrawn. I joined the Brownies and Guides. Both improved my confidence. I have been camping, been on assult courses and pot holing once. When was in secondary school (High School, 11-16 years old) I was became very frustrated depressed, lost my confidence, I was bullied and felt very alone. I had a few good friends. School work took me hours, which couldn't understand as I was in the top groups in nearly all subjects and began having more problems with my sister and my parents at times. I have battled with anxiety and depression mostly and had my first panic attack when I was 17. I perserved and retook a couple of my GCSE'S at college over 3 years and achieved a higher grade.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I didn't find out til I was 22, I had dyslexia. This took me time getting used to it and made a lot of sense. Since then my written work has improved considerably. I have studied a lot of the years and gone on to university and graduated last year. I have had excellent support at my university. I didn't think I would graduate just over 5 years ago. I had a near death experience. I was involved in an hit and run accident head on. I broke both my shoulders badly and made them worse when I fell. Also fractured my pelvis and had some bumps, grazes and bruises. I lost all my full movement in both arms and had to learn to walk again. Surgen mended my shoulders well and had excellent physios.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">After a few months after my accident, although I was still recovering and gaining my full movement in my arms, I was advised to go back to work. I was only there part time. I also started learning to drive again. it took me about a year to make a full recovery. I had two metal plates placed in my shoulders, left one seven inches and right eight inches. My nan although she is lovely, she is judgemental and she wouldn't let me have a wheelchair when left hospital, when was entitled to one. I also managed to cope with pain taking mild pain killers, should of took more stronger ones. They made me sick and more unwell. A few years ago I had my right plate removed and key hole.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I have also tough times living with relatives and been stressful at times and controlling and forgetting I was a fully grown woman. In addition to coping with studying and I have been harrassed and bullied in the workplace too and negative thoughts from peers and friends and family.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_132854264386692" style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Although I am still suffering from all my physical and mental health and learning disability. I have managed to hang in there, coped just about when I had orthodontic treatment done in my late teen-early 20's. Achieved learning to drive after about 4 years of learning and with out having a long stable relationship before. I feel like that I have been given a second chance to improve myself and find happiness. I have wished to find love sooner to help me and keep me sane. I've accomplished many things, that may have seemed impossible and travalled around UK by myself too. I've have recently got a temporary starting this month. This is now start of my journey back in the workplace. I still have lots of goals I wish to achieve and hoping that the right man will come along soon to share my life with and no longer have to cope a lone anymore :-).</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I forgot to add I got full movement in both my shoulders and had a long road trip to Dorset and Devon and mostly was on my own. Never again on my own. It was very stressful and an experience. I've done it. Big achievement.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Its important to stay true to yourself, achieve your goals and listen to your own instincts. Only you know whats best for you, know who you are, your limitations and knowing your feelings. Not take on too much that you can't cope with. Others can't tell you how you should feel. Know you shouldn't have regrets, I do wish i'd listened to myself more and not worry about others and everything else and not be controlled and freeze when things get too much.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I hope you find my blog interesting and inspiring. Sorry for such a long blog too.</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">All the best and take care</span></div><div style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Sam x</span></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-55733459148815101062012-01-18T10:14:00.000-08:002012-01-18T11:22:28.632-08:00Another Year, Another Number<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WY0gEbkJICULlx-G2dGCRMRWGDAwbgcfzX4CEFpit7UaJLkKOyDIAIEtssbvgdglQg7xis-r9howBpAM76mV0kEAfu6AiJ-Os2jfxBzHzPm_SEfYXhEDHQerdwOSdR6CVypNB8Lb-uEf/s1600/wheels_of_life.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WY0gEbkJICULlx-G2dGCRMRWGDAwbgcfzX4CEFpit7UaJLkKOyDIAIEtssbvgdglQg7xis-r9howBpAM76mV0kEAfu6AiJ-Os2jfxBzHzPm_SEfYXhEDHQerdwOSdR6CVypNB8Lb-uEf/s320/wheels_of_life.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">January is always a fun month for me. My son’s birthday is a day before mine and it’s the time of year that I run in the Carlsbad Marathon with several of my close friends and family. This year is particularly special for me because my wife who is a type 1 diabetic will be making a comeback after many years of battling a thyroid disorder. It also is a time for me to think about another birthday and a year that has gone by way to fast.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I am not too excited about turning thirty-seven, but, at the same time, I am extremely thankful for my health, a supportive awesome wife, amazing kids, and the fact that my disability has caused me to see life in a new and exciting way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am not a marathoner or pretend to be, but I enjoy taking my body to its limits. As I think about the Carlsbad Marathon and my birthday coming up I realize that my body is slowly starting to feel the effects of years of racing and training with corrected clubfoot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I often wonder how much more my feet can take. I am slowly starting to feel the effects of Plantar Fasciitis setting in among other things. My feet sometimes are very painful in ways that are new to me but I try to ignore it. I figure that I will race until they do not work anymore and when that happens I have no problem racing in a wheel chair (believe me I will do it).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortuately these new aches and pains are becoming a constant reality and reminder that I am still have some mechanical failures that I was born with. As a result of my clubfoot I have to reconsider how I approach each race and training session as the years go on. These changes are not going to comply with my type-A personality but it seems to be a reality that is leering its head around the corner. I have always pushed through the pain though. Even as a young child I remember playing soccer, football, and baseball in so much pain; I ignored it and played on. It’s who I am. It has always been in me to never give in to clubfoot pain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As my birthday approaches next week, I find that getting older is not always easy both physically and mentally but it is what it is. As I read other clubfoot blogs and meet fellow clubfooters I have discovered that we all share a common anxiety. We wonder how much damage we are doing. We wonder if we will always have to be in extreme pain on a daily basis. We wonder if there is hope or some new surgery that can fix us or if we will be in a wheel chair someday. The doctors do not do much to help either. They do not give us any hope or encouragement rather we are left with each other. As a matter of fact the last orthopedic surgeon I spoke with called me an idiot for being an endurance athlete.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With that being said I often rely on fellow clubfooters to motivate me to press on as I get older. It’s the clubfoot community where we share our tricks and help each other find ways to ease the pain living with corrected clubfoot. We offer each other support and advice. This is what keeps me moving not the doctors. We, as a small community of people suffering from an unrecognized disability, are offering the best support and advice to each other on a daily basis. This community has given me the best advice I have ever received.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even if I have to run/walk during the half marathon , Ironman, and my hectic triathlon season this year, I will always do it with pride and thankfulness knowing that I belong to a community of people dealing with the same struggles and pain as I do.</span></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050401733804726273.post-48155394235951653722011-12-14T10:38:00.000-08:002011-12-14T11:49:47.165-08:00My Perfect Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxnvvMckK2hjiOpSfnqLISgvhfwtfcmFxtnFZKhS0inVe9ENM5jnZv2pCT8ny44sC0jhlM_KA23BrNx0SPawgE4CLxdEQqA0UKiaWlUN7Pzuchls8g6vr49ZVM3kgqKwqjMhyl8iX2Dal/s1600/gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxnvvMckK2hjiOpSfnqLISgvhfwtfcmFxtnFZKhS0inVe9ENM5jnZv2pCT8ny44sC0jhlM_KA23BrNx0SPawgE4CLxdEQqA0UKiaWlUN7Pzuchls8g6vr49ZVM3kgqKwqjMhyl8iX2Dal/s320/gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I reviewed my training plan for the day. It read, Workout # 1, 3500 yard swim with various warm up sets followed by drills and race pace efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Workout # 2, 75 minute spin at zone two effort. The time has come and December quickly pounced on me like a hungry cheetah chasing its next meal. My training for Ironman Arizona, Ironman 70.3 and various Olympic distance events this season is now in full swing and my sore legs and sore deformed feet send painful reminders as why I challenge myself with a disability<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking back over the years, and as I previously mentioned triathlon has been a major part of my life. It’s a sport that welcomes all regardless of ability or disability. It’s a sport that encourages individual effort and challenges a person to dig deep and to see what they are really made of. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, it’s not so much the sport that drives me so to wake up early, train 15-20 hours a week, adhere to a strict diet and sacrifice my social life. It’s the discovery that my disability is a gift that has brought many great things into my life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Years ago, before I woke up and realized that I was given a gift I felt defeated and angry that I was born with a deformity at that the time was treated with unnecessary surgeries that may have caused more damage than good. I was angry that I had surgery and that my feet now look more cosmetically perfect than functional. I was pissed that my son was born with the same thing and that he will have to endure the same challenges I do. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My painful reminders, radiating through my legs and deformed feet challenges me towards a greater cause. It’s my gift. My gift of two feet that don’t work, that have brought me great joy rather than disappointment the last five years since my son’s birth. Through this journey I have meet such wonderful people such as parents of children born with clubfoot, fellow athletes struggling with disabilities, a supportive clubfoot community, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>many clubfoot organizations, owners of triathlon shops, sales reps of major shoe companies and triathlon gear. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s because of these people I am able to share my gift with others as we work together to bring awareness to the ever growing population of children and adults living with clubfoot. It’s a cause that sends the message that we can, with our gift make a difference in people’s lives</span></div>Tony Spinetohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12244098788855645681noreply@blogger.com0