Oh, no problem...

Naturally, as most of you have followed lately I have had some ups and downs. Concussion followed by lack of training, then a 109 mile cycling event, recover with running 23 miles in two days, then a bit of a relapse mentally and now to top it all off, a marathon this weekend.

It's a life.

It's also the strangest month of training before a marathon I've ever done. The good thing is that deep down, I know I own this distance. I have the base for it. Also I have no pressure and no expectations. I am running with John my training partner and Ironman, and his brother Dan who is also an Ironman who just finished Florida after getting a diagnosis of cancer this year.

John has never 'run' a marathon, though is an Ironman. He got off the bike and left T2 with his massive brain (he's a genius) knowing that if he averaged 17 minute miles he would finish before midnight. And he did. Also with the best attitude during the marathon of anyone else I knew that day.

So we are running the Tucson marathon this weekend. Slooooooooowly. I am the rabbit. My rabbit like pace? About 12:30 per mile. Which for a stand alone mary, is a bit slower than my normal pace, but in perspective, I averaged only modestly faster at IMFL.

Which is why I am really not struggling mentally with this event. The one thing an Ironman does is provide clarity to endurance. When your the slowest swimmer in your group but realize you still beat the IM cut off by fifty minutes, thats okay. When I saw that even with a viral infection in my lungs I still finished the IM bike averaging like 13 mph, I am really not afraid of riding a century as a stand alone event.

I consider running my strongest event, not from speed but from knowledge and base. Yes a sub 4:30 marathon is great and about my normal Z2 training pace. But I did 5:30 at IMFL. But I have also run a 3:29 in the Army.

I look forward to this weekend. Running is fun. Running with Friends...funner.

Forget the straps, wheres my head?

I still have not found any of the three missing Polar HR straps that I was looking for the other day. The good news is that as a formerly sponsored athlete by Polar, I was going through that gear and found a brand new HR strap tucked into one of the watch boxes. Horrah!!!!

Still down three, but now up one. Go figure.

Yesterday started as a good day. Schedule was just one meeting and some follow ups. Had food. Had fluids. By early evening I was driving in a daze, unaware of where I was or how to get home. What happened???

I started to get a headache around mid day, while still in the meeting, pretty much the same debilitating ones I got with my concussion a few weeks back. I started to blink repeatably again. But I then drove to my next appointment and remember finishing that up and leaving about 4:30pm thinking I had to fill up my gas tank.

Next thing I know I have a low gas tank alarm go off and its over an hour later. The headache is worse than ever. But what did I do while I was driving around? I have no clue.

I called Mistress and gave her a heads up. For 20 minutes I drove around looking for an on-ramp to the freeway and ended up driving up to one of my clubs. The distance from where I was at 4:30 and where I ended up at 6:15 is about 8 miles of driving in an area I am normally very familiar with. But based on my gas tank I must have driven around 35 miles.

So I filled up with gas and went into the club and sat down for a while talking to employees. After about an hour, some soda and sugar and lots of advil, I drove home pretty wiped out.

I can only guess that my actions for that time I was driving was much like a sleepwalker. I obviously didn't have any drama to push me out of whatever state I was in, but I certainly didn't have the wherewithal to just pull over or recognize where I was at.

Strange....

Straps

It's a question I have asked myself a hundred times in the last three days.

"How can I lose three Polar heart rate straps?"

How indeed....

Tear the house apart. Check.
Tear the garage apart. Check.
Tear the car apart. Check.

Well, whereever I find a strap(s) it will be the last place I check.

It's Official....two dates in Tempe

Second Ford Ironman Race for Arizona in 2008

TEMPE, AZ - North America Sports is pleased to announce the addition of a second Ford Ironman Arizona Race to their 2008 event schedule. The city of Tempe and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community will again partner with NA Sports to host a Ford Ironman Arizona event on November 23, 2008.

The fall event will become the permanent date for this event going forward to 2009 and beyond. This change has been in the planning stages for some time, some of the reasons for the change include avoiding the gusty winds and hot weather that have challenged athletes in the first three years of the race and scheduling issues with all parties involved.

“Tempe is excited to partner with North America Sports, and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community to make Ironman Triathlon History. Two Ironman Arizona races in one year - 2008 will be an amazing year for our events!” said Travis Dray, Dept. Director of Parks and Rec, for the City of Tempe, and Ford Ironman Arizona finisher.

North America Sports will be holding events on both dates in 2008 to get the fall fixture into the race and community calendars. The event will also allow them to offer the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship qualifying slots, which without this second event would be lost to the athletes on the racing schedule for the 2009 qualifying year. This date will also allow northern athletes, who have found the early date a training challenge, a chance to compete in this great event.

Race Director for both Tempe events, Paul Huddle stated, “The transition of the Ford Ironman Arizona to November is a testament to the commitment of all parties involved to the long term success of the event, in finding it a permanent ‘home’ in the calendar of all involved. Hosting two Ironman events in a year, is a big undertaking, and the enthusiasm of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and the City of Tempe is huge vote of confidence.”

The April 2008 Ford Ironman Arizona event is sold out and general entry for the November 2008 will open, through the race site, www.ironmanarizona.com on Monday November 26th at 9 am PST/ 12 noon ET. It is expected that there will be strong demand for the entry spots to the race and that it will fill quickly. To obtain further information about the event or to volunteer, please go to the race website.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody

I can sincerely say that my life is healthier and more fulfilled with you in my life. Thank you for stopping by and reading about my battle with Common Man Syndrome on a regular basis. I appreciate all your comments and concerns and as most of you know, I try to respond to every comment.

You have made my Thanksgiving Day a day of humble remembrance of so many things but mostly for being with me in this thing called life. I wish I could sit down and eat with every single one of you today, but know that all of you will be in my thoughts as I eat with my family.

Swimmingly

Had a great swim yesterday. I worked off a speed set workout and was quite surprised that the T-Pace that I established almost four months ago (2:06 per 100 yds) is no longer applicable.

While I was consistently swimming 1:53 x 100yds yesterday, I have moved my T-Pace to 2:00 to ensure that I don't rush my strokes. At 2:00 per 100 yds. that puts me at 85 minutes per Iron-swim which is under my 90 minute deadline. With several months to go, I am hoping I can continue to improve and drop time.

Today I celebrate that my fastest 100 yard pool swim is 10% faster than earlier this year. Today I celebrate that I have lowered my T-Pace by 5% for training.

To celebrate I will run 8 miles today. Turns out in ten days I have a marathon to run and haven't run since my head injury two weeks ago. Oops. If everything goes well today then I will run 16 miles on Friday. I have never tapered for a marathon this way and certainly don't recommend it. But I have a big base in my running and this is another supported training run, not mentally a race for me which takes some of the pressure off.

Happy Thanksgiving! I give thanks to all of you who have meant so much to me this year.

Race Report #1 2008: El Tour de Tucson Ride

This first event of the season was not so much a race as a me being a rabbit for a good friend in a 109 mile charity ride. I figured it was a good shakedown for me to start the new season. As it turned out between Mistress catching a cold, supporting friends for the Soma 1/2 Ironman and my concussion, I lost about 250 miles of riding in three weeks and went from being highly prepared to just wanting to keep myself an honest rabbit, finishing one wheel ahead of my friend.

It was to be miserably cold on race morning and as my father, godfather, Doug and myself exited our hotel for a meal the night before the ride and I had two things on my mind; my splitting concussion headache and find a cheap sweatshirt to wear while waiting for the start. (I should have learned from Ironman Florida, be prepared for morning chill with a throwaway top.) I was surprised that just sitting in the back of the vehicle as we drove around that I was being assaulted visually, my eyes still impaired from my latest head injury. We all retired to our room later that night with full bellies and me with a $9 XL green sweatshirt courtesy of Walgreens.

Race morning found Doug and I at the start line 2 hours ahead of time. As a charity ride the waves are set up for projected finish times and when one chute becomes to full they force you back with slower riders. We ended up being seeded right behind the quicker riders boxed out of the faster group ahead.

As we started, I mentally defaulted to riding without draft, after a couple miles I realized I could draft and picked up amazing time and speed, covering the first quarter of the course around 19 mph. Well above our projection.

There are two areas where cyclists must dismount and portage their bike across dry sandy rivers. During the first such carry at mile 8, my speedplay cleat became damaged and it took ten minutes for me to reclip into my pedals. For the remainder of the event it was a constant challenge to take my foot off the bike without wrenching my ankle. Unfortunately this foreshadowed a similar fate to my left cleat during the next portage around 50 miles and then I simply tried to not get off the bike at all.

Doug and I did very well staying together up until the point of the second portage. My only lag with him was when my HR watch showed full memory one hour in and I had to delete some files before restarting, one of the many times I wished my aero bars were attached. He picked up a good draft and I needed to bust out to catch up.

After the second portage rolling hills came into play and I found I could attack them quite well. Doug kept a reasonable pace, as we had been told the hills in the later section were not to be trifled with. He found easy company along the way so we adapted our strategy so that I would time trial the five to seven miles between aid stations and wait for him then repeat. This we continued to do, with me waiting about ten minutes at each station until mile 72 where I again had plenty of time to refill my bottles, empty my bladder and nibble on food until Doug arrived.

We were told at this point with 37 miles left that the course was essentially played out and there would be no more hills. I looked at the watch and then at Doug. I felt really good after 72 miles. Strong. I wanted to beat 7 hours of course time and had less than 90 minutes to do it. We talked, shook hands and parted ways.

Doug had made an interesting point earlier in our ride. People were afraid of speed. They dawdled along at slow speeds and low cadence. Our drafts, while helpful to conserve energy, slowed us down considerably. This is not a race. It is not a time trail from T1 to T2. Its a charity ride with 10,000 cyclists. It blew my mind that they didn't stand on the road and hand out bottles of water. You had to stop at basically a party and the uber-gracious and genial volunteers filled you up by pitchers. There was not energy/calorie drink handed out. A very laid back race. So when I parted ways with Doug with 37 miles left, I really wanted to fly.

And I flew.

The next hour I covered 27 miles. I reached speeds, without drafting, of 31, 32 miles per hour. I hit 36 mph as my fastest speed. It is the greatest hour of cycling (and without aero bars) I have ever had. And I loved every minute of it.

At mile 74, just past our parting, the last group of cyclists entered the course for their 35 mile ride. There were several distances one could ride, 109 miles the longest, 35 the shortest. At this point I was doing around 30 mph and passing people doing half that speed. One cyclist came up to me and asked me about the color of my bib, I didn't get it at the time, but people in the shortest ride had blue bibs and people in my wave had white. All I got from him was that he was impressed I was riding that fast that far into my event.

I would sometimes grab onto a draft line, as my HR was hitting around 181, this allowed me to drop HR and still keep a decent speed. Then I would bust out in a flurry of high cadence and blow past the line.

During one such time that I was moving off the line, around 28 mph. I was passing people and a van was approaching from ahead. A cyclist looked over his shoulder at me and yelled, "car" but I didn't need to slow, I kept my speed high to pass once the van moved by. The cyclist looked back at me again and yelled, "Car...dude your wheels are so loud I thought you were a car!" I smiled and blew by. That was cool.

I ended up being stuck at a couple of lights, the police by now were doing their best to keep traffic stops to a minimum and was resigned that my fantastic hour of cycling was not going to put me under the 7 hour course time. So I slowed down and just tried to keep all the systems running smoothly.

It was difficult to unclip either foot and the wrenching action of my ankle did not allow me to be gentle with my legs. I cramped pretty hard at a couple of the intersections waiting to be waived through.

Another cyclist approached me and said the biggest, most awesome statement I have ever got in endurance racing. He obviously had seen the M-Dot tattoo on my calf and said, "Did you do the Ironman." I replied, "Yeah." His response was, "You're one bad motherfucker...that's a compliment."

I finished the course around 7:15, I didn't delete enough memory from my watch, which kept showing 'Full Memory', so stopped looking at it with 9 miles to go. My bike computer ride time is just over 6 hours. That shows how much time was spent at aid stations hanging out. Doug finished about a half hour later with a big smile and full of pride. He did great. I am so happy he was able to coax me into this ride as my first of the new season. It had been on my radar for years and it did not disappoint.

Several minutes after finishing I definitely felt I could run, but was glad I didn't have to. Instead I had a couple beers, a couple cokes and a medal around a neck; reward for a good day of training.

Finished el tour de tucson. Awesome 110 miles. Ready to run. But beer calls its siren song.

Ping.

Following Follow Up

Well the good news is that I am still a 'High Functioning Idiot'. That's a technical term I am sure.

The doctor said, regarding my tests, that my current concussion and my previous, "quite remarkable history of head injury" does not show any signs of dementia or raise concerns of a degradation of mental capacity from this point. Mistress was pleased to hear that. She was pleased to hear most of what was said.

What caused me some irritation was this talk of depression and perhaps talking medication for that. He would always come back remarking about my ability to cope and function after all that has happened to my head and that depression can be a symptom of repetitive TBI.

After a few of these comments I just had to say, "Look. I know each day is blessing for me. I know I 'm only supposed to be functional 3rd grader. That I should not be married to a wonderful woman and instead being cared for by my parents for the rest of my life. That I should barely be able to walk normally let alone train and compete in Ironman races. I know all that. But I demand more of myself than where I am at right now. I am hard on myself because I expect more of myself. I hold myself to a higher level of expectation because I know how easy it would be for me to be just a common man."

"I think it is normal to be bummed about missing a workout or not meeting expectations in life or work or training. But I am not depressed about it for days on end. My job is all about attention to detail. I own a business that I think should be doing a hell of a lot better than it is right now and yeah that can bum anyone out from time to time."

The doctor asked me a good question. "What is your definition of depression?"

I said after some thought, "I don't know. I don't know because I don't see myself as depressed. Maybe its a fictional description. My illustration of depression is from movies and tv, and I certainly don't fit those prototypes. Sure there are days I don't want to leave the house and just sit on the couch and read or watch movies but I don't lock myself in my room and not come out or stay in bed all day. I don't miss work because life is too hard or not take care of basic hygiene. I don't contemplate hurting myself or act in a manner that pushes away people who love me."

The doctor and Mistress had some talk about my response and my reaction to missing workouts or eating poorly and he asked me another question. "Are you hard on yourself if you don't meet your expectations? Is it okay to not race well and just enjoy the process of the training?"

"Of course," I said. "But if I miss some key workouts I am not going to use that to alibi a poor race. Obstacles face us all the time in life, it doesn't give anyone the right to use that as an excuse to not give it your all at what we do. Its not okay to be unprepared for something and then indignant when there's consequences when doesn't go right."

"I have missed some key bike rides the last three weeks and have an important bike race this weekend. This concussion has not helped my mind or my preparation. I have gone from feeling over prepared to just wanting to finish with a smile on my face and I am okay with that. But I am not going to just not do the race. Or just not give it my best out there. Races, like life, are about overcoming, about finding a way, about having options, about not being a victim."

While I was at conflict with some of what was said, I feel that what I was really interested in, the coping mechanisms and ongoing strategy work, were not being seen as something I really wanted to do. Even as we left Mistress was asking me again if I was interested in some coping therapy or what I have been calling cognitive therapy.

I told her I certainly am. I am not interested in discussing something that I don't believe is helpful to me, (i.e. overemphasis of depression or taking depression medications) but very interested for example in being able to find solutions to get around using the wrong Subject or Noun in a number of my daily conversations. Its frustrating to say to someone, "My keys are in the refrigerator." When I am really trying to say, "The keys are on my desk."

In the end, I am not surprised by the results. Not relieved either. Mistress on the other hand is happy that this last hit to the head hasn't put me closer to becoming a 'vegetable'. I was a bit miffed to hear that the effects of a concussion can last for a couple of months. That didn't help my attitude towards the constant headaches and extra sleeping I am doing every day. I figured about a week. Oh well.

I am a bit flummoxed about how so little of the initial conversations with the two doctors, note taking and testing was spent discussing or discovering depression yet so much of the results today had that word in it. Not that the results showed I am depressed, or I see myself as depressed, but that Mistress had questions about my attitude after not meeting my expectations during our original meeting with a cognitive therapist a few months back. Now it seems treatment for it might be a good thing.

So maybe I am too hard on myself. Is it that uncommon in these days to have big goals and do everything possible even through adversity to accomplish them? Maybe it is. But if being depressed means I am disappointed in my achievements and that helps me to do better the next time I attempt something, (like say trying to beat my time in a race) then I will accept that. I would rather be depressed about my efforts many times and yet ultimately reach my goal and be extremely happy in the end, than be constantly happy about accomplishing nothing.

In the end while I didn't agree with all that was said about my mental state, I was happy that most of it came back with me quite average in my results. A good baseline with which to test against in the future if need be and a modest plan to help me out.

I probably don't need a helmet for things like 4x4ing in SUV's, or short course bouldering or going through modest rapids while fishing. And although I didn't ask, I suppose the answer would have been, "It wouldn't hurt." I still may start a trend. Its good insurance.

Follow Up

This afternoon Mistress and I have my follow up at the neurologists. It won't be a long meeting, less than a hour, but I am hoping it sets up my base line for future testing.

I have no idea what will occur but I am hoping the follow up will include a strategy with a cognitive therapist to reset my routines.

After this last concussion, its quite apparent that my neural paths are not remembering things correctly on normal, unconscious routines.

Will follow up with you fine people. Tomorrow I travel to Tuck-san for the ride.

Fall Arizona Ironman Announced

he East Valley (Tempe, AZ) is likely to host two editions of the Ford Ironman Triathlon next year as race transitions from a springtime slot to the fall.

The first Arizona race is set for April 13, which is in the early portion of the 2007-08 Ironman season.

The second Arizona race is envisioned for sometime in November 2008, which potentially could make it the first race of the 2008-09 season.

Then in 2009 and thereafter, the race would be an annual fall event, said Travis Dray, deputy director for the Tempe Parks and Recreation Department.

The Arizona race is one of several qualifying events for the annual Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, so the spring Arizona race would serve as a qualifier for the 2007-08 championship race, while the fall Arizona race would be a qualifier for the 2008-09 championship.

The championship is held annually in Kona, Hawaii, in October.

Race organizers want to shift the Arizona race to loosen the international Ironman race circuit during the spring, and to avoid gusty winds and high temperature that triathletes have confronted since the Arizona race joined the schedule in 2005.

“It’s been extremely, extremely windy and hot,” Dray said.

“They’re saying it’s actually been tougher conditions than they’ve faced in Hawaii. It’s weird, but it’s actually true,” he said.

The Arizona race usually is sandwiched between races in California and Florida.

Like all Ironman triathlons, the grueling Arizona race is comprised of three endurance events -- a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. The Arizona version is centered around Tempe Town Lake.

The swim portion takes competitors through the man-made lake in the Salt River wash. The bike route leads racers through three loops on the Beeline Highway mostly in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The marathon portion takes runners along three laps of the lake.

Several details still need to be approved before the changes go into place, Dray said.

Tribal leaders approved the concept of a November race last week, but not a particular date, Dray said. The weekend before Thanksgiving appears to be emerging as the favorite, he said.

Tribal officials could not be reached for comment.

Furthermore, race organizers and the Tempe City Council would have to approve the switch, Dray said.

Despite its current slot on the Ironman schedule and the April weather, the Arizona race has been popular with endurance athletes, drawing about 2,000 competitors each year.

The race’s organizers, North American Sports of Boulder, Colo., describe it this way on their Web site: “This event has enjoyed three very successful years and is becoming increasingly popular as an early-season Ironman. Ford Ironman Arizona takes place in Tempe and the surrounding areas which is home to a large triathlon community”

North American Sports executives could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Flipping Pies

I got an email from a friend, a personal trainer, who was sending out his defensive strategies for Thanksgiving. He asked for some feedback on what has worked for us receiving the message and he would share them with everyone else.

Here was my contribution. I am interested in yours...

I think a lot of families remember us (guys in particular) as “ravenous, eating contest with Uncle Bob teenagers”, not the triathletes we are today. It takes supreme effort to maintain control at the family gathering but I always treat the snack table as a run aid station. I don’t stand at the table I walk or run through. I grab something to drink, something to nibble in one hand and then gone, just like a race.

During the meal, just try to stay under the radar. Make the plate look full by spreading everything around.

After all that effort to maintain control during the meal it can all fall apart at the end when we leave. Everyone is offering leftovers and that’s when you ‘give in’. Ask everyone else to take their share first and then take everything offered, especially slices of pie and cake. Don’t hold back. You will get claps on the back for finally indulging yourself as you walk out the door loaded down.

Then as soon as you pull into the driveway, throw it all in the garbage can beside your house. Every last bite. You don’t eat all the calories and your family will think they finally broke you down.

Back on the Trainer

Well last night I did 90 minutes on the trainer, on my road bike, with no headaches, no body aches. Good sign.

You would think, I would think, that a 'simple' concussion would run its course within a week. Yet here I am day 7 still not sure how much longer I will sleep than normal and not really sure what is going to come out of my mouth.

My normal 6 hours of sleep is still in the 7.5 or more range. I have not mollified any one person today with the words coming out of my mouth but I have certainly startled some of our new employees going through our university in the room next door with humor and language more akin to my time in the jungle than my position within the business they are joining.

Today I am not so much worried about the sleep and the impulsivity of my language as I am about my unconscious eating. Normally kept in check with my willpower, that vital energy is now directed to other functions and I could eat for hours and never feel full. I have easily put on weight in the last week.

At least the race this weekend has focused my nutrition better and it should pull me through this last few days before hopefully a complete recovery.

And yes I may be putting a nice helmet on my Christmas this year.

Follibles and Fixes

Its been a catch up day today. Finally getting up above the water line on missed work from last week. I have finally started to interact with the staff again and most knew of my concussion and were interested in my progress. In a couple of funny moments today; I looked over at the woman I share an office with to ask her a question, I stared at her for a several seconds and she asked me, "Your looking at me funny, do you want something?" I replied, "I can't remember your name." Then we both started laughing. A bit later I walked by one of the women administrators and said, "You look tired." Based on the look she gave me, I am guessing she wasn't.

I did ride yesterday. I left the house early to take my time driving to the meet up. Stopped off to get a cup of coffee at a gas station. As I left I almost drove straight into a gas pump. Lucky for me I swerved just in time.

Mistress didn't want me riding alone, for good reason, but everyone is in off season mode so it was hard to get any takers. I managed one buddy for one loop of 25 miles but I needed 50 at least. So I drove home to do the last half of the ride on the trainer after I did the grocery shopping with Mo. Instead I fell asleep for three hours when I got back from the store. Shocked the sh*t outta me as do not take naps. Shocked Mistress too. Needless to say I didn't ride.

With my first event of the year coming up this weekend, the 109 mile El Tour de Tucson cycling event, I am working a modest schedule of single day workouts and focusing on cycling to get my strength and flexibility back up on the bike.

Half way there

Only six hours of testing and all is done. Its hard to believe how such simple questions can toss you for a loop. Unfortunately there was not enough time to go through results so I have to wait till next week.

I have tried a couple of times to explain in this paragraph what I did today. The testing was long, somewhat boring. I missed some obvious things.

I look forward to trying to get some training done this weekend.

See you on the flip side.

Test day

Mistress was able to move up my neurology appointment to this morning. She is not sure if this is just a meet & greet or the whole day of testing I am supposed to do.

I do feel better this morning. Of course I haven't left the house yet so we will see how the driving in rush hour goes. Lucky me I get to follow it all the way downtown and the snowbirds are back clogging the roads. Whether its my head or the other drivers, I swear people are swerving into my lane trying to merge where I am at and swerving back at the last minute when they see a car driving there.

This week has been an obvious bust in training. The swimming and running have been going great its the cycling that is concerning me. I have my first event next week and its a 109 mile bike. I am supposed to get 90 in this weekend and it would surely build my confidence after this week but in speaking with training mentors I am only shooting for 50 miles or 3 hours riding total. Hard to say how the workout is going to go at that point.

Will probably post later tonight when I get home from the doctors.

When will it be over

I am functioning, but not functional.

My freaking right eye will. not. stop. blinking.

And I am tired.

And. I am still a bit slow on the draw.

After 48 hours you would think I would be completely recovered. But alas that is not the case. Yesterday and now today I am leaving early to work from home. I am also trying to not drive in any rush hour traffic.

Thanks again to everyone who has left me comments. I really appreciate them and responded to around 30 yesterday when I was up. I do try to respond to every comment I get.

Still Here

Hi ya'll. (Crap I watched way to much E! Channel Britney Spears coverage yesterday). I am still here and know who I am. All positive news. I am moving a bit slow today, but otherwise fine. Skipped the 16 mile run scheduled for 5:30 this morning. Hope everyone is okay with that.

Dad picked me up to take me to work as my car was still there. We made a stop at Bass Pro Shop and Cracker Barrel. Had never eaten there and had biscuits and gravy for the first time in about a decade. The doctor said to take it easy for the next couple days so I am going the way of the Common Man.

On a lighter note about my concussion yesterday, I would like to give you some examples of how it affected me.

I left my house key in the lock when I left the house in the morning. Mistress found it later in the day. Whew.

I think I have mentioned in the past that head injuries make you susceptible to suggestion; well after several hours of tv in my exam room I had a overwhelming desire to eat pizza and popcorn for dinner after seeing multiple commercials for those products all day long.

I had bouts of amnesia during the ER visit. They would ask me a question, "did you throw up" and I would answer "yes". Then I would turn around and ask them how they knew that I had thrown up and they would tell me they just asked me.

I kept answering "yes" to questions, so Mistress asked if she could pull up the carpet and lay wood flooring. I said, "yes", not even realizing what she asked me. She felt guilty and told me about it later.

Well those were 'funny' to me. I can't live like I would never get a hit to the melon again and be in constant fear. Careful, yes. I just didn't think that my next concussion would be self induced. Bike accident, car accident, accidental rough housing all likely candidates. Hitting my head on a hanging candle holder, not so much on the list. I just didn't have the court awareness I should have.

That'll happen. Thanks again for all your support out there. It has been a great comfort to me.

Head Injury update

Just got released from the hospital. I have about five minutes before Mistress gets home with my pain killers and she won't let me use the pc when she gets home.

I am concussed. The CT scan came back good, so no bleeding or cracked skull. Failed the motor skills and verbal tests though. I have some moments I will share later that may make you laugh or think I am a really screwed up dude. But I hear self-deprecating humor is big right now.

This concussion makes it an unofficial bakers dozen (13) by my counts. Funny how all this really just piled up from the routines needing help to the neurologist to the 'reverse headache' yesterday and now this.

I was talking to Jeff, my training partner, and his son who is a high school quarterback probably gets six or seven hits a game that are harder than the one I gave myself today. It goes to show just how progressive multiple concussions to the head and other TBI's can affect a person.

I'm going to lay down now. Thanks so much for the kind comments earlier.

Head Injury update

Just got released from the hospital. I have about five minutes before Mistress gets home with my pain killers and she won't let me use the pc when she gets home.

I am concussed. The CT scan came back good, so no bleeding or cracked skull. Failed the motor skills and verbal tests though. I have some moments I will share later that may make you laugh or think I am a really screwed up dude. But I hear self-deprecating humor is big right now.

This concussion makes it an unofficial bakers dozen (13) by my counts. Funny how all this really just piled up from the routines needing help to the neurologist to the 'reverse headache' yesterday and now this.

I was talking to Jeff, my training partner, and his son who is a high school quarterback probably gets six or seven hits a game that are harder than the one I gave myself today. It goes to show just how progressive multiple concussions to the head and other TBI's can affect a person.

I'm going to lay down now. Thanks so much for the kind comments earlier.

Adding Injury to Injury

I wrote a pretty personal post last night about dealing with head injury's. Then this morning while my bike was leaned up against a wall, I leaned over it and hit my forehead really hard against the edge of a wrought iron candle display hanging higher up the wall.

It knocked me on my ass but I didn't pass out. Mistress was there to help me. I made it to work OK but still feel a little woozy and nauseous, my eyes are a bit unfocused (I've had to increase the font size and screen % so far today). After a quick ten minute meeting, I had to go outside and throw up a couple times.

I don't think I have another concussion. I think I just rung my bell really hard....wait one...

...I just got up to go to the locker room to see if I have a mark on my forehead and realized I can't walk straight without focusing on the lines in the tile. Left to my own gait, I veer right. I did a couple of laps up and down in my hallway and every time no matter where I started walking, I veered right.

I think this is going to be very short day. And I have another call to Mistress to make.

Update 10:18: Mistress called the neurologist to confer my symptoms. She is now coming to take me to the ER.

Head injury insight

I still haven't heard back from the neurologist yet for my test date. Mistress is calling on that for me today. This post is to give you a glimpse of one of the symptoms I suffer from which we all believe is directly related to the TBI's (Traumatic Brain Injury's) I have sustained over the years.

I have days, today is one, where my brain feels numb. My head feels numb. It is not a drugged state or exhaustive state or a symptom of allergy or illness or a state of confusion or lack of clarity, its like my mind is stuck in blindspot and can't get out.

I can sit in the same spot for seconds or minutes, yes even hours and not even realize I haven't moved. My thinking becomes very linear and slowed down. I become a terrible driver. During some recent episodes, (its happening or I am recognizing it more frequently), I have pulled over the van and asked Mistress to take over because I lose confidence in my ability to process people walking in cross walks or cars in other lanes. I have mimed "sorry" a lot driving in this state.

This 'reverse headache' usually doesn't last more than one day and is not a part of any depression. I feel fine, hopeful and positive, other than my head feels numb and I have to stay busy or risk not moving at all. Its hard to put into succinct words. Its almost as if my body is fine but my brain is drunk or buzzed. Like I have taken a pain killer that only affects the brain. But with painkillers we know it never really removes the pain and so there is still a numbness that occurs or waves of non-feeling that wash over the consciousness. My ears won't stop ringing.

I am hoping that the testing I have done will address this issue, either with routines to overcome it or a specific medical condition that can be worked on cognitively. Its not like I can hold up a cast to show a broken arm. I don't need crutches to move around, but on the days I feel like this I certainly get the idea that I am defective or impaired in my ability to function at work or in society.

Head injury insight

I still haven't heard back from the neurologist yet for my test date. Mistress is calling on that for me today. This post is to give you a glimpse of one of the symptoms I suffer from which we all believe is directly related to the TBI's (Traumatic Brain Injury's) I have sustained over the years.

I have days, today is one, where my brain feels numb. My head feels numb. It is not a drugged state or exhaustive state or a symptom of allergy or illness or a state of confusion or lack of clarity, its like my mind is stuck in blindspot and can't get out.

I can sit in the same spot for seconds or minutes, yes even hours and not even realize I haven't moved. My thinking becomes very linear and slowed down. I become a terrible driver. During some recent episodes, (its happening or I am recognizing it more frequently), I have pulled over the van and asked Mistress to take over because I lose confidence in my ability to process people walking in cross walks or cars in other lanes. I have mimed "sorry" a lot driving in this state.

This 'reverse headache' usually doesn't last more than one day and is not a part of any depression. I feel fine, hopeful and positive, other than my head feels numb and I have to stay busy or risk not moving at all. Its hard to put into succinct words. Its almost as if my body is fine but my brain is drunk or buzzed. Like I have taken a pain killer that only affects the brain. But with painkillers we know it never really removes the pain and so there is still a numbness that occurs or waves of non-feeling that wash over the consciousness. My ears won't stop ringing.

I am hoping that the testing I have done will address this issue, either with routines to overcome it or a specific medical condition that can be worked on cognitively. Its not like I can hold up a cast to show a broken arm. I don't need crutches to move around, but on the days I feel like this I certainly get the idea that I am defective or impaired in my ability to function at work or in society.

Head injury insight

I still haven't heard back from the neurologist yet for my test date. Mistress is calling on that for me today. This post is to give you a glimpse of one of the symptoms I suffer from which we all believe is directly related to the TBI's (Traumatic Brain Injury's) I have sustained over the years.

I have days, today is one, where my brain feels numb. My head feels numb. It is not a drugged state or exhaustive state or a symptom of allergy or illness or a state of confusion or lack of clarity, its like my mind is stuck in blindspot and can't get out.

I can sit in the same spot for seconds or minutes, yes even hours and not even realize I haven't moved. My thinking becomes very linear and slowed down. I become a terrible driver. During some recent episodes, (its happening or I am recognizing it more frequently), I have pulled over the van and asked Mistress to take over because I lose confidence in my ability to process people walking in cross walks or cars in other lanes. I have mimed "sorry" a lot driving in this state.

This 'reverse headache' usually doesn't last more than one day and is not a part of any depression. I feel fine, hopeful and positive, other than my head feels numb and I have to stay busy or risk not moving at all. Its hard to put into succinct words. Its almost as if my body is fine but my brain is drunk or buzzed. Like I have taken a pain killer that only affects the brain. But with painkillers we know it never really removes the pain and so there is still a numbness that occurs or waves of non-feeling that wash over the consciousness. My ears won't stop ringing.

I am hoping that the testing I have done will address this issue, either with routines to overcome it or a specific medical condition that can be worked on cognitively. Its not like I can hold up a cast to show a broken arm. I don't need crutches to move around, but on the days I feel like this I certainly get the idea that I am defective or impaired in my ability to function at work or in society.

Head injury insight

I still haven't heard back from the neurologist yet for my test date. Mistress is calling on that for me today. This post is to give you a glimpse of one of the symptoms I suffer from which we all believe is directly related to the TBI's (Traumatic Brain Injury's) I have sustained over the years.

I have days, today is one, where my brain feels numb. My head feels numb. It is not a drugged state or exhaustive state or a symptom of allergy or illness or a state of confusion or lack of clarity, its like my mind is stuck in blindspot and can't get out.

I can sit in the same spot for seconds or minutes, yes even hours and not even realize I haven't moved. My thinking becomes very linear and slowed down. I become a terrible driver. During some recent episodes, (its happening or I am recognizing it more frequently), I have pulled over the van and asked Mistress to take over because I lose confidence in my ability to process people walking in cross walks or cars in other lanes. I have mimed "sorry" a lot driving in this state.

This 'reverse headache' usually doesn't last more than one day and is not a part of any depression. I feel fine, hopeful and positive, other than my head feels numb and I have to stay busy or risk not moving at all. Its hard to put into succinct words. Its almost as if my body is fine but my brain is drunk or buzzed. Like I have taken a pain killer that only affects the brain. But with painkillers we know it never really removes the pain and so there is still a numbness that occurs or waves of non-feeling that wash over the consciousness. My ears won't stop ringing.

I am hoping that the testing I have done will address this issue, either with routines to overcome it or a specific medical condition that can be worked on cognitively. Its not like I can hold up a cast to show a broken arm. I don't need crutches to move around, but on the days I feel like this I certainly get the idea that I am defective or impaired in my ability to function at work or in society.

Noodle

Strong training over the weekend; on Saturday and Sunday I bike 50 miles, ran 8, swam 1.

Congrats to those I know who completed Ironman Florida. From all accounts the weather gods shined favor on the course.

The El Tour de Tucson is in two weeks. Looking forward to this 109 mile ride with friends. My ride over the weekend was supposed to be 80 miles. Not a big deal...except I was doing it on my road bike sans aero bars.

All my levels were 5x5. RPM was high, HR was low, nutrition was spot on. RPE was good, but...

...no aero bars freaking smoked my arms. My triceps were toasted. Still toasted. I called Mistress to tell her I was coming home early and my I couldn't hold my phone to my ear it was shaking so badly.

Just goes to show. Just when you think your doing great, you get humbled.

Nudge

Its been a while since I updated my training. My weight and body fat have not changed too drastically. I am firmly under the Clydesdale line of 200 pounds, hovering around 195. I'm not even in the "one big meal away" category anymore. Thats very cool. Not as fast as I want but I will be at 185 or less by the peak of my race season in April/May.

Heart rate training has been great the last 90 days. When I started I was struggling to run a 10k at 11:30 per mile with a HR of 148 or less. The struggle came from keeping my HR that low as I was used to running with my HR in the 160's.

This week I ran 16 miles at an average HR of 140 bpm and my per mile pace was 10:12. That is quite a feat.

I have had similar success in my cycling. I now ride approximately 3 mph faster than I did before I started base training.

When I started base, I took a swim test to find my average pace per 100 yards called a T-Pace. I pushed myself as if it was an Ironman and it was 2:06. No great shakes but good enough to swim well under the Ironman cutoff. Recently I did a workout that had a warm up of 400 yards then the first set was 4x400. I swam each 400 at a very easy RPE and when I would finish the time was under my T-Pace by a considerable amount of time.

As the physical action improves, the nutrition is still my downfall. I am great during the day but between dinner and when I go to bed, its a minefield that far to often I can't survive. I continue to remind myself that food is for fuel not entertainment.

80 miles on the road bike this weekend in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. My longest ride yet without aero bars. How will this Intrepid Age Groupers hands feel pushed into the horns for that long? Probably not very good and quite numb. Its a process.

Have fun.

Nudge

Its been a while since I updated my training. My weight and body fat have not changed too drastically. I am firmly under the Clydesdale line of 200 pounds, hovering around 195. I'm not even in the "one big meal away" category anymore. Thats very cool. Not as fast as I want but I will be at 185 or less by the peak of my race season in April/May.

Heart rate training has been great the last 90 days. When I started I was struggling to run a 10k at 11:30 per mile with a HR of 148 or less. The struggle came from keeping my HR that low as I was used to running with my HR in the 160's.

This week I ran 16 miles at an average HR of 140 bpm and my per mile pace was 10:12. That is quite a feat.

I have had similar success in my cycling. I now ride approximately 3 mph faster than I did before I started base training.

When I started base, I took a swim test to find my average pace per 100 yards called a T-Pace. I pushed myself as if it was an Ironman and it was 2:06. No great shakes but good enough to swim well under the Ironman cutoff. Recently I did a workout that had a warm up of 400 yards then the first set was 4x400. I swam each 400 at a very easy RPE and when I would finish the time was under my T-Pace by a considerable amount of time.

As the physical action improves, the nutrition is still my downfall. I am great during the day but between dinner and when I go to bed, its a minefield that far to often I can't survive. I continue to remind myself that food is for fuel not entertainment.

80 miles on the road bike this weekend in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. My longest ride yet without aero bars. How will this Intrepid Age Groupers hands feel pushed into the horns for that long? Probably not very good and quite numb. Its a process.

Have fun.