Triathlon!

[Specs]

Call me crazy, but I have just committed to a triathlon in August with a friend of mine. It's a short-course triathlon (500m ocean swim, 20km bike, 5km run), but still going to be a challenge for me. I can handle the swim, because I can typically swim 1km a day. The bike shouldn't be a problem, as I have done many long distance rides in the past.. but the run? Well, that'll be something I'll have to work up to. I find that running does tend to jostle my bladder around, so I suspect I'll be speedwalking it.. but who cares? As long as I finish it I'll be happy! :woohoo:

[jaime15]

Awesome! I say have fun practicing!! And let us know how your bladder did after you've crossed that finishline!
What a refreshing post! :)

[trytosmile]

Good for you and good luck. :woohoo:

[vm]

Awesome!!!! Let us know how it goes. :)

[Specs]

Not a major coup, but I rode 14.5 km on my bike today (rolling hills, hardly any flat surfaces!) and it only took me 39 mins. That's the first long distance ride I've done since last summer. It's been hard for me to ride since then because my IC had flared up for almost 3 months (from sept to dec). In December, I was put on Elavil, and it has been a lifesaver for me.

I've been getting back in shape over the last two months by lifting weights and doing cardio at the gym - I'm lucky to have the YM/YWCA a block away from where I work, so I am able to go on my lunch hour.

[work it]

that is great...good for you. Good luck with all the training and I am sure you will make it to the finish line.

[Specs]

Figured I'd drag this thread back up for a quick update..

Despite having IC, I completed my first triathlon on August 20th, with a BIG smile on my face. It was an incredible event, and I'm now hooked on the sport. I'm already committed to doing three races next year, and training 6 days a week to reach these goals.

Ever since I began down this road, I have seen a drastic reduction in my IC symptoms. I haven't had a flare in months. I have gone from being sedentary and in pain a year ago.. to being active, and living my life again.

Just a gentle reminder that exercise, in any form, has the ability to assist your body in healing itself.

[Pac168r]

That's fabulous! Congratulations.

Do you think your remission is due just to exercise? If you don't mind ,what medications are you still on?

We're all hoping to be where you are one day.

Paula

[trytosmile]

Congratulations ! Good luck with your training.

[traceann]

A HUGE congrats to you!!!! :) Way to go!!

[ICNDonna]

Wow! That's great! Thank you for sharing.

:)
Donna

[Janie Miranda]

Congratulations!!!! You've inspired me to get back on the treadmill and start walking outdoors again when it gets cooler!

[Specs]

Thanks everyone!

I think that the exercise is a huge portion of my remission. The only other things I have changed in my life in the same period are 1) going to the chiropractor once a week, 2) taking a high quality essential fatty acid (Omega/DHA oil) every day and 3) taking 1000mg of glucosamine sulfate every day. I suspect these have helped as well.

I am currently taking 5mg of Elavil - down from 20mg. No other medications.

[dancemomof2]

Wow I can't imagine this, my triathlon begins every morning at 6 am. I begin with a hormonal pre-teen, then tackle the mouthy nine year old, then finish up the race with a day long stuggle with a 14 month old. Does this qualify :biglaugh: .
No seriously best of luck, I think it is amazing that you will try this with IC. I sure wouldn't be that brave

[Sherry5]

It sounds like you've caught the bug. I've really wanted to do a triathalon but the only sprint that is short enough for me (not a great swimmer) is in Rocky Point, Mexico. My husband says, no way. He is afraid I will hurt my self and have substandard care. He is a little afraid of Mexico. We have some here in AZ, but I couldn't handle the heat. I have a few friends that do every triathalon they can get to. It is addictive.

Excercise helps your body in so many ways it is impossible to count. I had been exercising religiously 5 days a week(aerobics, weight training, kickboxing, and spin classes) for 4 years before I was diagnosed with IC. This damned disease got me any way. I couldn't exercise for three months. Ifelt horrible, then boom, I was pregnant. That sent me into remission and I actually started working out 1 1/2 hours a day instead of just 1. I worked out like that for most of my pregnancy and felt terrific until I hit 32 weeks and developed preeclamsia. Now I am on bed rest and I feel like a piece of me is gone. Working out was a big part of my life, and I feel horrible when I can't.

Congratulations! :woohoo: That is really quite an accomplishment.