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It was the last 12 laps of the first full mile swim in our pool, when the cramp in my left foot started. I tried really hard to work it out. I even got out of the pool and walked around on the warm pavement of our deck, hoping the heat might calm it down. But, to no avail and I realized I was going to have to complete the last leg of the mile with one leg.
"You can do it", mama said. "I know you can".
I knew it could be done too but, nonetheless I felt fortified by her words of encouragement.
It's not the first time I've finished a mile in the pool with a cramped foot. I literally just leave one foot still and kick with one leg. Besides, the majority of movement in a good crawl/freestyle approach in lap swimming is actually done with one's hips and upper body, not the legs or feet.
The cramp did not relent so I forced the whole angle of my foot and toes upward against the cramp and continued onward.
I realize now why these cramps happened so often years before. A recent youtube video by MS neurologist, Dr. Beiber confirmed that folks with MS who have spastic or stiff limbs tend to run through potassium and magnesium at a much greater level than the average person because if you don't know already, sensory and motor neurons rely on potassium, magnesium, and sodium to fire out out those electrical impulses that help create movement.
Since spastic and stiff muscles are very often contracting without our control, they are using up twice as much as the average person's muscles might use. Imagine how much potassium, sodium, and magnesium this body is using while training for this triathlon. Especially, since I actually use that stiffness and spasticity to my advantage.
I had always suspected this, but when Dr. Bieber stated some MS patients are actually prescribed potassium and magnesium supplements to help manage their spasticity - it made a whole lot of sense.
So, when the pool opened I texted her "it's time to bring on the bananas."
I did make sure to have a banana that morning while carb loading for the mile swim, but my body had apparently already run through its reserves.
The cramp wasn't fun, but it was good data and I made a "note to self" afterward to incorporate some dates in addition to a banana pre swim for both block training and "triathlon" day.
Mama asks me over breakfast this morning if I'm feeling fresh and recovered from the weekend training.
Saturday was the second time I did a full block of swimming, cycling, and walking. Only, this time I did 75% of each event. It was not a full dress rehearsal for game day, but very close.
All the pieces fell into place...
I had an excellent recovery score
My Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was 41
My RHR was 58
I had over 1 hour and 33 minutes of deep restorative sleep.
All the snacks and nutrition were all ready and available to provide fuel and energy for each event.
And, your girl smashed it!!!
.75 mile swim in 46 minutes
27 mile bike ride at 257 watts (hit a PR on this one)
But, the walk...wow-the walk is what floored both my mom and I. We're still reeling.
I did a 5.4 mile walk --> without the cane at a whopping 15.27 min/mile pace. And, to further add a cherry to this sundae -> my max speed was 15.26 min/mile. Only 1 second less than my average.
Which, in effect means your girl who 6 months ago could only manage a 1.8 mile walk at a 22 min/mile pace with a cane shaved over
-5 minutes off her walking speed,
-without the aid of a mobility device,
-and pretty much "sprint walked" a whole 5 miles at a pace considered above average for all age groups.
Saturday night, after the training block was complete my mom and I retired to the back deck with our proverbial glass of celebratory wine.
Our brains buzzing my mom announced "I've done some thinking. You definitely get this from your Indian side of the family." When I look at my side, we don't have anyone with an aptitude for this kind of endurance."
I readily agreed and we both marveled a bit at how one's background can shape their genetic aptitude for specific activities.
I said, "If you had told me 6 months ago before starting this thing that at the end of all this I would increase max watts on the bike from 243 to 257, lose the cane and re-learn how to walk, hit a mileage PR of 12 miles on foot in one day, and hit average and max walking paces that are well above average for all age groups - I would have thought you were making up stories!"
Mom chuckled and said, "Right?! You were just tapping this well to see what was in there..."
"Exactly" I said - "But, I had no idea it ran this deep"
We've definitely come a long way since the girl of 2017 who left the hospital with a walker, an MS diagnosis, and a 88% chance of progression. I don't know if that stat has changed with my fitness level, but at the very least if that time comes I can celebrate the fact I am making the best of every ounce of mobility I have while I have it :-)
Anyhow, to answer Katsolo's question - I am indeed crushing it. We have about 7 more weeks to get my conditioning up to par on the swim. And, Kat if you happen to read this - I ordered a pair of the those Magic5 goggles last Friday. I didn't realize they actually custom make the goggles to fit your face. I ordered the Jan Frodeno limited edition and submitted a scan of my facial dimensions. Thanks so much for the recommendation :-)
I hope everyone here is doing exceptionally well and reaping the most rewards in lessons, health, and over-all well being. I apologize for not posting sooner, but I'm one of those fitness nerds that loves to drown in the process just as much if not more more than achieving the goal.
Take care and have a blessed week, everyone!
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