Subject: Trying to Return A couple years back i started to get the triathlon bug. Now for those that know me, I am not built for endurance racing, but after finishing my first sprint, i was hooked. Unlike many my goals were simple: finish, finish in the top 90 percent, try to get top 70 percent in one of the 3 disciplines, etc. So my expectations werent high. I just loved competing. I did several local races and traveled to one and had a blast. Belive or not, i was getting faster with each race. In the offseason last year, i decided that i wanted to do a half marathon, thinking it would boost my endurance. I trained for 3 months and was able to do it at a steady 11 minute per mile pace. Then the following month, i was struck with chest pains and was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia. I researched it a lot and thought-BAM-its over. I spent the next few months going to different specialists and running every test under the sun and determine that my heart is strong as an ox even though i get the tachycardia at times. I am still undergoing a lot of tests and monitoring, but recently got cleared to start training again. So i have. I am not pushing it, going very slow. First sign of any discomfort and i will stop. Unbelievably, i havent experienced any pains, palps, flutters. This very slow, gradual building, may be the key for me. My goal is to do a sprint again next year. Same goals (back of the packer ): be there and finish. I want to show everyone that if this is something you like, you dont have to sit on the sidelines. Get in tune with your body, find what works, know your limitations and work to improve within those constraints, and most of all have fun. I wont be winning any races, but when i finish my next tri i know i would have won a much bigger race and thats what matters to me. |