S
stormrev
Gidday all!
Didn't realise how long it has been since I checked in - lots has been happening!
I had my 3-year check up a couple of weeks ago and got a realy good report from my scan and the surgeon. Just a trivial leak in one valve and heart now completely back to normal dimensions.
Just as well as I have been hitting the exercise trail hard with some ocean swims and more Masters athletics. My mate Ian and I continued our regular adventures at the Pier to Pub swim in Lorne http://www.lornesurfclub.com.au/ (still the largest Ocean swim in the world with over 5000 participants). Tough swim into a headwind this year, so times were a little slower, but felt good. Then last week the Pier to Perignon 4 km swim from Sorrento to Portsea http://www.portseasurf.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=43
in a new PR of 50:44. Actually trained for it this year and, lo and behold, the time improved!
Two weeks ago was the Victorian State Masters pentathlon champs and in honour of turning 50 the week before, I managed to snare a bronze medal. Tough day though, finishing with a 1500m in 85 deg temps... nearly managed to crack the 6 mins (6:05) but happy enough.
Then last weekend was the State Masters Champs for all the athletic events. I entered five events over the two days and ended up with two silvers in the long and triple jumps and a bronze in the 400m. Ran a PR of 1:03 in the 400 so was really 'chuffed.'
Our National Champs are in Tasmania this year, but I reckon I'll wait another year or two. I still feel like I am gaining fitness and strength from the past years of gradual decline before surgery and then post-op. The good news is that I am still seeing improvement and anticipate that will continue.
I still find myself wondering how well I might have done without the valve issue, but most of the time am grateful for the second chance to enjoy life to the full. besides, every new age group in the Masters is a chance to set new records!
Kind regards
Grant
Didn't realise how long it has been since I checked in - lots has been happening!
I had my 3-year check up a couple of weeks ago and got a realy good report from my scan and the surgeon. Just a trivial leak in one valve and heart now completely back to normal dimensions.
Just as well as I have been hitting the exercise trail hard with some ocean swims and more Masters athletics. My mate Ian and I continued our regular adventures at the Pier to Pub swim in Lorne http://www.lornesurfclub.com.au/ (still the largest Ocean swim in the world with over 5000 participants). Tough swim into a headwind this year, so times were a little slower, but felt good. Then last week the Pier to Perignon 4 km swim from Sorrento to Portsea http://www.portseasurf.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=43
in a new PR of 50:44. Actually trained for it this year and, lo and behold, the time improved!
Two weeks ago was the Victorian State Masters pentathlon champs and in honour of turning 50 the week before, I managed to snare a bronze medal. Tough day though, finishing with a 1500m in 85 deg temps... nearly managed to crack the 6 mins (6:05) but happy enough.
Then last weekend was the State Masters Champs for all the athletic events. I entered five events over the two days and ended up with two silvers in the long and triple jumps and a bronze in the 400m. Ran a PR of 1:03 in the 400 so was really 'chuffed.'
Our National Champs are in Tasmania this year, but I reckon I'll wait another year or two. I still feel like I am gaining fitness and strength from the past years of gradual decline before surgery and then post-op. The good news is that I am still seeing improvement and anticipate that will continue.
I still find myself wondering how well I might have done without the valve issue, but most of the time am grateful for the second chance to enjoy life to the full. besides, every new age group in the Masters is a chance to set new records!
Kind regards
Grant
