Rhonda's Photos

Steven Methot  What an accomplishment. I had enough fun (pain?) running marathons, I can't imagine adding swimming and biking to it. Good for you!

  A most reassuring post. Yes Rhonda, God is good, always. His plans fo us are always perfect. Congratulations! Always stay faithful as I am trying to do. Blessings

Adam Pick  Rhonda, In case you missed it... I posted your picture at our Facebook page. You, my friend, have inspired our community with your wonderful accomplishment. As you see at the link below, your picture generated over 2,400 Facebook Likes, 103 Patient Comments and 147 Shares. When it's all said and done, you will have inspired thousands and thousands and thousands of people. From my heart to yours, thank you Iron Woman! :)  https://www.facebook.com/heartvalvesurgery/photos/a.493519294062096/2745108498903153/?type=3&theater

Meredith Geneja  Awesome photo and accomplishment. Thank you, for sharing. Means a lot to me to see this!!! Well done, Rhonda!

Aaron Morgan  Rhonda, how soon after surgery did you start training? I am 6 weeks post op and am walking 2.5 miles at a time and it scares me to run this soon after. Nice work on the triathlon.

Rhonda Williams  Aaron, I started 3 months of Cardiac Rehab 5 weeks post-op. The last 4 weeks I started doing speed work on the elliptical and the stationary bike. The other patients looked at me like I was from Mars, LOL! I started running about 11 weeks post-op and I started with 2/1 intervals. It only took me 5 weeks to build back up to 3 miles. I wasn't back to being able to race 3 miles, but at least I could do the distance. I began cycling about the same time that I started running and swimming about a month later. My cardio told me it's fine to do sprint tris this summer, but I have to wait until next summer to compete in Olympic distance races. He also told me to do them for fun and don't push myself this summer, it's too much too soon. So I'm holding back a little in the races which is hard for an athlete!

My advice is to get clearance from your cardio first then start with short intervals. Run for 2 minutes, walk for 1 or 2 min for 20 minutes and build from there. Don't forget that your muscles suffered due to your surgery, not just your heart, and they need a little extra TLC. Build back up slowly to give your muscles and bones time to become conditioned. My legs are very sore!