IM CDA - It's all about FINISHING the journey!

The Ironman race morning began early as I didn't sleep well as usual, however this time it was different I wasn't worried about my own race, but instead I was worried about everyone finishing.  I know all that goes into the journey to become an IM, so I didn't want anyone to experience the empty feeling of not reaching the white line in the road mile 140.6.  I was having crazy dreams all night which some I won't share, however one of them was so real it almost happen which involved the always humorous Kim Dotson and her awesome pink cowboy hat she wore at the finish.  I dreamed Kim was running down the finish line with cowboy hat blinking and rope in hand ready to dance and celebrate in style which is almost exactly what she did as they said, "Kim Dotson #654 YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!"

This picture above represents the beginning of one of the most memorable days of my life when I felt proud of who I was and ability to inspire others to make their dream a reality!

One of the many pre-race pictures as Jay, Kimberly and I just got body marked by Team Blazers Debbie Jahn and Jerry Gray!  It was so awesome to see so many club members volunteering and giving back to the sport we all love to participate in.  The volunteers are a key piece to the IM race day experience!

 This is my pre-race IM cookie that Melissa Salazar made for me.  It was great to see Max & Melissa and all the other Team Blazers out on there all day long providing a ton of encouragement to all of us.  I was so looking forward to eating this cookie after the race and it was delicious!

  

 

These pictures represent the swim start which is always crazy in every IM. This day was par for the course.  I had to swim through some guys that should have been in the back the first 100 yds, although after that I was in a nice pack and felt great!  Once I reached the first turn buoy I noticed I had missed the lead group and I was caught in small pack of 4 swimmers that unfortunately took a wrong turn as the 2nd turn buoy was actually farther out than the first.  (Reminder lesson: make sure you sight as the group probably swam 50 yd off course) 

As I came around for the first loop my watch read 28:10 which I was happy with especially enlight of my detour.  The only problem was that my hands had gone completely numb and although I tried to shake out my arms and clap my hands I couldn't feel anything.  The 2nd loop I felt like I was moving my arms and going no where fast.  I did manage to stay with a group and draft, although I really started to feel dizzy and disoriented as I approached the beach in time of 1:01 which was slower than I planned but today was all about the finish!

When I exited the water my hands were so numb I couldn't get my arms out of my wetsuit, so thank goodness Team Blazers John Martinek and David Lund were there to help me out.

 This picture represents the true feeling within Team Blaze where everyone supports everyone and on this day John & Mason both helped me to regain my sense of focus.  I spent the next 22 minute in the warming tent which I should have stayed longer but I wanted to see some of the speedy Team Blazers on the bike.

As I got on my bike I was still cold, but in good spirit as I saw my wife Tristin's awesome sign in the background.  It was such great feeling to be getting on my bike to do another IM and I had forgot all the amazing support you recieve!

The 112 mile bike ride was totally different than any of my previous 3 IM races.  This time my total focus was on making sure every Team Blaze athlete made it to the run.  So I pedaled easy for the first 40 miles as most of the 32 club members past me.  It was awesome the see the excitement on their faces!  When I reached mile 40 it was what I thought was short pee break pit stop, however it turned it an hour long break.  I soon found myslef talking to some of the volunteers I knew, encouraging Team Blaze members, helping the volunteers to rack bikes and I also went pee 3X so obviously I was hydrated.  I asked the medical volunteers if they could check to see if Kim, Karen, Brandi and Norma made it out of the swim, however they wouldn't help me. Instead they told me about all the people that got pulled out of the swim due to hypothermia which didn't help the situation. Finally after about 40-50', I saw Kim, Karen & Brandi.  Then right as I was about to ride away as my watch read 1hr of waiting I saw Norma!  I was so relieved they were all still in the race and their dreams would become reality!

As we rode the 2nd loop we traded positions at different times, although I was trying not to ride too close to them as they needed to ride their pace.  It was fun as Kim blazed past other tired riders on the downhills with me in toe I would yell , "on your left" as I was worried someone would wreck into her.  When we reached mile 90  I tried to encourage all of them as in my mind I thought the bike cut off was 5pm when it was really  5:30p.  So, rode the last 20 miles fast as I wanted to make sure I made the bike cut off.  My total bike time was 8 hr14 min (actually ride time of 6:05 which isn't bad for 6.5 weeks of training) and now I waited hoping they would all make the cut off.

After my 30 min. T2 pit stop Norma and I headed out on the run.  The sun was shining and I was excited to finish this journey.  I knew Norma was really fit and we could probably run 10:45 pace.  We actually did run 10:45 pace, however like any IM sometimes things are out your control and unfortunately Norma experienced serious GI issues.  She was absolutely as tough as nails out there as I'll save everyone the details other than to say she went to the Honey Bucket at least 15X. 

This picture represents a small snap shot of how the Team Blaze spirit was on full display with 32 atheltes started and 32 finishing!  Norma and I are starting out and Bill was completing his first loop!




Many people would have quit, however Norma kept pressing on until about mile 21 when we discussed the fact we had 2hrs to go 5 miles so lets just walk. 

We were actually walking at 15 min. pace, although I have a new respect for those after dark finisher as it got cold!! 

Norma and I  finishing at 16:01!  She recieved an award for 4th in her age group!  It was a tough day for the older athletes as 12 women in her age group started and only 6 finished. What an amazing journey we've had together over the last 5 yrs! She's a  model of consistency in training and has reaped the benefits by qualifying for the Boston Marathon, 70.3 World Championship and now she's an Ironman! She's an amazing person, athlete and friend.  She once again taught me that through consistent training, belief in yourself and perserverance to keep going even in through VERY difficult circumstances with severe GI & stomach issues you CAN finish the jounrey.  I'm so proud Norma and all the athletes that I get the opportunity to coach.

This picture is pretty funny and another perk to finishing after dark!  They give you a whole pizza!  This pizza really wasn't very good, but I was so hungery as I've never done anything that long before.  My previous IM races were in the 10:25-11 hr range, so I was going on some serious borrowed time.  In addition, I really only trained 6.5 weeks for this IM, which I totally don't recommend as it's still 140.6 miles.

Another great picture of my awesome wife Tristin and her huge IM sign! 

My 4th Ironman and my journey back to full health is probably one of the biggest highlights of my life to date.  Words can't express how truly blessed I feel to have the opportunity to do what I love to do again and share the gifts I've been given with others.  Each one of these Team Blaze members have inspired and taught me about the most important aspect of any IM which is enjoying and most importantly finishing the journey!

I have a whole new appreciation for those athletes finishing after dark.  Yes it's still 140.6 miles, however it's a completely different experience when you go from chasing 10 hrs to trying to make the cut off times.  I learned from this group of people that finish after 15 hrs that they seem to really appreciate the race, encourage instead of yell at each other on the course and actually thank the people that make the IM possible which are the thousands of AWESOME volunteers. 

When you finish after dark you get treated like a rock start!  It also gets really cold and dark along the lake once the sun goes down.  They hand out shiny beads, glow sticks and warm chicken broth!  As I ran down Sherman Ave with Kim in front of Norma & I my heart was filled with unbelievable amounts of joy!  I felt like I was floating to the white line at mile 140.6 and slowed Norma down at the finish to truly savor the moment!  The crowd was so loud I felt like we had just won the IM, which we had won because we proved anything is possible!  I know that when I had heart surgery I never really thought I would ever do IM again and certainly not 6.5 months later, although again anything is possible if you tell yourself you CAN!

IM is so much more than swim, bike, & run.  The family/friend support, volunteers and teammates are so key to making this special journey complete.  I'm so grateful to have shared this experience with the athletes I coach.  Ultimately it truly is all about about FINISHING the journey!

My finish video can be seen through link below by forwarding to 9:35-10:35.

http://www.khq.com/category/195686/video-landing-page?clipId=5998228&topVideoCatNo=73331&autoStart=true

Thanks for reading, supporting and inspiring me to be a better person!

24 hrs to IM CDA 2011

The anticipation for IM CDA has been building as +30 athletes in Team Blaze Spokane Triathlon Club finish their finally preparation for the big day.  We all met up yesterday at the swim start for some last minute discussion and tips about the swim.  The water was choppy which I'm hoping won't be the case on Sunday, it was cold initially which it will be on Sunday and everyone is ready to ROCK!  These amazing individuals have trained some of them for years to get to this point in the IM journey.  Some couldn't swim just a few years ago, some didn't really know how to ride a bike and most only dreamed they could one day do the IM after like me watching it on TV.

The IM CDA dinner was inspirational as usual with one athlete competing in his 121st IM!  An 18yr old kid racing with broken hand/great sense of humor, 7 athletes over 70 yrs old racing, athletes that have lost weight, cancer survivors, athletes living with MS, and athletes like Phil Sandifur & I that have had major heart surgery.  The motto for IM which is "Anything is Possible" was on full display. 

I hope my story has both inspired other to move foward in life through challenges and learn to never give up! 

Recently in an interview I was asked, what this IM means to me and if it meant more now?  Without hesitation my answer was "YES", I'm not chasing 10 hrs anymore, I'm out there truly enjoying the journey and appreciating my health, my 2nd chance to live my life and hopefully positively impact the lives of others.

Thank you to KHQ & IM for allowing me to share my story.

http://www.khq.com/category/195686/video-landing-page?clipId=5988986&autostart=true

http://ironman.com/columns/ironmanlife/kevin-mackinnon-profiles-some-inspiring-athletes-competing-this-weekend?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ironman%2Ftopstories+%28Ironman.com+Top+Stories%29#axzz1QICcMQC8

All this has taught me life is about living and truly following your passion, so tomorrow I wish everyone especially my teammates and athletes I coach all the best in follow their passion and seeing their dreams become reality!  You're all racing as individuals, yet you'll stand strong through the challenges of IM and support each other to the finish!  Be steady, patient and positive on your journey to the white line in the road!  Remember you're stronger the you think you are and you can do more than you think you can! 

Make your day truly special as it's not about the finish time it's all about the journey to the finish!  Enjoy the journey my friends! 

Lastly, this picture of my awesome wife Tristin says it all.  She spent most of the day creating this amazing Ironman sign in support of all the Team Blaze athletes participating in IM. She's always so giving and supportive.  When I think of how to describe an ideal friend, spouse and partner I would say someone just like my wife.  She's the glue that positively impacts so many lives and makes me want to be a better father, husband and friend.  I love you babe and don't worry about me on Sunday as I too will become an IM for the 4th time!

Thanks for reading!

Twas the week before Ironman

Twas the the week before Ironman and all through house not creature was stirring not even our two hyper dogs Scooby and Barkley.  Ok, I'll spare everyone the rest.  I had someone ask me recently why or how could I even imagine doing my 4th IM only 6.5 months after heart surgery?  Is that even possible?  I responded, "yes, it's possible and I wouldn't want to live any other way."  I know this lady is still probably shaking her head thinking this guy needs brain surgery not heart surgery I think they made a mistake. 

In all seriousness though, anyone that knows me realizes I've always been driven and super competitve (marriage & fatherhood has helped me tone it down), although I'm always up for a challenge.  So, May 12th I signed up for a big challenge which was to complete the IM only 6.5 months after heart surgery with 6.5 weeks of training.  Good thing I know how to swim!  I feel it is through these challenges in life that we truly learn about ourselves.  As IM CDA is only one week away I'm excited about the opportunity to be free to live my life on my terms and use my god given gifts to inspire others to want more from their lives too. 

During an interview recently with KHQ,  I was asked why are you doing this again and what does it mean to you?  I replied, "because I feel it's my 2nd chance and I'm blessed to be able to give back to others by hopefully inspiring someone that is facing a life challenge to NEVER give up as anything is possible!"  The ability to do IM in my mind means I'm free and healthy again because as a funny friend once told me, "god has a plan for all of us".  This question also prompted an emotional response as I honestly never thought I would be able to swim, bike and run about year ago when they first told me my heart wasn't working any more. Now that was a tough day, yet here I am IM CDA racer #1359 ready to take on the challenge. Yes, I expect IM day will tough and emotional, yet hopefully I'll be able to inspire others to live life to the fullest too. 

Father & Son Triathlon

This journey to IM has been like no other as I've learned so much about the fact that as we give we truly shall receive through trying to be a good father, husband, friend and coach.  I feel truly blessed to have the ability to help other people to guide their lives in a positive direction.  My son continues to teach me patience and make me proud of all I learned from my parents about caring about people and taking the time to experience life together.  My wife has taught me that the glass can always be half full and it's ok to not be first as long as you try your best.  My friends have taught me that years and miles can't take away the bond of true friendship.  Lastly, the amazing athletes I coach have inspired me to want to get back my fitness and share my gifts with others.

Recently we had out annual IM pre-race dinner at our house, we were fortunate to have two professional IM triathlon champions Hillary Biscay & Maik Twelsiek attend and generously shared their stories, tips, and pose for many photos.   Hillary has completed 48 IM races around the world and Maik orginally from Germany had the fastest bike split in Kona last year with amazing 4:26!  These two truly represent all that is good about the sport of triathlon where pro athletes are just regular people with extrodinary physical gifts and passion for life.  Pro triathletes don't make a ton of money, but they get to live out the child like passion every day by swimming, biking, running and traveling the world!  Thank you Jim Kozak with CycleMetrix http://www.cyclemetrix.com/.


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Reece (5yrs) & I at the finish!

 
On Father's Day I got chance to complete a kids triathlon with my little buddy and we had blast!  Reece as most of probably can imagine has been around triathlon and has attended workouts, races since he was a baby, so when he heard he could do another race he was super excited.  He completed the 25 yard swim with his life jacket although he did put his face in the water, biked +1 mile, ran 1/3 mile and most importantly he finished with smile on his face.  During the race he even tossed out a little train trash talk that made me laugh when he passed two kids on the bike and said to himself,  "they can't catch me slow coach".  (I had to remind him it was just a race against himself) After we finished he immediately ask me if he could get a snack and then he won a Cars slip and slide! 

I believe that if want something in life you should go for it as the one of the many things I've learned is that life is both short and unpredicatable.  Thank you to all my family, friends and athletes I coach coach for inspiring me to be a better person.  I feel blessed to have my 2nd chance to truly enjoy the journey!

If you're not doing anything this coming Sunday I encourage you to come to IM CDA and support the 32 Team Blaze Spokane Triathlon Club http://www.teamblazespokane.com/ members participating! 

Thanks everyone! I plan to truly enjoy this IM! I feel this video represents all that this journey means to me. Remember when you feel you can't go another step remember you CAN!

http://www.youtube.com/IronmanTriathlon#p/c/12431359D3D527B7/0/GRHxHapwirw


Thanks for reading!

11 days to Ironman CDA!

As my 4th Ironman race approaches and I now have my race (#1359) I'm probably more excited about this IM than any other!  This journey to IM and the white line in road has been completely different than the others due to my heart surgery.  I've had probably the most challenging year of my life, yet I feel fortunate as I've grown and learned from my experience.  I feel so blessed to be healthy again and able to participate again!  It feels like a 2nd chance and I'm truly greatful for the opportunity to further share my passion for fitness and coaching gift with others. 

One day after heart surgery. Wow, they really messed up my already big lips!

It took me along time to look at this picture as I was honestly scared I'd never be able to do all that I love to do again.  I've had a long road to IM CDA 2011, which involved heart surgery only 6.5 months ago.  As some of know I was told I would/should never swim, bike and run again back in July, which as you can imagine was not something I was willing to except.  Being active and challenging myself has always been a huge part of my life.  So, when my heart surgeon and cardiologist explained that replacing my mitral valve would allow me to be free to exercise again I felt a huge relief, although as with anything in life, there was no guarantee. 

My son Reece & I (3 days post surgery)

About 1.5 weeks after surgery I thought I was feeling better so I decided to walk/jog Turkey Trot with my son Reece, which went OK except I was in a world on pain for the week following.  It was another good lesson in patience, which is something I've always struggle with.  After that I spent the next 10 weeks not able to do much and the highlights of my days involved seeing my family, coaching/talking with athletes and walking to get the mail.  

By the end of January, I had passed all the follow up tests and I was told I could get back to light physical activity.  So,  I began by going to the pool.  I got in and soon realized I couldn't really use my right arm as I had been protecting it for months as this is where they made the incisions to do my surgery.  Tristin stood over the end of the pool worried that I going to sink as I swam about 500yds mostly with my left arm.  I remember thinking and telling her, "wow, I've got a long way to go."  She responded in her usually glass half full way and replied, "you now have as much time as you need."  She and Reece (my son) were definitely my rocks that pulled me through the dark days. 

I soon started to use the elliptical trainer/bike as I began with 15 min. and worked my way up from there.  I joined other Team Blaze athletes for Sunday groups runs and although I had lost all fitness I didn't forget how to run.  It was just great to be out there with everyone again.  All the athletes I coach truly inspired me more than they realize to want to get my fitness back!

In April, we went to Hawaii and it was an amazing trip training with our friends/teammates and showing them the place we love!  We spent a week on Oahu, which began with a practice triathlon with our old club Team Jet Hawaii  http://www.teamjethawaii.com/.  I was really excited to get out there and try to race again, however I learned another valuable lesson about patience during the practice triathlon.  I felt great swimming, solid on the bike and then I ran about 1.5 miles only to feel really dizzy with my heart rate way too high.  This really shook me mentally as I felt good, so why couldn't I just go out and race like before.  Probably because I had just had heart surgery 4 month before, so I spent the next few days just appreciating being able to workout with the athletes training for IM CDA.  Again Tristin, reminded me to be patient and enjoy being free to exercise.

It was during this week in Hawaii that I started thinking, "wouldn't it be cool if I could do IM CDA again this year?" I kept these thoughts to myself as I knew everyone would say, "you're crazy, wait until next year etc."

So, after wrestling in my mind with the idea and continuing to exercise I finally brought the idea up with my wife.  I didn't really know how she would respond as anyone that has done IM knows it's a huge family commitment and if you don't have support from family you shouldn't take on the journey.  She somewhat surprised me when she said, "you can do it, IF you take it easy." 

Now the question was could I do the IM and take it easy?  I felt confident that I could it as I had learned to be patient, so on May 12th I decide to sign up!  The only problem was I only had 6.5 weeks to train, however I had tons of motivation and no illusions of trying to go 10hrs.  My training has been great and I'm in much better shape than I was in April!

This journey to IM has been all about supporting others that have truly inspired and encouraged me through my recovery.  It's also about proving to myself and others to never give up!  As they say in IM, "anything is possible".

As I look forward with 10 days to go I feel calm and excited to be able to challenge myself and inspire others to realize life should be lived without limits.  If you want something and you're willing to put in the training, you can do it!

I look forward to joining/supporting the athletes I coach and fellow Team Blaze Spokane Triathlon Club members in their IM journey to the white line in the road.  Remember you're stronger than you think you are and you can do more than you think you can!  Enjoy the journey!

Thank you Tristin and Reece for supporting me!.

Thanks for reading

Chasing the New PR



Ironheart Classic Run



I've learned so much about life, faith, family and friends over the last year.  As many of you know last June my journey through life took an unexpected turn.  I had coached and trained with 20+ members of Team Blaze Spokane Triathlon Club for the Boise 70.3 Half Ironman.  I felt the training went great and I thought I was ready for that "great day" we all search for in triathlon when all your hard work comes together.  Unfortunately, my day didn't go as planned.  I make no excuses as when we train and race we hope for the best and sometimes things happen like strong winds or kidney stones in my case that we can't overcome.  It was during this race that my life and perspective about life truly changed.  While completing the run during  Boise 70.3 IM, I sudden began to feel a sharp pain in my side/lower back that didn't feel like a normal side stitch and continued to become more painful moving to my groin.  This was obviously not the way I had envisioned my day, however even though I was struggling I thought I should finish even though it was an hour slower than planned.  I learned at young age through my parents to always finished what you start, so I pressed on and finished albeit literally in shock. 


About a week later after returning to training I began to feel short of breathe and dizzy, which I ignored due to my competitive drive. I should have listened to the warning signs, however fortunately for me about a week later I started coughing uncontrollably and began to get dizzy again at Team Blaze practice tri.  I was frustrated and when I returned home I realize I was coughing up blood and my wife said,  "we're going to the ER!'  After arriving at the ER, again fortunately the ER Dr. noticed irregular EKG and I was admitted to the Sacred Heart Hospital.  I spent the next 3 days in the hospital as they tried to figure out what was wrong with me. 

Fast forward to Nov. 15th after months of frustration and fatigue, I was scheduled for mitral valve repair heart surgery, which ended up resulting in mitral valve replacement surgery.  I spent the next 10 weeks unable to do anything except recover and reflect on life.  I learned to have a greater appreciation for the gifts given to me.  It was during this process that I realized to be truly happy and fulfilled in my life I needed to share my gifts and inspire other to live an inspired life!

My recovery has been a long slow process and taught be to be patient.  I began my road back to "Chasing the New PR" at the end of February.  At this time I couldn't lift my right arm above my shoulder, so my comfort and stress reducer which had always been swimming was even challenging.  I began with 15 min. elliptical workouts, 20 min rides, floating/kicking/single arm swimming in the pool and before I knew it my fitness started to improve!  I then took a trip to Hawaii in April with family and friends training for Ironman CDA, on this trip I realized I had a long way to go and during the week I actually got stronger! 

Upon returning to Spokane, I started thinking about the possibility of racing again.  I was told last July to forget about triathlons and running races as it would be selfish of me to continue due to the risk.  Fortunately, I had been given the misdiagnosis of HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy).

I decided through this process to get involved with organizations like Ironheart Racing Team http://www.ironheartracing.com/  and Nick of Time Foundation http://nickoftimefoundation.org/ to raise awareness about heart health and screening in young people to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. 

On May 21st, decided to participate in my first race since heart surgery to support these awesome organization and test my fitness.  I decided to run the 4 miler, although after recently deciding to sign up for IM CDA knew I needed to run longer than 4 miles.  So, began the day with a longer than normal warm up of 4 miles, which basically involved running the course.  I thought I could comfortable run 7 min. pace and actually didn't even wear my Garmin, so I would have no idea of my pace.  I decided to run by feel considering I was in fact "Chasing the New PR!"  I was pleasantly surprised to be running with the faster group, so I figured I must be doing OK!  After I reached the 2 mile turn around I realized they were all running the 8 miler, so I was in 1st place.  When started heading back all the other runners were cheering me on including my wife (Tristin running) and son (Reece riding his bike).  As ran back I too encouraged other runners in return although when I reached mile 3 mile I was getting tired and mustered only a wave.  It had been almost 1 year since I'd felt that deep in your gut burning feeling of knowing your pushing it!  I was trying to focus on turnover and breathing while not getting caught.  As I approached about 1/2 mile to go I looked back and saw another guy trying to run me down, so my competitive juices kicked and I decided if I put a surge on thinking I could maybe trick him into thinking I wasn't tired.  (Oh the mental games we play when we're tired!)  When I could see the finish I looked back and realized I was going to run a solid first race back at 6:20 pace and win the first running race of my life!  As I told a fellow Team Blaze member recently, when you win or PR you cherish it as we can't control who shows up instead we can only control our own training and effort. 

It really felt great to be chasing the new PR!  Now I need to keep the fire burning as I only have 5 weeks to IM CDA and I'm excited to truly enjoy the journey!

Thank you to my family and co-workers at Alere that came out today to support this awesome event.  Great job David Watkins for putting on a great first event with the Ironheart Classic http://ironheartracing.com/ironheart-classic/.  Our family enjoyed our trip!

Thanks for reading!  Remember to enjoy the journey and live an inspired life!

Balanced Life Recovery

Life can get busy sometimes and I can't believe it's been over a month since my last blog post. I continue to feel blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life and feel like life is finally returning to a balanced state of normal.

I've recently had some great adventures with family and friends!  We took an trip to Oahu, Hawaii in April as a family with friends in our Team Blaze Spokane Triathlon Club joining us for an awesome vacation!  We were able to do all the things I love which include: exercise, laugh and spend quality time together in paradise!

Each morning we got up early and I worked out with some of the athletes I coach.  It was fun to be out there again training with others and enjoying the warm weather!  It was during this week in Hawaii that I started to feel the my fitness and health was finally returning after heart surgery. During the week I regained motivation to exercise as I finally started to regain fitness and it didn't feel like a struggle! 

Reece & I sharing one of our favorite family activities going to the water park.  I'm amazed at how brave my little buddy can be!  Now that he continues to grow like a weed, he's tall enough to go on the scariest slides in the park!  He continues to keep Tristin & I on our toes and bring so much joy into our lives.  Being a parent as most of you know isn't easy, but kids can literally touch our heart like nothing else. 

Team Blaze bike training in Hawaii!  We had some great rides, laughs and life memories!

It was during this week I started to think maybe I could try to do IM CDA 2011? I kept this thought to myself for about a month, yet continued to feel something pulling toward the white line at the end of the IM 140.6 mile journey. I realize some people will say Scott/Coach Scott, you're crazy you just had heart surgery in November, so wait for next year. Yes, I know but....



Reece's Red Lion Soccer Team

I decided this Spring that my life wasn't busy enough, so I decided to coach Reece's soccer team as I wanted him to have positive experience with being part of a team!  The Red Lions are a fun group of 5-6 yr olds that had never played soccer before, however in the last 6 weeks the kids have really improved! Our focus is on having fun and learning that exercise can be fun, however they have been developing skills, scoring lots of goals and winning too! (oh wait, we're not suppose to keep score =)) This experience has once again taught me that in life by giving we shall receive joy in return.  Good times!



Tobin, Suzanne & I @ Race for the Cure 5K



 After we returned from Hawaii, my wife Tristin had organized a Team Blaze Race for the Cure Team!  We all know someone that has been impacted by cancer and recently this has unfortunately impacted the lives of our family and friends.  Tristin unfortunately got sick before the run with a bad cold, so I decide the night before to run the 5K in pink with one of the athletes I coach and show my support. 

Last weekend as we usually do, we tried to cram in family fun!  Reece had always talked about wanting to go fishing, so we signed up for Kids Fishing Day through WA Fish & Game.  As you can see by the photo Reece was super proud of his big catch!  I think the Rainbow Trout was at least 16-18" and 5 lbs, which will provide great memories and conversation for years!



(Norma my IM CDA 2011 race partner, Tristin & I )

Norma (an athlete I coach and inspiration), Tristin & I. At the end of June Norma will be one of the 18 athletes I'm coaching this year for IM CDA. I plan to complete the bike and run with her as it will her first IM and my 6 month anniversary of my heart surgery!

As I mentioned earlier in my blog post I've thought about participating in IM CDA 2011. Yes, I know some of you are thinking is Scott/Coach Scott crazy???? Well maybe..... however I was told last year I could never swim, bike and run again, so completing this IM for me is my way of saying life should be lived on our terms. For me this is another step in my life to feeling free to live and possibly inspire others along the way!

When you fill out a the IM race application they ask you serious of questions which really got me thinking about the "why?". So , here is my reasons for wanting to take on this 140.6 mile journey to the white line.

Significant Personal Achievements

Returning to full health and recovery after mitral valve replacement surgery in Nov. of 2010.

Why have you sought Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene entry?

In 2010, I was told I could never swim, bike or run again due to an initial diagnosis of an enlarged heart and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which fortunately was a misdiagnosis. I was however diagnosed with severe mitral valve prolapse and regurge. This required robotic heart surgery in Nov. of 2010 to replace my mitral valve with a mechanical St. Jude mitral valve and require that I take coumadin the rest of my life. The IM CDA 2011 will be about 6 months after surgery and reinforce to me that I'm living on my terms again. I want to inspire others to enjoy the journey through life, never give up and follow their dreams/passion for living! I feel blessed to be alive, healthy and inspire others to realize anything is possible!


Interesting facts about you

Father, husband, coach to 150 athletes 27 of which are racing IM CDA 2011!

Please share significant information relating to your Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene training or participation

I had heart surgery on Nov.15th 2010, so I began this IM journey with zero fitness when I got clearance to start exercising again in February. As I began to exercise I couldn't even lift my right above my shoulder and running 1 mile was tough as I had lost all fitness, although I had some tough days I always remained optimistic that if I took the right approach I could return. Over next three months I became inspired by all the athletes I coach and decided I wanted to support and share the journey with them. So, on June 26th I'll be out there completing the IM journey to reach the white line in the road.
 It's been encouraging to see how the fitness has slowly come back as last year I was told to forget about my old life of endurance sports, which I refused to accept. I'm swimming as fast if not faster than before, although I've been really consistent and specific with swimming 3xweek. I really haven't biked that much 2x weekly (one interval/one longer aerobic ride), however two weeks ago I rode 60 windy miles averaging solid pace and HR. The running has FINALLY (test in patience) started to come around as I ran 6.5 mile @ 7:15 pace yesterday and recently ran 15 miles run @ 8 min. pace! 

The nice thing with doing IM this way is that it hasn't been hanging over me, plus I have no pressure to go faster than I should and end up having a suffering negative experience. Instead I can support other club members especially on the run!  I'm truly looking forward to the joining the other 27 Team Blaze athletes that inspire me as a coach and athlete more than they realize.  Ironman like life is truly a journey with highs and lows, however after you complete the journey you learn many life lessons along the way!

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Sunday, June 26, 2011

2.4 mile swim / 112 mile bike / 26.2 mile run

 

IM CDA race day for me isn't about chasing a PR, instead it's going to be a long day of enjoying the experience and supporting those that have supported and inspired me through a challenging last year of heart surgery.  I better start training, as I only have 6.5 weeks until IM!  Remember to enjoy the journey and live an inspired life!

Enjoy the journey and remember to live an inspired life as anything is possible if you mind to it.


Thanks for reading!

Why....



Wes Leonard, 16yr old , Michigan student/athlete

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/41901127/ns/sports-other_sports/



As I went about my morning routine of watching ESPN yesterday, I heard another heart wrenching example of life ended all too soon.  Wes Leonard was 16yr old truly a student athlete and All American kid who had just hit the game winning shot in a basketball game and soon collapsed on the court.  He had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and died on the court due to an undiagnosed enlarged heart.  In my journey through life, I’m always in search of answers to the “why” questions. I do believe god has a plan for all of us, however sometimes I struggle with the rationale behind unfortunate life ending situations.

As many of you know I went through my own challenges and fortunately I’ve come out of it all with a positive health outcome. I’m now back to coaching, swimming, biking, running and skiing. It feels amazing to be free again to live an inspired life! I feel truly blessed to be able to share passion for health, fitness, and life with others. I’m thankful, yet reminded daily about how precious life can be.


Recently, my uncle David recently went in the Dr. with a bad cold only to find out it was more serious, his health began to worsen by the day and after weeks of hospitalization, drugs and sedation he wasn’t improving. It saddens me to say he passed away this week. I realize as does my wonderful aunt Rita that he’s in a more peace place, but it again leaves me wondering “why”. He was husband, father, grandfather and cancer survivor. I don’t feel we should live our lives in bubble, although with family members diagnosed with repeated cancer battles and pulmonary distress, I often think how much should an individual be expected to perservere through in life? It truly inspires me to see the will and courage that some people display through their individual life journey.




Uncle David with his grandson Sawyer!

I now have a different perspective of life and faith relative to my own journey. I’ve always believed life is
worth living to the fullest. If you want to do something in this journey through life you should do it sooner than later in order to live life with no regret.

As most of you know the early detection of potentially life threatening heart conditions is near and dear to my heart. I'm now part Ironheart Racing Team and looking for ways to raise awareness to help prevent and protect people through early detection. www.ironheartracing.com


 

This is happening all too often, and as many of you know, this is something that I take personally as I was one of the lucky ones as they caught my heart issues last June after I began coughing up blood and feeling dizzy.  The only reason they caught my heart condition was through an echocardiogram considering I didn't have a heart murmur. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the sudden onset of an abnormal and lethal heart rhythm. SCA is the leading cause of death in the U.S., afflicting over 300,000 individuals per year (more than breast cancer and AIDS combined). SCA is also the leading cause of sudden death in exercising young athletes.

I'm trying to do something about it and I need your help. On May 21, The Ironheart Racing Team http://ironheartracing.com will host the Ironheart Classic, http://classic.ironheartracing.com a 4 mile fun run/walk and an 8 mile run to benefit the Nick of Time Foundation. http://nickoftimefoundation.org.

With your help, the Nick of Time Foundation will continue to educate and assist students, parents, teachers, coaches and community leaders by providing free youth cardiac screenings, on site assessments, readiness drills and educational resources in an effort to reduce and prevent sudden cardiac arrest. Schools are responsible for a dense population of children and adults, and are frequently the site of sporting events and other community gatherings. Studies suggest that up to 1 in 25 schools will have a cardiac medical emergency on school grounds each year.

Just last week, the Nick of Time screened over 200 students at South Whidbey High School. Of those, 9 were found to need further monitoring and 2 students were identified as needing immediate follow-up due to a potential life-threatening cardiac abnormality (and are now being seen at Seattle Children's Heart Center. Similar results were seen at their screening at Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Auburn High School and numerous schools in the Seattle Public District. Bottom Line: The Nick of Time is saving lives. One of these could be that of your own child, neighbor, nephew, niece or friend.

I encourage you all to take a quick look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHD_uSlYZfQ. This will give you a snapshot as to who the Nick of Time is and why they do what they do. Because these are free screenings, they run on donations and fundraising. This is where the Ironheart Classic and Nick of Time needs your assistance.

There are a number of ways to help:

Pass the registration link and/or this email to all of your active friends, family and colleagues. We need their help also. http://classic.ironheartracing.com

Can't make it, but would still like to make a contribution? There are two ways, either at http://www.active.com/donate/ironheartclassic  or your can donate directly through Ironheart Racing at http://www.active.com/donate/ironheartracingteam1 . All donations are tax deductible.

I wish I had the answer to why young people like Wes Leonard and hundreds of other young student/athletes are taken from us all too soon, although I do feel that this is another example of why organization like Iron Heart Racing Team (www.ironheartracing.com ) and Nick of Time Foundation are so important in early detection.

 Remember to enjoy the journey by maintaining your faith, positive outlook and passion for living life. I continue to learn the importance of living an inspired life and giving back by inspiring others.  The older I get the more I realize that life should be lived and not taken for granted. 


 
 

Are you living an inspired life?  Are you enjoying your journey?

Thanks for reading!