Friday, August 22, 2008

A Post Like None Other....

... I have ever written.

It's sad for me to announce that I must drop out of the 2008 Ironman Louisville. I would have been athlete #1937.

I'm loath to admit I was too quick to return to full training while recovering from the knee troubles after the Boston Marathon. As a result the tendinosis never fully healed.

But, worse than that, I have been diagnosed with at least one micro-tear of the medial meniscus of my left knee. It's a bit swollen due to inflammation in the joint synovium. It's painful to straighten the leg and there's a "clicking" feeling when I walk.

My surgeon's prognosis is possible 80% recovery with physical therapy and rest. If recovery doesn't progress in six weeks then surgery may be needed.
His adamant advice is: Do NOT race Ironman Louisville.

Sur' - sur'- surgery?!

Crap!

'BoomerNation, I can't find the words to express my disappointment with the news. It's not me to leave unfinished business, or toss my hat into the ring only to pull it out when things aren't going my way. No, I have never DNF'd a race. And, not that there is anything wrong with a DNF because I know there are athletes much stronger and tougher than I and they have pulled the plug mid-race. I've always believed that it is far better to give it your all in the pursuit of the finish line and pull out, lest cause serious injury, than it is to have never started.

However, after further examination, I am submitting to a DNF... or worst, a DNS (Did Not Start). Looking back, almost a year ago, I registered for Ironman Louisville with much anticipation of private accomplishment and public acknowledgement of a goal fulfilled. This was to be my third Ironman race and the first run not for charity or altruistic motives. No, this race was for the joy of the sport and the love.
But, not all is lost... so I have learned. It's been said that the real fortune is not found on the other side of the finish line but in the journey to the start line. Thems wuz pretty lofty words for a simple boy like me to understand... until now. Because today I know I am living those words. Although I won't have a finisher's medal around my neck, I have found fortune in this past year. What I have gained is confirmation that swimming, biking, and running for the fun, the fitness, the friendships, and the lifestyle are noble purposes. What I have gained is unwavering commitment to those things that are good, worthwhile, not ordinary, and stand up to the winds of doubt.
Although I am deeply disappointed that I won't be racing Ironman Louisville, I know I've gained more in the preparation than I would have ever gained by not registering for the race.
Now I turn my attention to healing and renewing.
After all... Ironman Lake Placid 2009 is only 11 months away.
"It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret."
-- Jackie Joyner-Kersey
Stay tuned...



24 comments:

Born To Endure said...

You know I am so sorry to hear this and it breaks my heart. I understand that this is NO ordinary comittment and it takes time, understanding, strength, patience and endurance. Throw in a huge love for the sport too.
Stay true to these things and you will have a lifetime of fullfillment.

Best wishes in your future training and racing plans!

Jumper 2.0 said...

I feel your pain. I missed 4 triathlons this summer including 2 halfs!

Good luck and prayers on getting better and preparing for LP.

Bill said...

Damn, Boomer.

But there must be a positive to this. Perhaps a slowing down, a chance to smell the roses a bit, let the body rest.

And come back stronger for IMLP 2009!

Best wishes in your recovery.

SixTwoThree said...

I know you'll be back out there soon enough. Listen to your doc every step of the way and I'm sure you'll have a smoother recovery. BTW, I needed that last quote. Missed qualifying for Boston last week. Will try again in October!

Unknown said...

Heal well and properly -- whatever it takes.

Mike said...

That is VERY VERY sad news! :( Heal well and fast :)

21stCenturyMom said...

So sad for you, Brian. I know you will take everything good from this you can but still - it sucks to have a side-lining injury. There's always volunteering and cheering.

Spandex King said...

I feel your pain! I'm out of IM-Wi this year. Last week I hit a deer on my bike. As a result of my injuries, no IronMan. Take care

R. Jeffrey Davis said...

Brian, may you recover quickly and return stronger than ever!

Duane said...

Sorry to hear this but recovery and long term is most important! Heal up well!

Crackhead said...

You will come back one strong mofo! I hope you still go to IMLOU to cheer everyone on. They need you!

Eric said...

Take care of yourself, I know you'll be back.

Brent Buckner said...

Best wishes for full and ideally speedy healing!

Spokane Al said...

I am saddened to hear this. I trust that your recovery will be temporary and that you will come out the other side stronger and even more focused.

Keep rocking!

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

Dude - it's not a big deal. You've got more on the calendar -- get healed and get back out there!
p.s. - I bailed on Im FL, too!
Sometimes life happens.
It's cool, IronBoomer.
;-)

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

Dude - it's not a big deal. You've got more on the calendar -- get healed and get back out there!
p.s. - I bailed on Im FL, too!
Sometimes life happens.
It's cool, IronBoomer.
;-)

Iron Eric said...

DNS is better than DNF!! What a very sad and depressing post. I am glad that this Ironman isn't your first. If it was, your email might have put me in tears.

No one said Triathlon was "super safe". It has its pros and cons. Deer, wrists, knees, birds, squirrels, dogs, snow, ice, cars, kids in pool, sharks, fish poop, cold water, all other injuries and issues can always become terrible situations.

May peace be with you. And your such an ispiration to many of us tri-bloggers. Take care.

Michelle said...

I agree with iron eric; DNS is better than DNF. To me it means you are using your head and best judgement. Making an educated and painful decision in the hope of an improved future.
Say the Serenity Prayer, man. Over and over!
Take care.

Kim said...

big hugs boom, you are making the right decision. IM aint going anywhere. IMLP 2009 isnt gonna know what hit em when you get there!

Tina Marie Parker said...

Sorry you have to back out. There will be another. Get better!

My favorite quotes by the way on the post.

Cliff said...

TriBoomer,

I am sorry to hear about this..i know the emotional, physical involvement in committing to an Ironman....

And sometimes if u cannot start u cannot start. As long as u are heal, there is always an IM next year..or after.

starting the journey is the key...3 weeks prior of my IM last year, I suffered a tear on my right shoulder. I thought that was over. And I was already mentally preparing for that. As long as I am healthy, there is always a IM :)

Simeon of Kent said...

Heal and rest well good sir, there will be plenty of races in the future..

Anonymous said...

good for you for making a difficult decision. i know how hard it is to pull out of a race - but you'll be glad and lake placid (and so many others) will be there for you because of it!

Geo said...

Awww Bommer, sorry 'bout that! I had one DNF on an event and it blew me up but then a friend told me exactly what you wrote... you trained which is a good thing for personal health anyway. You made new friends which is always a benefit to life and you can get back out there after you get all healed up. Just a minor setback when you look at the big picture.