Dave’s story is best heard in his words…

“May 19, 2007: While participating in a sprint distance triathlon, I suffered my first ever DNF. I went to my Doctor two weeks later and found out the life altering news. My left anterior descending artery, commonly called the “Widow Maker” was 100% blocked (Bad Genetics, not lifestyle). It did not present any of the normal signs or symptoms of a heart attack, I just thought during the race I was over trained and was coming down with a chest cold. The irreversible damage had been done and unfortunately a portion of my heart was killed off, decreasing my ejection fraction (The amount of blood pumped out by the heart on each contraction) to half of an ordinary person.

In cardiac rehab after a lifesaving operation, I was only able to walk 200 feet before becoming out of breath. After 4 months of cardiac rehab, I ran a 10k under 1 hour on the treadmill. This accomplishment allowed me to work out on my own and not be hooked up to a cardiac monitor with the strict orders to never go over 75% effort in my training, if I ever thought about participating in a race. 

May 3, 2008: One month shy of 1 year from my life altering diagnosis, along with an OK from my Cardiologist, I stepped up to the line starting line to participate in my first ever Half-Iron Distance Triathlon. I was on pace to finish in 6hrs, but with some slight cramping in my quads starting at mile 7.5, I stuck with my game plan to not hurt, don’t do damage and not to stress out about anything during the event, but to enjoy the experience. It was a wonderful experience, and the cramps actually allowed me to take the time during those last miles to think of how far I have come sense walking those 200 feet after my operation. As an added bonus to test my will power, I suffered a very sever cut across my big toe on my right foot as I made my way to the transition area after the swim. I deliberated on what to do sense the cut was down to the bone, finishing won out so I am happy to say the experience of crossing the finish line made any pain associated with the laceration, well worth the effort.

May 17, 2008: I lined up on the line to participate in the same race that just a year prior; I almost lost my life too. My goal is to finish healthy, and to sticking with the 75% rule where the need to “Red Line” your heart is the norm in a sprint (Plus to face some demons and a gorilla on my back). The emotions that I am feeling at the starting line range from complete fear, to a pure calm. Long story short, I finished, I faced my demons, conquered the fear and somewhere along the way I tossed a gorilla off my back. “

Training Tip:

“To quit takes a conscious thought, never make that decision but make the decision that will allow you to live another day.” – Dave Baker