Well, the time is nigh, and I'm glad. As exciting as this once in a lifetime trip to Australia is, I will be relieved when it gets underway. This has ben a lot of work! Not complaining, mind you, but there's been much to keep up with, such as training, paperwork & fundraising. This email was wonderful to receive:
________________________
Dear Team USA member,
We have received all of your paper work (medical forms, insurance, passport copies, ETAs, general waiver).
Thank you,
Liz Johnson
Program Coordinator, U.S. Transplant Games
National Kidney Foundation
________________________
One item that is notable is the presence of swine flu in Australia, and of course, elsewhere. Thankfully, the authorities say all is still a go, yet any prayers for the health and safety of the 180 athletes on Team USA, are appreciated!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Triathletes Get Results with TI
Here are recent comments from two triathletes I have taught recently:
"I did really well. I finished 3rd in my age group with 2 elite triathletes in front of me! I was actually 15:00 flat since you had to run out of the water about 30 yards to the mat. 71 out of 290 in th swim, 15 out of 290 on the bike, 32 out of 290 on the run. I felt really good on the swim. I concentrated on keep my upper body relaxed and moving to target position. I never felt winded or tired the entire swim. I felt really good when I exited, fresh is a good word. I had a great race and was very pleased."
from Jason Biggs of Cary, NC, FS Series Partner
"Thanks for your swimming lessons. It made a world of difference. Like you said during the coaching, "You will never swim 13:40 minutes again for that distance" You were right! I know I can still improve alot more with your instructions. I'm doing the Chapel Hill TRI again August 9 at Meadowmont? I need more tips for improving!!"
from Stephen Chappell of Wilmington, NC Retirement Planning Specialist
__________________
For so many triathletes, the swim is the least favorite leg of the tri. The comments above reflect the transformation that occurs when TI technique is implemented. More enjoyment, faster times and a new attitude!
"I did really well. I finished 3rd in my age group with 2 elite triathletes in front of me! I was actually 15:00 flat since you had to run out of the water about 30 yards to the mat. 71 out of 290 in th swim, 15 out of 290 on the bike, 32 out of 290 on the run. I felt really good on the swim. I concentrated on keep my upper body relaxed and moving to target position. I never felt winded or tired the entire swim. I felt really good when I exited, fresh is a good word. I had a great race and was very pleased."
from Jason Biggs of Cary, NC, FS Series Partner
"Thanks for your swimming lessons. It made a world of difference. Like you said during the coaching, "You will never swim 13:40 minutes again for that distance" You were right! I know I can still improve alot more with your instructions. I'm doing the Chapel Hill TRI again August 9 at Meadowmont? I need more tips for improving!!"
from Stephen Chappell of Wilmington, NC Retirement Planning Specialist
__________________
For so many triathletes, the swim is the least favorite leg of the tri. The comments above reflect the transformation that occurs when TI technique is implemented. More enjoyment, faster times and a new attitude!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Pre-Games Report
OK, the countdown is under 30 days til Team USA flies out of LAX to Brisbane! Team captains have been selected, Jen Searl and Bill Klahn. Both are impressive athletes and great ambassadors for the cause of organ donation. They have done a fabulous job of communicating w/ all team members about the medley and free relays. Many of us are excited about the opportunity to swim on our top relays, myself included. Yet, Jen and Bill set the right tone in reminding everyone that while every individual has certains hopes and aspirations, the priority is for Team USA to be represented by the fastest team. This was good for me to hear, so if there is a faster backstroker for the medley relay, so be it. Team first.
In light of the above attempt at humility, my goal is to swim fast enough to represent Team USA in the Men's 'A' medley relay, swimming the backstroke leg. This is probably one of my biggest desires, to win gold in the medley. Therefore, I've been putting in some yardage in back, as well as tweaking my stroke w/ TI technique. I have settled on the 100 backstroke being my strongest hope for gold and a world record. High expectations, as usual. The transplant only changed me so much, sorry.
The women should have a competitive medley and free relay, and hopefully have enough for a 'B' relay. The men are loaded, and may even have three relays. Yes, we transplant recipients are grateful to be alive, have an appropriate perspective on life, enjoy every breath we take, and realize we wouldn't be here w/o the decision of another to donate life. We can also be competitive and hunger for precious medals, such as gold, silver and bronze!
Going for the Gold at the Gold Coast!!
In light of the above attempt at humility, my goal is to swim fast enough to represent Team USA in the Men's 'A' medley relay, swimming the backstroke leg. This is probably one of my biggest desires, to win gold in the medley. Therefore, I've been putting in some yardage in back, as well as tweaking my stroke w/ TI technique. I have settled on the 100 backstroke being my strongest hope for gold and a world record. High expectations, as usual. The transplant only changed me so much, sorry.
The women should have a competitive medley and free relay, and hopefully have enough for a 'B' relay. The men are loaded, and may even have three relays. Yes, we transplant recipients are grateful to be alive, have an appropriate perspective on life, enjoy every breath we take, and realize we wouldn't be here w/o the decision of another to donate life. We can also be competitive and hunger for precious medals, such as gold, silver and bronze!
Going for the Gold at the Gold Coast!!
4th yr b-day on sat
It's nice to have two birthdays, one for each new birth. This Saturday is July 25, which is 4 yrs since my heart transplant. I fondly remember first meeting fellow recipients and teammates for Team NC, and being asked 'how old I was?' I naturally said 38 yrs, and was quickly corrected by 'no, how old are you.? Ohhh, I get it now, 'I am 9 months old.' Next question 'so what are you?' Well, oh, I get it, "I am a heart." Nice to meet you, Brian. I am a liver, kidney, lung, etc.
Believe it or not, I was only 10 months post-tx when I swam at the 2006 US Transplant Games in Louisville, KY, winning 4 gold medals. Now, at almost 4 yo, I am set to embark on my first overseas trip, to swim for Team USA at the World Transplant Games. This is such an honor, and I thank Almighty God above and my donor family for granting me this opportunity to fulfill a dream.
Believe it or not, I was only 10 months post-tx when I swam at the 2006 US Transplant Games in Louisville, KY, winning 4 gold medals. Now, at almost 4 yo, I am set to embark on my first overseas trip, to swim for Team USA at the World Transplant Games. This is such an honor, and I thank Almighty God above and my donor family for granting me this opportunity to fulfill a dream.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
"Best $90 I've ever spent!"
This was a phrase used by a new swimmer to TI. She and her husband came to Rex Wellness for a one hour semi-private lesson, which went swimmingly, of course. I believe semi's are a great way to learn TI, and keep costs down a little. For these two swimmers, they just wanted to not dread the swim in local sprint tri's. They are not alone, in wanting to enjoy the water and not just survive it.
At the end of our lesson, she wanted to try to integrate some of the focal points we had been working on. To her delight, she successfully swam the entire length of the pool w/ a greater sense of ease and efficiency. It is rewarding to help someone come to the realization that swimming well is not complicated. This couple has made a terrific start in their TI journey.
I was pleased to inform her she was now officially a 'freestyler.' Seeing the smiles of new TI swimmers is one of the best parts of the job!
At the end of our lesson, she wanted to try to integrate some of the focal points we had been working on. To her delight, she successfully swam the entire length of the pool w/ a greater sense of ease and efficiency. It is rewarding to help someone come to the realization that swimming well is not complicated. This couple has made a terrific start in their TI journey.
I was pleased to inform her she was now officially a 'freestyler.' Seeing the smiles of new TI swimmers is one of the best parts of the job!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Second letter to my donor family
After much deliberation w/in myself, and encouragement from others, I have written another letter to my donor family. I don't know why it took my another 3 yrs to write, but it did. I am finding myself at another place wanting to know more about my donor. The first time was when I was 6 months out from TX, and was twisted up inside, trying to figure out who I was, and how to accept my new heart emotionally and mentally. I was relieved to learn that it was a 38 yo male. That brought me significant peace for a good while.
Now, I have a yearning to know a little more about my donor, as well about myself. For some reason, I have the desire to know where my heart came from, deeper South, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, etc. It makes sense that it would have to be w/in a reasonable distance from NC, since the donated heart can only travel about 4 hrs from the donor to the recipient. It is a small window for hearts, while other organs can be procured from further distances.
I will blog any news shared w/ me, maybe I'll even receive a letter from my donor family. I think I am ready to handle that possibility.
Now, I have a yearning to know a little more about my donor, as well about myself. For some reason, I have the desire to know where my heart came from, deeper South, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, etc. It makes sense that it would have to be w/in a reasonable distance from NC, since the donated heart can only travel about 4 hrs from the donor to the recipient. It is a small window for hearts, while other organs can be procured from further distances.
I will blog any news shared w/ me, maybe I'll even receive a letter from my donor family. I think I am ready to handle that possibility.
Medical waivers officially in...and off..
Good news. My medical waivers came signed and approved from my Transplant cardiologist, the esteemed Dr. Joe Rogers. My transplant coordinator, Amber Sykes, faithfully helped get things in order for me. Believe me, for any recipient to live life as well as I do, you have to have a good Tx team! I've got one at Duke. Kudos to them.
So, my forms are officially on the way to Team USA headquarters in NY, completing the myriad of paperwork that has been required to make this trip possible. I am so grateful for all of the people who have helped make this goal become a reality.
Less than 50 days!!!
So, my forms are officially on the way to Team USA headquarters in NY, completing the myriad of paperwork that has been required to make this trip possible. I am so grateful for all of the people who have helped make this goal become a reality.
Less than 50 days!!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
4th Annual Transplant Appt.
Last Monday, I went to Duke for my 4th annual appt. post-tx. Hard to believe that in 3 weeks, I will have had my new heart for 4 years. How blessed I am. My labs, chest x-ray, EKG, all came back with positive results. Still waiting on my Allomap test, which is a fancy dancy blood test that measures rejection of an organ. I expect that to show now rejection, yet still wait for final result.
Unfortunately, I could not complete my treadmill stress test, due to my clinic appt. taking too long. That will be rescheduled. So, any day I should receive my signed and dated medical waivers from my cardiologist, giving me the green light to compete at the World Games. It seems somewhat laborious how much care must be taken to even participate in this competition, though understandable. We transplants are a sensitive and unpredictable cast of characters.
Once those forms are sent off to Team USA Headquarters in NY, then it is official. Training is going well, and spending some time on backstroke. Did some 100s the other day, and felt pretty strong, so the 100 back may be my best event. Also, I have trained in a 50 meter pool in Raleigh, and will continue to as much as possible. That might be a good idea, considering I will race LCM in AUS!
Unfortunately, I could not complete my treadmill stress test, due to my clinic appt. taking too long. That will be rescheduled. So, any day I should receive my signed and dated medical waivers from my cardiologist, giving me the green light to compete at the World Games. It seems somewhat laborious how much care must be taken to even participate in this competition, though understandable. We transplants are a sensitive and unpredictable cast of characters.
Once those forms are sent off to Team USA Headquarters in NY, then it is official. Training is going well, and spending some time on backstroke. Did some 100s the other day, and felt pretty strong, so the 100 back may be my best event. Also, I have trained in a 50 meter pool in Raleigh, and will continue to as much as possible. That might be a good idea, considering I will race LCM in AUS!
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