I think this should begin with a little background. I believe my journey to Ironman actually started almost 9 years ago. At that time, I was 380lbs and in a battle for my life. I had so many things wrong with my health that to list them here would take too much time..but trust me..the list is long: heart, blood pressure, borderline diabetic etc. I decided to enter a clinical trial related to the Roux N Y Gatric Bypass. I spent 3 days in ICU...7 days in the hospital and 6 week in recovery. Of the 12 that entered the clinical trial, 9 died. I was one of the lucky ones.
After my surgery, my doctor told me that beginning a workout program would mean the maximum amount of weight loss. I began working with a trainer twice a week and walking 3 days a week. The process was slow, but before I knew it, I was walking over a mile. A year after my surgery, my trainer suggested that I enter the Danskin triathlon at Walt Disney World. A 1/4 mile swim, 10 mile bike and 2 mile run sounded like an Ironman to me...but after 9 months of training, I completed my first triathlon in 2 hours and 20 minutes (thats not a typo)...at that point..I was hooked on the sport.
Since that day,I have lost 193lbs. I have done 45 triathlon, 18 half marathons, 1 marathon, 1 24 hour adventure race, and one Half Ironman. My life goal became becoming an Ironman shortly after entering the sport and it has been my focus for the last year.
I signed up for Ironman Florida 2007 and trained for 7 months before being diagnosed with Acute Anemia and a B12 deficiency. After a few months of Iron supplementation along with regular B12 shots, my levels had increased but were not high enough to safely race at Ironman Florida. I was crushed! This goal that I had put so much hard work into had been taken away. I decided to have a 24 hour pity party and then move forward.
I have signed up for Ironman Florida 2008 and continue to train. My levels are almost normal now but still required infusion therapy. My doctor says I should be in good shape if I continue with proper nutrition by January.
I have hired the most amazing trainer . His name is Hector Torres (learn more about him at :
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID+8325531192095315467. I believe he is a piece of the puzzle I have been missing to acheive my life goal.
So follow me wont you...??? Follow my journey from Obesity to Ironman
