Lisa Bentley's Blog entry from 9/13/09
Subaru Muskoka Ironman 70.3
The race weekend is almost over and once again, Subaru Muskoka Ironman 70.3 lived up to all of its glory. Hosted by the best race organizers in the business – Mitch and Janet Fraser – athletes were treated to an amazing weekend of sport in perfect temperatures on a spectacular, challenging course! Dave and I are quite involved in this race and we are so passionate about helping to make this event a ‘special’ 70.3 – not a business – but a sporting experience blending family, friends and competition.
For me, this race is my passion. I have raced for the past 20 years and so much of my racing history has taken place in Muskoka. Whether it was trying to win our yearly local Muskoka Triathlon in the 1990′s, competing in the 1992 World Championships, running away from the men in Subaru Muskoka Chase in the 2000′s or now, racing International athletes at our very own Ironman 70.3, Muskoka is ‘triathlon home’ for me. And so, even though I would have liked to end my race season on a winning note with my victory at Philippines 70.3, my heart wanted to close out 2009 in Muskoka.
Why was this such a hard decision? For most of this year, I have been battling some CF related health issues. For most of my career, I have competed mostly healthy save for a few brutal infections but never anything chronic. After IMC 2008, my doctor found that my lungs were growing a nasty bacteria called pseudomonas – a condition which can become chronic and lead to lung damage. The result was that I had to begin inhaling IV antibiotics twice per day beginning in February. We discussed whether or not I should be racing but the conclusion was that I would be even healthier after killing the pseudomonas so I should continue competing. During that treatment, I was on and off of antibiotics to battle one infection or another but I never really got healthy. The good news was that I was pseudomonas free so the inhalation therapy worked. BUT, the inhalation therapy led to other problems. Of course, my results lacked the pizzazz I enjoyed for much of my career but my love of racing was still there.
Basically for the past 6 months, I have been on 5 courses of oral antibiotics, inhalers and on the inhaled IV antibiotics but I kept getting sicker. By August, my cough was getting more severe and my lung capacity was starting to drop and not rebound the way it had rebounded after clearing an infection. We started a new inhalation therapy to try to clear my lungs. It would clear my lungs but my lung capacity continued to drop. I really don’t know how I raced so well in Philippines – but I managed to pull out the victory. Two days after winning that Ironman 70.3, I went to St. Mike’s Hospital for another attempt to solve my cough and inability to breathe and my lungs were now down to 75% of their normal capacity. The crazy thing is that there is no question that I was unwell but the doctors didn’t want to give me more drugs – they wanted to clear my body of antibiotics and test me again in two weeks.
Two weeks brought me to Tuesday, the week of Subaru Muskoka Ironman 70.3. The diagnosis was that my lungs are growing a fungus that is normally occuring in the environment so on its own, it isn’t bad. But, as a result of the CF, I have developed an allergy to the fungus growing in my lungs! So it is sort of like being allergic to a cat and wearing a cat around your neck all day and all night!
That allergy is driving down the ability for my lungs to work and let’s face it, I need my lungs to work. The reality of this diagnosis – that I am actually not running on properly working lungs in a sport that requires 100% lung function – was hard to hear! Dave didn’t want me to race in Muskoka. I didn’t want to lose in Muskoka but I wanted to race. I love swimming, biking and running. I have always said that you do the best you can with your deck of cards. I am blessed with CF and I have had the most fantastic, full, wonderful career in spite of CF and yet because of CF. I have won 11 Ironmans and 11 Ironman 70.3 events while having CF. That is a miracle. And in my heart, in spite of really suffering from CF with this allergic reaction and reduced lung capacity, I wanted to race for all of those with CF that cannot race. I wanted to race for all the children at Sick Kids that cannot race. To not race Muskoka because I was not going to win would be a dis-service to my career. My career has been about sharing sport, loving sport and doing sport. The winning has been the bonus.
I also knew that on Tuesday – 2 days after the race – I would be right back at the CF Clinic at St. Mike’s Hospital beginning a pretty potent drug therapy program – I can’t even talk about it because it makes me so upset. I promised the doctor that I would never run or bike hard ever again and that I would be fine to survive on 75% of my lungs just so that I can avoid the proposed drug cocktail – but they will not allow me to cause permanent lung damage. And so, in 2 days – on Tuesday – I will be 100% devoted to getting healthy – and this will be the hardest race for me – because I won’t like the journey!
Because I don’t know what the future will bring, I had to race Muskoka! Besides, in a weird kind of ‘positive thinking’ way that is ingrained in my soul, I really thought I was getting better. I was still having my coughing attacks and my body lacked power and my heart rate was through the roof, but I really did feel better and I was convinced that with a bit of adrenalin, I could have a great race!
I must say that I woke up feeling so incredibly happy and calm. There was nothing I wanted more than to race my favorite sport in Ontario’s favorite triathlon playground. I felt good in the swim and exited with my usual deficit but nothing to sound the alarm bells. I felt ok on the bike – my tongue was down to my knees as I gasped for air but I loved it. The sun was shining, the roads were like roller coasters, there were people out walking dogs, the leaves were changing color – I was having a ball. I was falling further and further back but I was not discouraged. This was my choice to race and I was doing the best I could with my deck of cards. Starting the run, I was still very happy but the gasping for air was certainly tough and my lungs were hurting. Again, I reminded myself of my choice to be there and there was still no where I would rather be. I had a little scare at 3 km when I coughed up some blood but I knew it was just because my lungs were working so hard. I so desperately wanted to finish the race – to finish what I started – to do the best with my deck of cards – and so I slowed down to take the stress off of my lungs and promised myself that one more sign of blood and I would walk. During my slower paced run, I thought about Carter, the young boy with CF that I crossed the finish line with at the Hawaii Ironman. I thought about Kaitlyn, our 13 year old patient ambassador from Sick Kids who has endured 30 surgeries. I thought about my long term health and how my life with my husband Dave is really just getting started. I thought about how grateful I was to be running – even if it was slow – even if I wasn’t racing to win or place – I was doing the best I could do with consideration for my health.
My run was truly a celebration. It was a celebration of the theme of my career – to finish what you start and to race with heart – that is what I did. No, I did not win and I did not place but I did what I loved with my triathlon family.
And now my goal is to get healthy. I am still hoping that my doctor will tell me that I am fine and that I don’t need all those nasty drugs with terrible side effects. But regardless, I will ‘step away’ from competition for a little while and focus on pursuing all of the other things that I love – motivational speaking, representing my sponsors, coaching, exercising, consulting, healing and living! I wish I could ‘step away’ with a win .. but I think I did!
Thank you so much for your support!
Categories: Racing
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Lisa,you are an amazing person and a inspiration to everyone.I hope that all goes well for you with your treatments.When I am training for next years IMC and having a bad day I will think of you and your great attitude and strive to do my best.Good luck to you and Dave
Keith Byrne
Hi Lisa, you really are inspirational.
The highlight of my season last year was to see you on the race course at Ironman 70.3 Providence.
I hope that your illness will get better and that I’ll see you in a 70.3 race next year. Keep us posted.
Eric
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for racing Muskoka this weekend.
We admire your true positive attitude and amazing determination. You are a true hero in our home.
We wish you good health in the near future.
All the best
Karina (CF) and Philippe (70.3 in Muskoka)
Hi Lisa,
Congratulations on your race. I think you have made a great decision to get healthy.
You are an incredible ambassador for this sport. So many of the things you said in your race report sound like quotes from our “family” of triathletes.
All the best in your recovery & I’ll see you at the races.
Craig
Dear Lisa…… for as long as I have been competing you have been my hero, for so many reasons. I “grew up” in the Subaru Series. In 2001 to celebrate having our son I raced in the elite field ….. not because I has the ability to……. just becasue for one year I wanted to have the chance to get my butt kicked by the best. At Muskoka 2001 I racked my bike between you and Karen Smyers….. I was pulling a purple baby jogger with me, you both were so nice to the girl who didn’t belong! I came off the bike third after you (waaaaaaayyyyyyyy behind) and of course got hammered in the run, but it was my favorite race ever because I got to start this race with you and Karen. That was so special.
To have been able to follow your triathlon career from when it was the President’s Choice Series, all the way through your amazing finish at Muskoka on Sunday…… has been an honor. I am proud to have shared courses with you, I am proud to say that you are my hero. The way you approach life and the way you teach us to approach our passion with passion. That is the victory. Please Please keep us updated on how you are doing. And thank you for EVERYTHING.
Mary Eggers
You will always be an inspiration to those of us with CF. It can be a damning disease and your performance and strength has always given us hope.
I hope you will continue to update us on your progress and achievments away from the course over the next few months. You are in the best hands at St. Mikes with Drs. Tullis and Chaparro.
I’m now 2 years post-transplant and training for triathlon. I don’t think the Ironman distance is in my future as a competitor, but I will be cheering you on when you return.
Sincerely,
Trevor Umlah
I cried…at work. I’m a guy, I’m not supposed to do that! Lisa, you are truly an inspiration to all triathletes everywhere. I was down on myself about my run but after reading your account I’m more embarassed by my attitude.
Thanks for everything,
Chris
Lisa, we met back in 1992 traveling to Elliot Lake and while I’ve been away from triathlon for a good chunk of time you have always inspired me. Continue to be the beacon of light for so many. It was wonderful to see you at Muskoka this weekend, Maria and I are thinking of you. Stuart
Lisa,
Not only it is amazing that you’ve raced so well, for so long, without full lung capacity, but you’ve always done it with such a positive attitude. Good luck with your latest “therapy”. I hope it will clear your lungs and you can move forward continuing to inspire & motivate people.
Lisa, I absolutely love your positive attitude. I think if you were sinking in quicksand, you would be thinking how good the mud was for your skin or something crazy like that. For this, I thank you. I am going to do my best to be a positive polly like yourself.
I do hope you get better soon!
Hey LB,
Hope you feel better – you’ve been an inspiration to many, including myself.
Also, very sorry to hear about both Maddy & Brunswick passing away this year, that couldn’t have been easy.
JP & I are in Horseshoe Valley area (Barrie) – with our 2 Weimaraner’s Wiley & Boomer. If you’re ever up that way and want to hook up for some snowshoeing or need a doggie dose, fire us an e-mail
All the best to you & Dave in the next stage of your life
All the best to you & your health!
Rhonda
Lisa,
I am struck by the courage and passion in your words as you describe the race in Muskoka and the race you face everyday with CF. Your gratitude for the incredible gifts you have as an athlete and as an ambassador are inspiring. It doesn’t matter who crossed the finish line first…to me, you are the true winner of this race called life. Your perspective and gratitude in a sport that can often be “all consuming” is so refreshing. Be well,
Shauna
You are truly an inspiration for all of us racing with medical restrictions. Over the years you have shown that much can be accomplished by those whom others would never expect. My ailments seem to pale in comparison to what you’ve endured so it’s great to see you have so much success in your career.
May your lungs be as healthy as your heart in the future!
Congratulations Lisa on an obvious hard fought battle. Good luck on a speedy and full recovery.
LIsa,
I am so sorry to hear that you are having such troubles with your health. You truly are an amazing person and athlete. Your achievements are to be commended. I wish you all the best with your treatments and your recovery. You have a lot of people routing for you.
Cheers from a fellow MPSJ grad.
Liz (Lount) Prendergast (Tina’s sister)
liz@prendergast.ca
Lisa, you have always been a champion and it doesn’t take a win in Muskoka to prove you are so unique and special. All your friends at C3 will be sending you some positive energy.
Be well
Barrie Shepley
Dear Lisa,
Just want to send you a huge hug and positive vibes…you will get through this …you are my biggest inspiration! God speed! be well,
hugs!
Paula
It’s always great to see you out there, Lisa. You have been and continue to be such an inspiration. Get well soon!
-richard
Lisa, you are an incredible and inspirational person! I am praying for your quick return to good health. You and Dave are welcome to stay any time you are in N. California!
Go Power!
Tina
PS on 75% lung capacity and coughing blood you are still faster than most mere mortals in the world !
So many pros race, win, and never get it… Never understand. That is until their inevitable day when someone else is better, and it crushes them. You got it, you understand. If your racing just to win, you’ve missed the point. It’s the most important lesson in sport, the soul of triathlon, You are one of my main inspirations . I have followed your career since 2001 when I started doing Triathlon. And your performance and integrity has never let me down. Thank-you
Dean Emmanouil.
2002 Muskoka Long Finisher
2006 Ironman Canada Finisher
2008 Ironman Muskoka 70.3 Finisher
2010 Ironman Lanzarote -In training
Dad of Five Kids
Among other things.
Lisa: Wishing you a speedy recovery. Let’s hope the treatment works so you can resume training and racing. Your 70.3 Phillipines win where you felt great was a gift for you – and it appeared you cherished every moment of your experience there.It is like you left the sport temporarily on such a positive note before you deal with this new challenge. Obviously in Muskoka, you were just going thru the motions. Stay positive and keep us updated on your progress.
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa,
You are an inspiration, on and off the course – thank you for sharing. Wishing you the best in your future – no doubt you’ll succeed in all your efforts.
Scott
Lisa,
You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for your honest sharing, reminding us all to be thankful each day for what God as given us, and then having the courage to go out and do our very best. Take care!
Can you please change the comment:
Lisa,
As a mom to a 6 year old daughter with CF, who just did her first triathlon, you are an inspiration to us.
Thank you for opening up on your experiences on the blog; it really does make a difference.
All the best to you.
Lisa – you are an incredibly special person, and both Kathryn and I are so fortunate to have met you. “Inspirational” isn’t a strong enough word to describe you… Get well — we’re thinking of you…
Lisa,
You truly are Canadian Triathlon. You have been an inspiration to so many. Thank you for being a great ambassdor of the sport. Thank you for competing for the love of the sport.
Get Well
Tanya
Awesome Lisa.
I did not see you in Muskoka during the race as you were probably in a hot-tub or at home by the time I finished. I was looking for you to cheer you on. I have MS and have been racing Ironman events for several years now. Because you have a disease that affects your performance as I do and you do so well, it motivates me to keep going. During the race I was asked if I ever felt like quitting. My answer, “The course was 117 KM and I though about quitting 2 times each KM so 234 times.” I just couldn’t think up a good enough excuse.
Thanks for your openness!
Brent
Hey Lisa,
I hope your treatments are working and you are able to recover and feel better soon. WE NEED YOU!!! I have loved hearing all your inspiring speeches over the years, and it has helped accomplish so much in this Ironman World ..and to be able to step up to the plate, per say. My prayers are with you as I go to the Great Floridian in Clermont in a few weeks to compete in the IM , your favorite place, as I will be thinking of you…
I wish you the absolute very best, and thank you for being ” the best you can be” and encouraging other age group athletes to follow the best we can. Love you!!!! My best to Dave….
Diane from Arizona
Aloha Lisa,I think of you and Dave often, you are amazing and outstanding, not only as being a world class triathlete, you are an inspiration as a person I’m blessed that I got to known you in Waikoloa. God bless…..
Mahalo
Dieter