OK. It’s time to start moving forward again. The cancer surgery is over, I’ve spent a week agonizing through the “why me” discussion with myself, and time is measured by the duration between pain pills. I’ve lost 12 pounds (currently 172), and food both smells and tastes terrible. In short, I’m in a great position to start training again for cycling and running events … I’ll just be starting at a lower level that I’m used to.

So here’s the damage. The surgery went well, and my colon is now significantly shorter. The surgeon also removed my appendix and several lymph nodes during the operation. After getting the pathology report, my cancer was classified as a stage III since one of the lymph nodes was affected. That means that I’ll have to undergo a 6-12 month period of chemotherapy, but the overall prognosis is still very good for 100% recovery and cure.

It’s ironic … I had just started a new training program back on June 7 that would have prepared me for the 2009-2010 cyclocross season, with a major peak in mid December for CX Nationals. The first 16 weeks of the program were planned as “tempo endurance” and strength, with each week’s workouts including around 6 hours on the bike, 1 hour running, and 1-2 hours of strength work. It looks like I’ll have to re-tool that plan a bit for this year, since my current daily workout is a 25-30 minute walk on the treadmill at 20 min/mile. (Note: If anyone is interested in a solid CX training plan for this fall’s season, shoot me an email and I’ll send one to you).

On a different note, there are only two more weeks before the 2009 edition of the Lake Nasworthy Triathlon. I know that several people have been following the Beginner Tri plans that were handed out during the Monday training group sessions. Good luck to everyone, and hopefully I’ll be able to come out and watch the fun on July 12.

Thanks again to everyone who’s called, sent e-mails, and dropped by for a visit. San Angelo folks do have their hearts in the right place.

UPCOMING EVENTS
July 11: ECVFD 5-mile run, http://www.roadlizards.org
July 12: Suddenlink Lake Nasworthy triathlon, http://www.roadlizards.org/
August 8-9: Texas State Time Trial Championships, Castroville (near San Antonio), http://www.txbra.org/events/event.asp?EventID=1788
August 9: Wool Capitol Traithlon, http://www.ironheadrp.com/
August 29: Tiparrary Creek King of the Rockies mountain bike race, Winter Park, CO, http://www.epicsingletrack.com/default.asp?page=racedes/race8des.html
Dec. 10-13: Cyclocross National Championships, Bend, OR, http://www.visitbend.com/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation/National-Championships/Cyclo-cross/default.aspx