Playtri in Kona; Year-End Celebration; Swim with Sheila

It's been a tough couple of years.

Many of you know that in 2009, I was hit by a truck with severe injuries and in 2010, I got Pneumonia in September. Then, a painful, herniated disc less than a week before the Ironman World Championships in Kona.

On September 28th, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc in my neck that caused me to lose strength / reflexes in my right arm. We were not sure if we would be traveling to Kona when I was lucky enough to have surgery on October 4th, just hours before our flight.

Once we arrived in Kona, we were surrounded by the best in the world! I prepared myself mentally that I would not be competing in the race, but physically I was looking for every edge to get my body healed fast.
Hope became a reality when Staci told me to stop looking for a way to finish the race and focus on finding a way to start the race.

October 9th: Hawaii Ironman

Swim: Wow, I never thought I would hold on to a surfboard in a race, but halfway through, the pain in my shoulder was more than I can handle. I finished and my first goal was accomplished.

Bike: Contemplated DNF for the first time in my life, but going up the hill at mile 8, I saw Ali's face and he yelled GO DAD! There was no way I was quitting unless I was on a stretcher! What example would that be for my son?
Staci yelled at me to relax so I did and I rode. Two flats later, did I say TWO FREAKING FLATS later, I ended up with a good solid ride.

Run: Well, this is where the whole neck issue started less than 2 weeks earlier. Sure enough, every step I took, the pounding was a reminder of what I went through and how great our lifestyle is. Without it, I wouldn't be here period.

I finished with a walk/jog and a 10:19 Ironman is now in the books. A little slow for my initial goals, but a special one to my heart. Lots of physical and mental pain but crossing the finish line for the 8th time at the Hawaii Ironman is Priceless.

All week athletes told me that the last few years were not my years and I had lots of bad luck. Well you be the judge....I survived getting hit by a truck, competed with the best at Olympic distance with pneumonia and did an ironman 5 days after surgery. I think I disagree - I am one of the luckiest people.

In reality, luck has nothing to do with it. Every time I hit what I call a bump in the road, I intensify my research for finding ways to heal, recover and compete which eventually makes me a better coach and athlete.

So getting hit with a truck, pneumonia and surgery are not bad luck but a blessing in disguise:)

Congratulations again to Playtri athletes' Chris Moody and Judy Daggett and all DFW triathletes who competed this weekend - you are an inspiration to all of us!