Hi, I am training for an Ironman triathlon, which will occur in late July. I completed a 1/2 IM race last May and did well with nutrition and hydration, but am worried about it for a race of this distance (2.4 mile swim/112 mile bike/26.2 mile run) and of this duration (likely 15-17 hours). Please email me if you've competed at this level. Thanks, Susan

Howdy!...sorry about the late reply...but the message just popped up on my email...some time lag...huh??? Aanyway...I was an avid cyclist, even at close to 400 lbs...not very fast, but I was a persistent cuss!...I had my surgery Nov. 10, 2004 and the doc told me to stay off the bike for at least 6 weeks, mainly to make sure the stitches were ok. If I happened to fall or take a tumble he wanted to make sure I didn't recreate the scene from 'Alien"...so I was a good boy and stayed off for 6 weeks...actually 5 weeks and 6 days...just couldn't stand it...and have been going ever since. I love being my own engine. I have even added kayaking to the mix, almost the same as bicycling....going at your own pace, seeing things from a different perspective. I don't ride that much faster, than I did before, but my stamina has increased exponentially...before a 20 mile ride was easy, and now, 30-40-and 50 milers are getting easier. And to think that all I was going to do was ride around the block after supper! Another guy to talk to would be Sketch, he has been riding a lot, I say him up in DC, and he has done an awesome job...looks like he works out all the time...and he talked about doing either a half century or a full century, can't remember which...

How soon after surgery did you begin to ride ......

I bought a bike this past may for the first time in many years and am enjoying it immensley, when you decide to buy one I reccomend Dans Bike shop In Ionia, i was looking in Grand Rapids but I recieved a much better price here in my small town, i spend alot of time riding the trails out here Paul

Roxanne, That is my goal also! I have not had surgery yet I am waiting for my final approval. The first thing I am going to buy next summer is a bicycle!! I live down the street from a lake and it's 5 miles around it. Come June '05 that is what I will be doing! How have you done since your surgery? Are you ready for the bike this summer? Congratulations!!