AGFL Ep 151: Back on the horse, back from the dead?

Key Takeaways · Colin's Hip Injury: A new consult revealed Stage 4 osteoarthritis and abnormal hip structure. Colin will meet with a surgeon to discuss arthroscopic cleanup before a planned $16k stem cell treatment. · Danny's Time Management: Danny's podcast availability has been limited by a new time commitment: supporting his 10-year-old daughter's competitive swimming. · Tucson Camp Success: The Top Guns team camp in Tucson was a major success, praised for its training routes (e.g., Mt. Lemmon), facilities, and team camaraderie. The team will return next year. · Pro Triathlon Evolution: The pro field is pushing new run standards, with sub-2:25 marathons now a realistic target, as evidenced by a Top Guns athlete's goal for Ironman Texas. Topics Colin's Hip Injury & Treatment Plan · Diagnosis: A consult with a sports medicine doctor revealed Stage 4 osteoarthritis and abnormal hip structure (potentially bone spurs), likely from 14 years of pushing through pain. · Treatment Path: o Stem Cell Therapy: Planned for Panama ($16k, $3k deposit paid) using umbilical cord cells, which are considered more powerful than the adult stem cells available in the US. § Procedure: 30M cells injected directly into the hip, plus 100M via IV. § Recovery: Full benefits can take 6–18 months. o Surgical Consultation: A meeting is scheduled with a hip specialist to discuss arthroscopic cleanup. § Goal: Clean up the joint to create a better environment for the stem cells, potentially extending the treatment's effect beyond the doctor's 5-year estimate. · Current State: o Pain: Daily, but inconsistent. It's a dull ache, not sharp, and is not bone-on-bone. o Activity: No biking/running for ~2 months. Pole buoy swimming is possible; kicking aggravates the hip. o Mental Health: Frustration is growing after over a year of injury. Playing hockey (goalie) provides a competitive outlet, and Colin is focusing on gratitude and mindfulness. Danny's Time Management & Parenting Philosophy · Time Constraint: Danny's daughter's competitive swimming requires a significant time commitment, limiting his podcast availability. · Parenting Philosophy: Danny is intentionally avoiding the high-volume training he experienced as a youth swimmer to prevent burnout. o Focus: Foster agency and a love for the sport, not impose his own expectations. o Anecdote: His daughter independently did dry-land exercises on a day off, stating she wanted to be a champion. This organic motivation is the goal. Top Guns Team Camp: Tucson · Location: Tucson, Arizona, was chosen after mixed results in Sarasota (Year 1) and Austin (Year 2). · Logistics: Most athletes flew into Phoenix (1.5 hr drive) and rented cars. On-the-ground convenience was high, with training routes accessible from the accommodation. · Road Quality: Generally good, but with cracks and bumps requiring attention. · Training Highlights: o Mt. Lemmon: An iconic 20-mile climb. Danny's 2-hour effort placed him ~18,000th on Strava, highlighting the depth of talent training in Tucson. o Oro Valley Pool: A 50-meter outdoor pool with mountain views, used by many pros (e.g., Sam Long). · Team Dynamics: The camp successfully integrated new members, including younger athletes (early 20s) who added new energy. Pro Triathlon & Ironman Texas · Ironman Texas: A Top Guns athlete is targeting a sub-2:25 marathon. · Pro Run Standards: The pro field is redefining run performance, with sub-2:20 marathons and sub-1:07 half marathons becoming more common. o Example: Christian Blumenfeld recently dropped 4:55/mi splits at mile 9 of a half marathon.