Monday, April 15, 2013

Don't Let The Bastard Win



They say people who are trauma junkies just haven't seen enough trauma yet.

I've seen enough.

Was volunteering at the finish line medical tent, helping runners who needed a little attention.  Had some interesting conversations with folks, ran into some friends from volunteering the past few years.  Someone said the volume of those needing medical care was down from the last few years, which I also noticed.  My goal for the day was to be bored and under-utilized.

Boom.

I knew - and I don't know how I knew - but I knew it was a bomb.  I prayed it was a transformer or generator.  But I knew.

From inside the tent - with a view after the finish line of Boylston Street - I saw people start running in an area where they normally celebrate the joy of finishing the Boston Marathon.  We immediately got to work clearing the tent of everyone who could walk; I then got word about a bomb.

Then the tent PA system called for all doctors and IV nurses to head to the finish line.

I ran to the finish line.  The whole time all I could think of was helping, despite the voice in the back of my head telling me about 'secondary devices' and the possibility that I could be next.  I ran to the area anyway.

(I would love to insert a joke about how ER docs aren't very smart, but then I would be calling all the first responders who were there not smart.  They were brave, and that bravery saved lives).

While running there, while sending messages to Marni letting her now I was OK and Judy that she needed to get to Wayland to help with Luke until Marni got home, I started to see the carnage.  No other word will ever describe the images that are now permanently in my minds eye.  My brain went over into thinking, 'This is just a Mass Casualty Drill; these people are just actors.'  Then I realized I was wrong, and these people were truly injured.

I saw injuries you should never see at a marathon finish line, or on Boylston street, or ANYWHERE.  I won't give details, but it was gruesome.

I got to work, helping out, doing some instructions, handing supplies.  There were tons of people - BPD, BFD, BEMS, other docs - and while I was a little hands-on, I was more trying to get people doing what needed to be done.  We boarded some, transported others immediately, and then were cleared out of the area.

Back at the medical tent, it was more of the same.  Helping out where I could, comforting patients and medical staff as well as BEMS, making sure people were breathing, had IV lines.  Probably the biggest thing I did was to write people's names and details along with emergency number on paper that I then stuffed into their shirt, so folks on the receiving end would have a little info.  Sometimes even just writing an emergency phone number in marker on the patient's chest.

When they told us to clear out after checking in with our section leaders, I left.  I walked out, answered questions folks had where I could.  Obviously called Marni and texted others to let them know I was OK - shaken, changed forever, but OK.  

I want to be angry - but it'll be misplaced, as I will never have the opportunity to face the person who did this.

I'm a triathlete; I enjoy participating in these events.  I enjoy volunteering at these events.  These were innocent people, out on a sunny spring day to cheer on family and friends - my friends - in accomplishing what for some is a lifetime achievement.  Celebrating life, healthy living, raised money for charities to help others.

How dare you, you fucking soul-less prick, destroy lives on a day like this - or any other day?  How dare you, you heartless bastard, take lives on this or any other day?

Came home, hugged Marni.  Luke is amazing at picking up when someone is upset, so I waited until he was asleep until I came home - didn't want to upset him with my emotions.  Was reminded how precious life is, how little slights aren't important, and we need to celebrate every day.  Tell our loved-ones that we do love them.  Hug family and friends more than we did.  Give of ourselves.

We cannot let this bastard win.  As soon as we stop congregating, celebrating life, living the way we want - he has won.

Thank you for all the phone calls, text messages, emails, FB and twitter posts checking on me.  As I said above, shaken, changed but I'm OK.  Please pray for thos who have been injured - and worse.

And don't let the bastard win.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Excess Baggage

Last weekend, I was running through the airport with a backpack and a carry-on, trying to make a connection.

Didn't make it but sure got my heart rate up.

I was lugging at least 20 pounds between the 2 bags; about the same amount i lost from when I was lifting weights - before I started this whole triathlon thing. I was never out-of-shape, just a different body type.



(From 2006)

It's amazing how that trot with my old weight hit me - gasping for air, hurting. How'd I ever do cardio? I guess I was used to it, but glad I've slimmed down.



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Saturday, March 23, 2013

Encouraging Others

Was out last night at a triathlon event - Mirinda Carfrae was in town before Trimania, and had a casual Q&A in support of World Bicycle Relief.

(As an aside: WBR is a great organization, changing lives with $135 bomb-proof bikes. That's less than most of us spend on chamois cream. Go drop some loot for a great cause at worldbicyclerelief.org)



In a side conversation, CJ and I were talking about encouragement - specifically, how life-changing encouragement can be. His job - which is owning and running a successful business - came because he was encouraged to start racing bikes. My future was changed when a friend suggested I could do well in med school.

And on a smaller scale: how nice and energizing is it in a race when some stranger cheers?

Maybe this is all just a different take on the 'Pay It Forward' theme, but it sure is nice to see others realize their potential and make their dreams into goals into reality!


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Thursday, March 21, 2013

The One Piece of Advice

"Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.
The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience... " Baz Luhrman

I'm sure we all remember this song - came out about 15 years ago. But how many of us remember sunscreen every day?

Guilty. I don't always put it on. You know, a quick 5k, why bother?

The reason why was driven home a few days ago: took care of a healthy triathlete, late 50's, who had a malignant melanoma that had spread to the brain. The first sign? A seizure because of the masses in the brain - note the plural.

The treatment for this patient? Palliative at best.

Worst part? It's preventable.

And we are all at risk from our outdoor life and activities.

(If you want a graphic image on this, look at my finish-line pic from Kona. I am still branded on my right thigh - 5 months out.)

Make it a daily habit. Put on extra before training, reapply often. Make it a habit like your RoadID and pre-workout nutrition.

Your family will thank you.

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Pinch me

3 days into my stay in Kona. Have hit Lava Java, rode into Hawi, swam at Dig Me Beach, and enjoyed (?) the heat.






My brother and I outside Hawi




Morning at the Pier



I always have time for my fans...



Gulp


(And made fun of the Europeans!)

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Friday, September 21, 2012

Do these spandex make me look fat?

Got together with some folks from the Boston Triathlon Team for a happy hour on Wednesday. Those that recognized me said I looked gaunt - that I was obviously training well.

Some didn't recognize me I've lost so much weight.

My weight - despite cramming everything into my maul that I can reach - continues to fall. Plummet. Tank worse than the Euro.


On the plus side: not feeling guilty about the ice cream.


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Saturday, September 15, 2012

How's it going?


The most common question I get these days is "How's the training going?"

My answer? Better than expected, but not as much as I hoped for.

I was talking to a 2x Kona finisher; he said it's that way for everyone. Life tends to get in the way; the longer-than-expected day at work; family obligations; being absolutely exhausted from the cumulative stress of everything. But the day gets closer, the training is getting done. I look at the charts and graphs of my power output, pacing and such - and there is definite improvement. It is no longer 'if', but 'in what time'.

So how's it going? I'd say pretty well.



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