OOK

So, to anyone who reads this blog and is contemplating a kidney donation – I just want you to know that yesterday – I completed an Olympic-distance triathlon, and I’m just shy of six months post-donation!

I’m very grateful to my husband, my friends, my coach, and the people in my triathlon club for their support as I trained for this race. It’s odd, but since you don’t really notice the fact that you are missing a kidney in your day-to-day life, it’s hard to realize that you’ve come a long way. I say that because, as elated as I am that I was able to complete this race, I was still a tad disappointed in my finish time (five minutes slower than last year). But I shouldn’t be disappointed! I need to have the right perspective on it! I did so well — given the donation and how soon this was post-donation. So, I’m trying to leave it at that 🙂

I’ve been training more consistently this year over last year. And, I think that’s one reason why I felt like I should have done better. But the truth is my training has been heavily focused on the swim and bike, and not quite as much on the run. I was definitely running a lot more at this time last year. I had done a half-marathon and was about to do a full marathon by this time last year. So far this year, I haven’t run more than 10 miles at once. But the other thing is, I’m just running slower than last year. In general. That is one thing I have really noticed. If you are a runner and are contemplating donation, there is a good chance you will be slower for a while. Maybe it doesn’t last forever, maybe I need to give it more time, or maybe it’s also partly because I’m older  or something. But I really think this is a difference I am noticing. On the good side, I still feel like I can run for a long time, just slowly.

All in all, though, I am totally pleased and ready to focus on my next race. I accomplished my goal by showing I could still do it, and I hope it’s also encouraging to others out there!

-Jenn