Don't Call It A Comeback

23rd Sept 2018.

Eight weeks since surgery and I went out to watch the first round of the Giant Wellington PNP MTB Spring Series. Last year I did 4 of the races and had some good results.

I have been enjoying watching other people compete in various events this year. As if I needed any more motivation to get back out there. It's also good to catch up with friends and like minded people and soak up their nervousness and excitement. It was also nice to get my new bike out for a roll around the paddock. Still no real biking allowed.

So, then I got all enthused, went home and hopped on the indoor trainer. I kept an eye on my heart rate, just in case, and wiled away 25 minutes. I was tired but happy. 

I then emailed my cardiologist and surgeon to check that I was clear to start getting some fitness back. The reply, and I quote "At this point you can't wreck anything. As long as you are feeling comfortable, things should be fine". Game on.

_______
Almost 11 weeks down and I went for a flat run. 7km on the footpath and it hurt it all manner of ways. But my heart was fine. A mid week mountain bike ride was planned and I rolled around some of my beloved (except for the cows) Skyline trail. I felt good and the light at the end of the tunnel shone a little brighter.

A week or so later, it was a 9km trail run then a 35km mtb ride. Absolutely feeling better than I could have hoped for.

With this new hope came my enthusiasm to get back to competitive participation. I can't wait. I'm investigating getting a coach to make my comeback a bit more organised and efficient. In the meantime, it's more riding and running and being thankful for being where I am today.

Support Your Local and Not So Local.

Wellingtonian cyclists, generally, are very good at supporting local events. By this I mean local road, mountain bike (all styles), cyclocross etc. Whether it's organised by a cycling club, a local bike shop or a couple of guys that want to dedicate their time to raise money for a cause or because they just want to hang out with other riders.

We are immensely lucky to have an army of volunteers (yes, they're not paid) prepared to organise and marshall all of these events for us. But for this system to maintain it's momentum, we (the riders)  need to turn up.

Recently, the CX Nationals were held in Hawkes Bay and comments were made regarding the attendance numbers and there were lots of reasons given as to why that was the case. Some of them were valid. Forget that it was held in the middle of the season, take a step back and ask yourself "why do I do CX?" A small handful of us have visions of medals and podiums, however unlikely, and the rest, the bulk of riders, are there for FUN. So, if you ride for fun, why not get involved in a national event? You surely realise that if only the ones who think they're going to win turn up, the organising club will lose soooo much money that, next year, no organisers will want to touch it. THE END.

My suggestion is, get involved, make a long weekend of an out of town event. If it's within your means make the most of an opportunity to ride with some of the same people you see at your local events and a bunch of like minded strangers. Take your bikes (CX and mountain), because it is almost guaranteed that there will be other riding to do, than just the race. Take your family. Do your kids ride CX? Just treat it like a little holiday. Get out there and do it. It's still fun, it's just somewhere else. Somewhere different to ride, a new experience, AND you're supporting the sport and the clubs and organisers that are putting in an insane amount of energy (for free) so others can partake in a sport they love.

Karen and I believe in supporting things just to keep them alive. You could do that too. In a city like Wellington, us riders (particularly off road riders) get a lot given to us. From land providers, volunteer trail builders and supporters. If you don't play (pay) your part, the system falls down.

Become a financial member of your local trail or turn up for a work party (that is a rewarding day out). Here are a few we support. Makara Peak Supporters Trail Fund Wellington Mountain Bike Club

I know there are a whole bunch of you playing your part and I thank you. Talk to the guys and gals you ride with and see if they are doing their share. A small increase in participation means the world to all involved.

Karen's CX season

2017 was a a bit of a crap year for Karen as far as riding and running goes.

A mix of injuries and possibly a bit of over training meant motivation to get out, and put in any sort of effort, drifted away to almost zilch.

So it was kind of timely that 2018 was going to be a gap year for me, as Karen decided she'll do the same. Only ride when she wants to and not because she has to. On the very short list of "Has To" though, is Huttcross.

This is her 5th season of Huttcross, although most people wouldn't realise it as she is quite unassuming, and depending on her fitness at the time she may be at the pointy end of C grade or mid pack. The one thing that doesn't change, is her smile.

The 2018 series has now succumbed to grandfather time, as all things do, and I had great pleasure getting along to support Karen as she fought with single digit temperatures and a bed like a womb but still managing to get out to ride the dewy grass and mud of Upper Hutt's "Fields Of Joy" (Yes, I stole that). Having said that, the last race, while pretty nippy due to a southerly that just won't quit, was run in unseasonal dryness. Most of the bikes will need the tyres brushed off and not much else.

There is an unspoken love/hate relationship with wet, cold, muddy events. Yeah, I know it's not always all of those things. I believe we all don't turn up on these Sunday mornings for the glory. We turn up because, although it's hard, it is fun.

2018 has seen a change of management at Huttcross. They were seriously big shoes to fill but we think the new committee members have done a sterling job and we thank you. It's was awesome to see the inclusion of a new venue this season, in the form of a stock car track and rumour has it that there could be new venues in store for us next year.

Karen has already spoken of next year's step up to B Grade 😀.  Probably on the same bike but maybe there is a wheel upgrade in the future. This could be just the motivation needed to practice your dismounts/remounts. Most importantly, a 40mm carbon wheel set will look great on the start line of the 2019 Cyclo Cross National Championships in .... where ever it is.

Whatever the rest of the cycling season looks like for us, if possible, we'll keep those 3 months of winter clear so we can roll up to the start line with the rest of the crazies.

We're Back!

So, I'll start at today and work back a bit.

Day 38 after surgery. As I near the 6 week mark, I must say I'm feeling pretty good. I'm considering going back to work soon. I have a hospital follow up appointment tomorrow and that will give me a better idea of how my recovery is really going. 

I've been lucky really. I knew this was coming and that allowed me to be mentally and physically prepared for surgery. Almost 4 years ago (Dec 2014), I was diagnosed with a heart murmur that turned out to be a Mitral Valve Prolapse. After a few tests I was told my prolapse was in the "moderate" range and that I should carry on life as normal, with an annual check up to keep an eye on any changes.

And carry on I did. 

2017 turned out to be a really good year for me as far as competing in the sports I love. I entered my first off road marathon and came 5th overall in a time of 4:38:54. My goal was to take an hour out of 2016's best 50-59, which I did with a few seconds to spare. 

I was really proud of that result.

Later in the year I competed in our local cyclocross series. I had a great bunch of races with a bunch of guys who made it impossible to let up at all. The season culminated with the nationals in Blenheim. I managed a solid 2nd in age group in very trying, but super fun, conditions. 

And then on to the local cycling clubs' XC Spring series. Which consists of 5 races in different locations around Greater Wellington. I borrowed a bike from work and made it along to 4 out of the 5 races. Once again the local age groupers really pushed me and although it was by no means a doddle I came away with 4 out of 4 wins, which was enough to secure the overall for my age group. 

BOOM. 

By this time, I could now buy my own bike and I chose "The Hill Slayer". My own Specialized Epic Comp Carbon and with the new bike came bigs plans for 2018's events. 

Nek Minute

Dec 22nd. This years check up in the bag.... result?......

Cardiologist: You better slow down the intensity and we'll look to getting this valve fixed. 

Me: How long long for?

C: Most of the year (2018). Hopefully get in to surgery mid year.

M: Oh. That's good!?

So, I had tons of time to prepare. I went on a few rides, but keeping my heart rate down is just something I don't do very well. I tried to enjoy them but my heart just wasn't in it... so to speak. 

The first few months of 2018 were the hardest. I eventually got over it and accepted that I was lucky to be in a position that I could get this fixed and by all accounts get a result that would allow me to get back to my "normal" life. The wait for the surgery date was excruciating. January, February, March, April, May and then, finally, in late June I got the call up. Check in on the 29th July, surgery on the 30th. I was relieved and shit started to feel real.

I mentioned I had tons of time to prepare. I got the feeling in hospital that this wasn't common. It seemed that it's more likely that you find out you're sick one week and need surgery the next. That, to me, would be the least ideal way to have to find out surgery/treatment is required but unfortunately, is probably more likely.

In the weeks leading up to my surgery, I was lucky enough to have a friend, Gary, advise me on what I could do to try and get the absolutely best result from my surgery. This required me to take a number of supplements to help my body deal with the beating it was going to go through during and after my open heart surgery. This included supplements to aid bones and ligaments heal and repair. Along with the pills, I banged out a few push ups and planks to give me a stronger core. These proved invaluable when, on day 2 after surgery, after I had had a bunch of draining tubes removed from my stomach, I got myself out of bed and went to the toilet. Competitive Much? Hey, it wasn't easy but I did it. 

I was astounded by the number of bits hanging out of me after surgery. Three tubes in my belly, one in my neck, four attached to my heart (just in case) and a catheter. Oh yeah, I also had the leads for the heart monitor. 

The surgeon was able to repair my valve. That in itself is rare. It means I won't have a replacement part that may well have impeded my ability to lead the active life I'm so eager to get back to. Thanks Mr J. McGiven.

As the days go by, I don't really remember how painful recovery has been But it has certainly been a rollercoaster. You do not feel a bit better each day. Late last week I was feeling below average and a week earlier I believed I'd turned a corner. It's 5 1/2 weeks since surgery and I feel pretty good. I still need to watch myself. Restricting the use of my hands in regards to not be able to push or lift my body. Leg and core strength has been a godsend. 

So through all of this Karen has been a rock. Putting up with more than my usual shit, looking after all my needs and reminding my to take it easy when I think I can push a bit harder. I can not thank her enough.

So, here comes 2019. I know, it's only September but I'm probably not back on the bike until late October/November and then it's almost Christmas. 

From where I'm sitting I can see the hills I love to run and ride in and that's been a daily inspiration and reminder of what I have waiting for me. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to get my heart fixed before it became more serious and I'd like to thank the Doctors, Alexander (my cardiologist), the surgeon, all the wonderful nurses and hospital staff. And you too, Martin, for pushing my surgery through on the 30th and not sending me home to wait for the next spare spot. I'm forever grateful.