don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

The Tampa Tribune in Florida recently asked me to write a story about my experiences last summer leading up to the World Triathlon Championships held on the Gold Coast of Australia on September 13th. The assignment was to describe my athletic and other goals, explain why I chose to seek a triathlon title, how I approached the goal and what was the result. I was also asked to give a bit of advice to readers of the article.

In the event you don't read the Tampa Tribune, this is the tale of my comeback from a medical operation during which I "enjoyed" a three-hour drug-induced "nap" while genius doctors did frightful things with catheters and camera and such in order to give my ancient heart a much needed tune up. I hope you enjoy it.

Athletic Goal: Make the most of a fortuitous "second chance" provided by modern medicine to perform well at local, national and world triathlon and road racing competitions.

Professional Goal: To promote the widespread adoption of REAL wellness—a lifestyle grounded in reason, exuberance and liberty—in order to increase quality of life for as many as possible.

Personal Goal: To stay fully alive (fit, aware and having fun) as long as possible.

Why I Chose To Seek The Triathlon World Championship: I decided to attempt this because, if the procedure were successful, I could return to a level of competition I loved—and the excitement, drama, travel and satisfactions such racing entailed.

While I only had four weeks from the ablation procedure (to correct an atrial flutter) until the qualifying National Sprint Triathlon Championship event in Laguna Beach, CA (where the US Team for the World Championship in Australia would be selected), I rated my chances good for two reasons:

1. I stayed fit throughout the three to four years of heart trouble. I couldn't go fast, but I could still maintain a fitness threshold;
   
   
2. I have a splendid coach and training partner—my wife Carol. She is also a top age group competitor—in a much younger division!

The greatest frustration I had to endure during the recovery weeks was not to overdo it! I wanted to return to top form quickly—after all, the national championship was weeks away. But, I had to avoid damaging arteries where catheters had been inserted. If I stretched or pulled too hard and bled internally, I'd be out of commission—and would then have to focus on basic medical problems, not training for national and world titles.

How I Did It—A Winning Strategy: Since I had been and was required to remain on Coumadin (a blood thinner to reduce the risk of stroke) for one month, I couldn't train on my bicycle! A fall or crash (bleeding) could be catastrophic. Thus, cycling was restricted to stationary machines.

My training regimen consisted of hour-long workouts with inspirational phrases from my coach/partner Carol, especially these: 

"Slow down - don't overdo it!"

"You are going too fast - back off!" 

"What are you trying to do—kill yourself?" 

"That's enough for today - you've done too much already!" 

As noted, I was already in shape—the initial strategy was progress as fast but safely as possible into high intensity and extended duration exercise routines. I had to prepare my cardiovascular system and major muscle groups for an all-out performance on July 26 in Laguna Beach. It was imperative not to keel over before reaching the finish line. Carol's program worked—I won the national title. And now it was time to prepare for the main event—in Australia.

I was "charmed" in many ways (some would say "blessed" but I don't believe in such things). I'm the beneficiary of good genetics, great coaching, fortuitous scheduling of key events, fabulous medical care (thanks Heart and Vascular Institute of Florida) and random good fortune.

Going The Distance—Victory On The Gold Coast: Everything came together on September 13 at the World Championship. The water was cold but not too cold (with a wetsuit). The bike course was smooth and flat. The 5K run was lined with cheering crowds supporting athletes from around the world. It was a thrilling experience and the repaired heart worked like a charm. When I crossed the finish banner, and heard my name over the loudspeaker as "2009 World Champion," I couldn't decide if I was going to shout for joy or cry like a baby. It occurred to me that it doesn't get much better than this. 

I plan to continue to exercise and eat properly. Probably won't take up smoking, boozing, drugs or too much social ramble, either. Fitness pays off—big time, every day. Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to a lot of local road races in the coming months.

Life is great without a fluttering atrial chamber—or other calamities to which the flesh is heir. 

Best Advice? I'll offer two suggestions I hope will be of some help to someone, somehow. 

1. Understand that modern medicine is a wonderful thing but there are two problems: people expect too much of it and too little of themselves. Rely upon evidence-based medical care when you really need it, but rely most of all on your own efforts to remain well. Shape and maintain a wellness lifestyle. 
   
   
2. Devote your best efforts to the pursuit of goals you deem worthy. Keep perspective—many factors affect chances for success. There are no guarantees. Favor self-reliance, but keep a sense of humor in play at all times. Choose goals that will enhance your health, indulge your passions and make your life as meaningful as possible.

Be well. Look on the bright side of life.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the PHYSICAL DOMAIN under the skill area of adaptations and challenges. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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