TBT....3 Years (to the day) Post Surgery

So, it’s Thursday, October 3rd, and I’m 2 days away from departing on what will be my fifth trip to the Big Island to compete in the Ironman World Championships. I’ve been thinking about this post all week….and this whole thing feels a bit surreal. I mean, 3 years ago I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to run again, let alone qualify for Kona. And, I know I’ve made this proclamation before, but this is the last one…..last full Ironman. I’m not sure my body can withstand this long term. I’m already battling pain in the repaired leg, which I believe is residual pain/discomfort caused by the 2 implanted screws. But, “discomfort” is a relative term. It’s always “uncomfortable” to a certain degree. Sometimes it goes away after a mile or so. Sometimes, I’m limping and have to stop. When I return from Kona, I’ll see a specialist about getting the screws removed (which I can do now), to see if that helps.

But, back to this “memory”! So, 3 years ago to the day I was on the operating table, having my tibia cut and relocated, cartilage implanted and my ACL repaired. It was a long and arduous recovery. I basically didn’t leave my bedroom for the better part of 3 weeks. I slept with a Game Ready icing wrap on my leg, which drove me absolutely crazy. I was on heavy medication, which made me ill. And, getting out of bed, with blood flowing into the leg, was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt. I was on crutches for 2 months, and in physical therapy for 5 or 6 months.

Then, while at physical therapy, I started with a few minutes on the exercise bike. We followed that with some swimming……then a couple minutes of run/walking. Before I knew it, I was riding outside again, then running. On July 4th of 2017, I ran in my first race, a local 5k, and broke 19 minutes. From there I signed up for a few triathlons, and did fairly well. Then, came this crazy idea that I pitched to my wife to train for an Ironman in 2019 (I wanted 2018 to build my base back up). Then the idea of raising money for a charity was introduced….and the ball started rolling!

So, as I’m 2 days away from this 5th and final trip to the Ironman World Championships, and reflecting on these last 3 years, it’s a bit surreal. While my original “goals” didn’t work out exactly as I had planned (nothing ever does in Ironman), I accomplished what I set out to do. I raced at the pointy end of Ironman Mont Tremblant, finishing 4th in the AG and 67th OA, and my kids experienced it. I qualified for Kona, again. And, I’ve raised closed to $16,000.00 (so far) for Shriners Hospital for Children- Boston. This ride is coming to a close….but, it’s been a great one!

BTW….if you’re interested in donating, you can click HERE

Patrick DwyerOctober 3, 2019