After putting it off for nearly two years I had arthroscopic knee surgery this past week. It was pretty minor stuff really, no major issues or repairs but enough to limit my ability to seriously train for my next Ironman. In and out of the surgery center in two hours, walking that day, back to the gym tomorrow and biking in another week. Pretty amazing what can be done on an outpatient basis these days - and how resilient and responsive our bodies are. I have a new respect for modern medicine and my knees.
While I am anxious to get back to real training (no excuses now) I am also aware that my 50+ year old triathlete body does have limitations. Understanding your capabilities, while also pushing yourself beyond what you think may be possible in order to achieve your goals, is a personal balancing act all athletes struggle with each day.
As I was sitting on the couch yesterday - leg elevated, ice pack on knee - I watched the news coverage of the wounded British soldier who just finished the London Marathon - 13 days after the start. After being severely wounded in Iraq, his doctors told him he might never walk again. He set a goal to finish the marathon and raise $1.5M for wounded war heroes.
I finished that same race in 2002. I was relieved to cross the finish line after nearly 6 hours in the rain, but can't imagine how thrilled, exhausted and honored this humble soldier felt to achieve his goal. His accomplishment has definitely motivated me to get moving again, set a new goal and push myself a little more each day - testing the limits of my own capabilities, while gaining knowledge of and respect for my limitations and vulnerabilities.
Tomorrow.
