Motivational

Update on dialysis patient and triathlete Shad Ireland

Most people would agree there aren't enough minutes in a day to get everything done. Shad Ireland has found a way to fit in school, dialysis and training for his first triathlon. On Wednesday, July 7, 2004 his day started at 5:00 a.m. with stretches, crunches, running, upper body weight lifting, swimming, plus a ride on the stationary bike and that was all before breakfast. By the time we spoke—18 days before the big race—he was dialyzing then planning to study, take a nap, study some more, then go for a 30-minute run and 45-minute swim.

Shad's been training on a 16-week schedule designed to get him in optimum shape for the Ironman® Triathlon on July 25 in Lake Placid, NY. Less than three weeks before the race he says he feels, “Good, tired, sore, nervous and scared. I've trained hard and well, and I'm focused on finishing.” Shad adds, “I'm a closer. I'll get it done.”

Currently, Shad trains seven days a week. Shad's website, www.shadireland.com, features a section that outlines his training schedule. A week or two before the race he will taper his training to help his body heal and recover from weeks of punishing workouts. “That way on race day, I'm fully recovered,” he adds.

So, is he ready? “Yes, I was born ready,” Shad announces. “Even after a long, tough day, I know I'm meant to do this. I've got the best coaching I could get. Got the best advice. As far as training, I'm ready.” Although, Shad admits, there are still aspects that give him pause. “I'm concerned about the swim right now,” Shad says, regarding the 2.4-mile free-style swim that starts the race. “I lift my head too high and turn my palms out. My coaches are working with me on that.” Overall, Shad knows what he needs to do. “My coaches tell me, 'You'll be on a first name basis with pain.'” Shad laughs. “My mental toughness needs to kick in. It's 60–70% mental and 30–40% physical. This will definitely test my personal tenacity.”

As a dialysis patient, the biggest challenge for Shad has been in the area of nutrition. Shad says, “I can't keep weight on. I consume between 4,000 and 6,000 calories in a day. I've been dropping and gaining weight. My dietitian has helped me out a lot. I've been eating chicken until it's coming out of my ears. I'm keeping up my protein and I eat lots of pasta.” Chicken provides Shad with high quality protein to maintain muscles and helps restore his body from the stress of training. Pasta, and additional carbohydrate foods, gives him energy for training.

When it comes to race day the key is nutrition according to Shad. He found some breakfast cookies that have given him an energy spike during training. “The race lasts 17 hours total. You need to load up on carbs (carbohydrates) and low glycemic foods. The key is not to hit the wall. I'll carry my Renagel (phosphorus binder) in my back pocket so I can keep eating and eating.” Phosphorus binders, taken with food help people on dialysis keep phosphorus levels from going too high.

As for his fluid intake, Shad admits, “I sweat so much. I had two 32-oz. bottles of Gatorade per hour on my 112-mile bike ride last Saturday. I did the ride in 6-1/2 hours. I'd like to get that time down.” Then he adds, “I wish other dialysis patients would realize that doing exercise consistently and sweating helps with fluids.”

Shad said he planned to extend his dialysis treatments in the later weeks of training, “Yes, I'm running 4-1/2 hours now. I believe longer runs lead to longevity, but some people are so anxious to get off the machine. I see it as a marriage of necessity. I need dialysis like I need air.” The additional time on dialysis as well as the focus on nutrition has kept his labs at good and consistent levels. “I monitor them and watch my phosphorus and potassium. I make sure I eat enough protein. I'm in the best shape of my life,” Shad says.

Dan Cohen, Shad's coach from TriEndurance, says there were only a few concessions due to Shad being on dialysis, “We do his big workouts after dialysis and see how his body reacts. We're working with his doctor and dietitian to figure out the calories and fluid. Nutrition is what training is about, that's the hardest challenge. You need to eat to do an Ironman®. Otherwise, I train him like any basic beginner triathlete. We've been cautious, but the training schedule, volume and intensity of the workouts are the same as anyone else on a beginner's level. Week by week we see how his body reacts and adjust the training,” said Dan.

What did Dan think when Shad first approached him about training for the Ironman®? “I've done Ironman® myself and I know the challenge,” said Dan. “But I saw his passion, determination and drive. He has the desire, motivation and heart. I've seen how his body has changed physically and mentally.”

There are other important people in Shad's life who are not so enthusiastic about his decision to do the Ironman®. “Mom is still afraid,” Shad says, “She knows I won't quit no matter how bad I feel. My friends look at the odds and wish me luck. It's an abusive race on the body. I don't want to get dehydrated or it's all over. Every 15-45 minutes I'll eat something. I know I'll feel the lactic acid in my legs. I need to ride through it though.”

Shad says sponsorship for this race is going well. But if he reaches his goal to qualify for the Ironman® World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, he'll have to find more sponsors. “To get to Hawaii will cost between $10–15 thousand. I don't have enough in sponsorship for that and I would need another bike.” Another dream he has, “I would love to have enough to bring my mom and some close friends to watch me cross the finish line.”

Whether or not Shad qualifies for Kona, he says he'd like to continue competing, “I would like to go on the Ironman® circuit in France, Germany, Japan, etc. and do half and full competitions, but that's dollar intensive and would require continuous sponsorship.”

As far as his plans after the Ironman®, Shad says, “I would love to train and race, go to school and talk to other patients and really push physical fitness, but in a soft sell approach. I want to start a program to work with other dialysis patients. I think sport teaches discipline. I'm writing a grant proposal to go around to dialysis units across the country to provide a plan. We'd determine the issues for each patient and develop an individualized program. Each person could start slowly, whatever level they are at. I want fellow patients to understand that fluid control, diet and self-esteem can be gained by exercising. Exercise counteracts the protein lost during dialysis. Many times patients feel they have no control so they take control by drinking too much or eating the wrong things, exercise provides control. Instead of focusing on eating and drinking, control the body in a different way. Be healthier and feel better. I'd love to work with doctors, dietitians and other health care workers. It would all be free to the patients, too.”

In addition to developing a plan to promote exercise for dialysis patients, Shad has been invited to share his story with others. “I've been asked to be a keynote speaker at three events,” Shad shares. “I'm going to Jackson, Mississippi for the first time on August 15 to speak there.”

With so much to look forward to, Shad's focus stays on the Ironman® and what he has to do. “The key to winning and finishing is to not make the rookie mistake of attacking too early. Lots of amateurs make that mistake. My coaches told me to run my race, to ease back, to not attack too early. The key is to stay calm and relaxed in the water, transition to the bike and wait, so many rookies take off at this point and that is where the mistake lies. Mile 80 of the 112-mile bike section is where the race starts for the professionals and the elite amateurs. At mile 80 they start to run. My coaches have said at mile 80 I need to decide, do I feel strong? If not, then I need to assess how I am going to finish, if I do feel strong, then I need to break with the elites and the pros. Getting to mile 80 and feeling strong is not only the key to finishing, it's the key that will unlock the door to my dream of running with the best and competing in the world championship in Kona, Hawaii on October 16,” states Shad.

“Shad's times are where I expected for a beginner,” says coach Dan Cohen. “Realistically, I think his Hawaii goal is not obtainable and as his coach I'd rather he not focus on that. I prefer his goal be to finish the race, but you don't want to take away people's dreams and aspirations. Ironman® is extremely competitive, especially in his age group. Most of those athletes have been at it for years. He's doing well and is right on par. He's a tough guy with athletic ability and he's handling everything fine and adapting well. He's always ready to go, he's an easy client to work with.”

While Shad still says he wants to qualify for Kona, he agrees, “Just to finish is a great achievement. I'll be the first dialysis patient ever. When I hit the wall during the race—it scares me—how will I react when that happens? I want to hear, ‘Shad Ireland—you are an Ironman®,' which is what they say when you cross the finish line. Knowing I'm the first dialysis patient to finish is motivating.” Shad adds, “Not to sound negative, but I also want to prove wrong all those who said it can't be done.”

Shad's thoughts turn to his hero, Lance Armstrong, who is vying for his sixth Tour de France win. “He's such an inspiration. He was an amateur triathlete, you know,” Shad shares. “I remember an interview once someone told Lance Armstrong: ‘You must really love to cycle.' Lance said, ‘No, I love the pain. It's the challenge to know you can push yourself and you can do it.' That's what I'm doing. I wanted to get my body into shape.” Shad pauses, “On the back of my Kona shirt I want to have, ‘Mike who? I want to be like Lance.'”

You can watch streaming video of the Ironman® race live on www.ironmanlive.com. Race starts Sunday, July 25, at 7:00 a.m. (EST) and is over at midnight.