by Chris Coffin

3 years ago I reinvented myself.  No, I didn't change my name and move to a different part of the country.  I didn't sell all of my possessions and take up a new occupation.  I was forced to reinvent myself as an athlete.

In 1987 I began my NCAA Division I swimming career at Providence College. During that time I began competing in USLA lifeguard events such as the distance surf paddle and the lifeguard ironman. I transitioned to open water masters swimming and in 1991 I entered my first triathlon.  I was instantly hooked on the multi-sport lifestyle. Unfortunately due to poor bio-mechanics and bone structure in my foot and ankle, 16 years of triathlon training and racing had taken its toll.  I developed a degenerative condition where my posterior tibialus tendon began to come apart. No, it did not simply tear in half (that would be too easy), it began to shred, break down and come apart like an over cooked pot roast. I went through almost 3 years of repetitive cycles; injury, therapy, crutches, casts, boots, getting better, racing again and re-injuring. Finally after meeting with 3 different sports orthopedists, I was told by each one separately that "I should give up running" or face major tendon replacements, bone grafting, titanium inserts, even having my heel bone cut off and screwed back on into a new position.

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