First Olympic Triathlon!

Brother-in-Law Eugene, Jacks 1st Place Division

Definitely behind on posts, especially regarding training. It's getting easier and more routine, you kind of just become a robot! This weekend I have a really tough work out so we will revisit things after that.

I competed in my first triathlon yesterday, consisting of a 0.93 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike, and a 6.2 mile run. I finished 22nd overall and took first in the male 20-24 age group! My run was by far the stronger portion and I am really proud that my training hasn't made me lost any speed! The swim was everything as terrifying as they say. It was an overcast day with lots of wind to start out with, making it really wavy.Within the first maybe 5 minutes, I had swallowed a ton of the lake water and started to panic. Could I do this? Am I okay. I had to stop, stick my head above the water and say okay, obviously what you are doing isn't working but you are a triathlete, adapt. What can you change to make this better for yourself. So I began to rotate more to lift my head higher above the water so I wasn't just breathing in water. I even at one point started swimming the wrong direction and definitely zig-zagged a few times so I need to practice "spotting" or sighting landmarks to help me swim straight. I also had an issue with my goggles fogging up. I was not prepared to be so disorientated when I got out of the water...you just feel really slow, almost like puking, and you are telling your body to walk/run and it just doesn't. It's a really interesting feeling that only a triathlon has ever given me.I was very pleased with my bike time, averaging about 20.6 mph as well as running a 6:51 min/mile on a trail with some pretty serious inclines and slippery terrain. I actually felt I had too much in the tank left over when I crossed the finish line so when I compete at ITU Chicago in three weeks I will be sure to push myself a lot harder! All in all, I have no complaints and found that I actually really enjoyed it. You kind of ride the roller coast of emotions, what the hell am I doing, can I survive this, but in all reality I had a ton of fun and appreciate the challenge of the sport. I did keep thinking, how in the heck am I supposed to double this distance for my half Ironman Racine 70.3 in a month or even triple that for Ironman Wisconsin in September!!!!! Only answer, was not to skip training and to really invest and give it my all. I definitely need more practice in the open water haha. 

Beautiful Hilly Run @ Governor Nelson State Park

Today, as a medical student I spent some time as working with a rheumatologist in clinic. Until this point, I have yet to shadow or partake in any speciality or form of medicine that has had me as engaged as I was today. I was fascinated to learn about all of the different forms of diseases rheumatology studies from systemic lupus erythematous to scleroderma to mixed connective tissue disease and all the way to ankylosing spondylitis. I had an amazing day, taking histories, performing physical exams on patients and really seeing what goes on behind the scenes. I have to admit I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed my time. Who knows, maybe I'll be a future rheumatologist. I was invited back for clinic and I also was able to get the name of a pediatric rheumatologist here at the American Children's Family Hospital that I will likely pursue this summer. I also learned bout a great resource for patients...www.rheumatology.org. It is worth checking out!

Girlfriend Jenny, huge supporter!

Update on my RA - I have to say things have been really well. I have way less morning stiffness with the increase in exercise, I feel my body growing stronger and my joints feeling better, my pain seems really under control. I'm just extremely grateful and reflective on all the good things that are happening in my life right now. I am very thankful for it all and for all the people around me. :) This week, let the training and journey to 140.6 continue!