The Triathlon Experts

It is a small world and despite our best efforts we are all connected together in the game of life. This true fact of life becomes very clear with your life is about to end - as mine was a few years ago.

I am writing this post because of a comment on another post from a gentleman named Russel James at watzzupsport.com who also has embraced triathlons as a method of self discovery and recovery from his battles with brain disease.

In 2005, I was diagnosed with Leukemia and spent the better part of the year in the hospital (very, very sick). Somehow I managed to drag myself back to life with the help of my devoted wife, great medical care, an extremely positive attitude, and a fierce desire to live.

As a testament to the power of the triathlon as a recovery mechanism - in 2006, I completed a sprint triathlon, an Olympic distance triathlon, and my first Half Ironman (Harvest Moon Triathlon). It was at that point of crossing the finish line some 7 or so hours later, that I knew that I had returned from the (near) dead and was fully recovered!

Having a Focused Triathlon Training Plan Gave Me Inspiration to Recover

After recovering from numerous close calls with death because of a destroyed immune system - not to mention recovering from a morphine addiction (which was a necessary evil in my treatment) - my 2006 triathlon training and events were just the ticket to help me recover from severe atrophy and depression.

When I started, I could not walk up a flight of stairs without nearly passing out. Within 6 months, I was smiling from ear to ear in the transition area of the My Way or the Tri Way Triathlon at Aurora reservoir outside of Denver. A month later, I was cruising to the finish line in the Rattlesnake Olympic Triathlon. Another month or so later, I was grinding out the 70.3 at the Harvest Moon Half Ironman. Amazing!

I was so happy to be human again and able to play the triathlon game with others of like mind. What could be better than that? Nothing makes you appreciate the smallest of details of life than when they are being taken away from you.

Three Years Later…and Still Going Strong

Life goes on for everyone…and we keep on keepin’ on. I still love triathlons and what they represent. In my opinion, they are a wonderful expression of total body fitness and of being fully alive. I look forward to the next season and all of the fun along the way to the next race.

If you have a similar situation, I hope this post is inspiring and gets you out on the road and in the water to feel the greatness of being alive. If you have had a similar experience, please comment so others can be inspired from your journey. See you on the course!