So, We're off to Coeur d'Alene today for John's second Ironman Triathlon race! I am so proud of him and so excited. We are hoping for a much better experience (physically) this year. I'm sure many of you, including John himself will have a passing thought of: Can he do this? Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles!! Well, let's recap on what happened at last years race and put those thoughts where they belong...
John's story is truly one of determination and will. John arrived in Coeur d'Alene full of excitement and anticipation for his first Ironman Race. Unfortunately, his excitement soon turned to extreme disappointment when his back went out the Thursday before the race. This was no ordinary back spasm... It changed the shape of his back, not allowing him to stand straight. There was nothing left to do, but to find a local chiropractor to see if they could fix it. We were so blessed to find David Aggen, who came in two to three times a day, even on his days off, leaving a family bbq...all to adjust John's back. We were initially told that the race was off - there was no way John would be able to race like that. But, with Davids help and our faith in John... he got him to the starting line. David even showed up to adjust John's back at 5am before the race and stayed to watch the start and was there at the finish to support John. It was wonderful to find such a great friend in Coeur d'Alene.
The back problem didn't seem like much of an issue once race time came around. But, the problems were just starting. The wind was so powerful on the lake and creating such choppy waters, that they created a duathlon for athletes to just do the bike and run if they chose not to risk the water. It didn't seem to matter to John and he made it out of the water in great time!
All was going well until two small kids ran into the street causing John to crash on his bike, setting him back. His hand was pretty scrapped up, his legs and shoulders and his helmet was cracked. He, of course, kept clear of the medics so they wouldn't pull him out of the race and kept on going.
Next was the run... he was struggling a bit with his breathing, but kept on running to the finish!! It was the most amazing experience to see him finish such a large goal! I could have never imagined the impact that race has one you, as an athlete and as a spectator/supporter. The motivation, the emotion, the thrill...
After the race, Johns breathing didn't improve and we took him to the hospital in Montana on his way home to discover he had collapsed his right lung when he crashed on his bike. He spent some time in the hospital, and immediately signed up for the next year...
So, here we are... headed back to complete the race with 2 full lungs!! I am so proud of John and all his training and his dedication! I am his #1 fan!!
4 comments:
Wow! Congrats what a great accomplishment and what a toll on the human body. I am glad that everything worked out ok in the end.
Well good luck to you John. I guess since everything went wrong the year before and you were still able to finish, you should blow through this year. Clasped lung, Really? Trooper!
A dear friend contacted me asking about your husband, John. Does Jake Gildea sound familiar? He says that he might have served a mission in Spain with your husband. Jake and Pili lived in Hershey, PA with us while we were going to school. They're now in Colorado finishing up a residency. They saw Garlock on our blog and just had to ask.
We look forward to pictures.
ok Don't post my last post. I didn't read your first paragraph and I didn't realize that it was a look back.. Ha... Good luck John on the upcoming Ironman.
GO JOHN!!! We are rooting for you all the way from Texas!!!!!!!
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