Five months goes by fast. On June 2nd, I had a microdiscectomy to repair a few extruded lumbar discs. The biggest culprit had been leg pain that was becoming an increasing nuisance on daily functions and living quality. Training wasn’t even a consideration. I needed a solution so I could work towards regaining strength and range of motion again. On the recommendation of Dr. Keith Johnson from Sterling Ridge Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, I went to see Dr. Geoffrey Zubay, a Neurosurgeon, and a fellow triathlete, at Memorial Hermann.
I walked out of the hospital that day with one goal in mind -- attack the recovery process as if it were the biggest race of the year. I knew if I did this properly, I could likely make it to the starting line of
Oilman, the season finale event for Houston area triathletes, and the best and longest running half-Iron distance race in the area.
Since last year’s Oilman event, I wanted to get back to make right on one of the silliest mistakes I have made in more than ten years of racing triathlon -- riding my bike to transition prior to race start without a helmet on, a rightful disqualification according to USA Triathlon rules.
Despite being disqualified, I was still able to complete the race, and tackle the unrelenting hills inside San Houston National Forest and the looped run course around the family-friendly La Torretta Resort. Enough motivation in the bank to get back to add my name to the actual finisher’s list this year.
One week till race day and the only things I am sure about is that I am going to enjoy being out on the course with everyone coming out to race, and that my helmet will be buckled!
I'm very thankful to the doctors who were not only exceptional with their surgical care but also in their follow up in the months afterwards. Once the body was ready to go, I eased into swimming, a few months later cycling and most recently running. As was the case prior to surgery, Steve Elliott at
VR Cycling Studio has been invaluable in writing my coaching plans and giving his advice, and continues to be diligent in sticking to my only request to eliminate 'all fluff' from my workouts.
Looking forward to letting the chips fall where they may next Sunday and getting the opportunity to cross the line with my two daughters, as long as they don't try to out sprint their Old Man down the chute!
I'm very thankful to the doctors who were not only exceptional with their surgical care but also in their follow up in the months afterwards. Once the body was ready to go, I eased into swimming, a few months later cycling and most recently running. As was the case prior to surgery, Steve Elliott at VR Cycling Studio has been invaluable in writing my coaching plans and giving his advice, and continues to be diligent in sticking to my only request to eliminate 'all fluff' from my workouts.
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