Post Race Blues

Okay, so I'm not healed/better from whatever happened a few weeks ago. Worst race of my life! I wasn't nervous at all, I even had a big buldge in my tire that I only noticed in the morning when I was putting my bike on my car rack. It was for sure going to blow the tire; so as soon as I got to the race, I found the bike tent and they had a tire for me!!! So, I was all fixed up and ready to go, no nerves whatsoever. Got my wetsuit on (which took longer than expected...need to shed few more pounds) then headed to the beach. Orange cap...4th wave. Found some of my friends at the beach, then got in my corral of orange caps. Found a nice cute guy to flirt with, then we all headed into the water. Instantly I thought...this is colder than the reported 68 degrees...hmmmmm....I shouldn't be in water under 65....hmmmmm....I will just tough it out...and the gun went off for my wave. So, I just went slow and did back stroke because I already started to lose my breath and have some good chest pain going. Within 100 yards, it was getting worse and I was not warming up as I'd hoped. I made it to the second buoy when I realized it was still getting worse, so with no breath, I headed toward a kayaker. then, the boat folks came and picked me up. within minutes of getting into the pontoon, I was much better. So, I hung out with the 2 guys the entire rest of the waves (I think there was 13 or more waves). Toward the very end, we had to pull one other guy out, but he was against his will. young kid with too much pride....Oh well, I was among the living, so I was very content to be in the boat. Chest pain is very scary and so are asthma attacks; I wouldn't recommend either. Anyway, I enjoyed the day cheering for my friends and got another sunburn in yet a different tri top. I didn't feel well all day and that extended into Monday and Tuesday.

Here's a funny, believe it or not, this guy actually finished the sprint race...crazy, I know, but you see all types. (see me behind him? I look like a midget compared to this guy)

So, I went back to the doc today and I'm back on asthma meds daily and I'm going to get one more test, a chest CT Scan. If that is clear, he thinks my main problem is that I strained/pulled my 'intercostal' muscles which line your ribs. In cold water, they would easily spasm and cause chest pain and push me into an asthma attack. They don't heal quickly and hurt when you deep breath. Makes sense to me. I have already had these tests: a scan for blood clots, chest ex-ray, pulmonary function tests, ecocardiogram, stress test, and ekg. Most test invlove dis-robing and I've had enough of that, really.

Stay healthy everyone...eat healthy and exercise please!