New as new can get

Hi everyone. Let me start by saying that after looking through this site, it is great to see the community of people who share ideas, goals, thoughts, etc. so freely and honestly. I am so glad I came across this site at this time in my life. Here is my story:
I used to be a smoker, over weight and out of shape. I was 27 and looking at 30 coming on and knowing that if I kept up my
destructive habits, I was going to pay for it. I stopped smoking, lost 40 pounds, and joined a gym. I worked out religiously, watched everything I ate, and started running. I entered mostly 5k's and one 10k. I even finished in the top three in my age group in a couple of them. Things were going great, and I felt the best I had ever felt in my life. I had visions of taking it another step and was going to start training for a triathlon. I volunteered at one just to see what it was all about, and after being around those people, I knew I wanted to be a part of that community. I had never learned how to swim, at least not for any great distance. So, I signed up for swimming lessons at the local Y and I was on my way. Then, it happened. I was lifting crates in the store that I managed, and I felt a little pinch. Didn't think much of it. A month goes by and I started getting horrible pains in my back and leg.
I went to several doctors and chiropractors and nobody could pinpoint exactly what was wrong with me. I had test after test done and nobody could seem to find the problem or give my any relief. Little did I know that the next 3 1/2 years of my life would be put on hold. I suffered pain with every step, every aspect of my life was affected. Obviously, I had to stop my fitness regimen. It took all I could muster just to get out of bed in the morning and get on with my day. The only thing I had to look forward to was going to bed at night, just to get some relief when I laid down. My life was a living hell. Fast forward to today. A couple of weeks ago, some new doctors that I had been seeing finally found the problem. A blown out disc that had broken off and was floating around in my spinal column. Some how, it had never been caught before after all of this time. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday, the 29th. I once again have hope, as it appears the surgery will fix my back and I will be able to once again lead a normal, pain free life. So, where is all of this going? I have set a goal to pick up where I left off. After surgery, I will once again hit the pool, and brush up on those swimming lessons. I will complete my first triathlon by the end of this summer. I hope to use this site as a tool to get me there. I am going to draw on the knowledge and experience of all of the great people on this site to help me achieve this goal. I figured I would share my story as a contribution to the great advice on this site. I hope that it will remind all of you to not take your good health for granted and to take care of yourself every day. I am looking forward to getting started and getting to know all of you. Take care.