Florida500 2026 not my race … I had to bail out at Checkpoint 2 (about 1…
Florida500 2026 not my race … I had to bail out at Checkpoint 2 (about 158 miles into the race). What happened? Mhhhh … I was thinking about avoiding the race due to an issue after Sebring 24 hours … Monday I felt some pain in my left thigh. But it went away and all seemed ok. Start in the morning on my TT bike went well. Was cool being with some top racers like Joe Barr in the same race. And cool advice from his crew when they briefly have been behind me on one of the reason lights. … I wish I could have finished. The first 50 miles went perfectly fine and I felt good. First Checkpoint around Mile 89 was good. I felt like I am in good condition and kept pushing my own pace. My average speed was about 20 mph at that time. Unfortunate around mile 110 disaster struck badly. I start feeling pain in left thigh again as I had it on Monday. In addition also noticed power loss on left leg. I just could not apply power even I shifted my efforts a bit to the right leg. Around mile 120 at a gas station I had a brief stop refilling a bit … The pain actually made me putting in that stop. Also had a brief chat with one crew there that I am in trouble. They offered me to cool down the thigh but I felt like testing a few things on the ride and I just wanted to move on. So kept going and realized it’s not going to be a good idea. So I kept debating myself for the next 30 miles to compare my options and what I should do because the pain was no cool even I could cut the pain feeling out. I was worried what the cause might be. Also checked and noticed the left thigh was swollen more than I would like and … legs critical needed for cycling, running and power walking. So about 10 miles before Checkpoint 2 I made the decition that Checkpoint 2 is the last stop and I have to accept a DNF. Some may shake their heads … Thats OK but health it critical to me and about 7 years ago I almost lost my left leg due to a foolish decision to keep pushing when my body gave me the signals of game over (tried to run that time). And not to forget I am turning 62 … So recovery and healing process can take time. Sadly at Checkpoint 2 I turned in the GPS tracker and pulled out of the race. Admittedly I am torn apart mentally. On one hand I tell myself it was the right decition to give myself a chance for full recovery and get ready for the next race. On the other hand I am frustrated and upset about myself I pulled out. But I know I may or may not have finished either way and damage would have been more severe since I had easy 370 miles to go. Arrived home last night and got a medical checkup … As feared … I had a muscle fiber tear on top left thigh. It’s a mild case and I am able to walk ok again. Doctors gave me good advice how to apply recovery sessions to support healing. I may not publish details about my recovery process but promise it’s monitored medically to make sure I am not doing anything wrong. Nevertheless … feeling frustrated about the issue. I know what possibly caused the muscle tear and glad I was able to keep it limited to have a mild case only … Rest is a matter of time and recovery sessions and treatment now. Want to congratulate all winners of the Florida500 race 2026 and wishing you all the best for the rest of the year. For myself I refocus again and Start looking forward. I a positive that it turns out perfectly fine again.
Pictures are from way before the issue happened.
