Perspective!

This past Sunday at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, a 46-year old man from Austin, TX died during the swim segment. Reports say that he suffered from a major cardiac event upon entry into the frigid 49 degree waters. Rescuers immediately attempted to resuscitate him in the water, but were unsuccessful. The race director claims this is the first death in the triathlon's 33 year history.

Whenever I hear about an average person who is trying to stay fit die during exercise, it hits very close to home. I have cardio vascular disease, more specifically atherosclerosis, and have survived three episodes where my right coronary artery (RCA) was blocked. The RCA is commonly known as the widow maker! During one of these episodes my RCA was 100% blocked, and happened while I was on a training ride. I rode my bike straight into the ER since I was only about a mile away and it was all downhill. That was the most painful, intense experience in my life. The Doctor told me I was very close to my heart stopping! I lucked out...no muscular damage to my heart whatsoever!

So, every time I hear a story like that one at Alcatraz, it puts things in perspective. I often wonder if I should keep pushing myself as hard as I do. But all my cardiologists encourage me to keep exercising, just be aware of the early warning signs. Warning signs such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and intermittent chest and arm pain which can't be ignored. These signs don't have to be very intense. For example, during my third episode, which happened during a ride wasn't very painful at all. I was able to ride home, take a shower, and drive myself to the hospital. But I recognized the signs and didn't ignore them. Then there's the "why me?" syndrome. Why am I still alive when all of these good people have died from the same disease that I have? A question that haunts from time to time, especially when I hear stories like the one above. The answers I tell myself: obviously it's not your time to go yet, and you're too stubborn to die!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the husband, father, brother, son, that passed away during the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. May you rest in peace and swim, ride, and run in God's grace!

Insignificantly, here are links to yesterday's workouts (yes two of them swim and run): http://connect.garmin.com/activity/280930157# and http://connect.garmin.com/activity/280929998 I took Monday off because I was dead after my 8 mile 3am Sunday run. I'm also resting up today because my legs are still sore and fatigued. And congrats and thanks to my buddy Wes Hollero for finishing the Escape from Alcatraz tri and bringing this story to my attention.