I’m 41 years old, 230 pounds, and a heart surgery patient. When I was 36 I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve, which required months long recovery and has had a years-long impact on my physical fitness.
I started Zwift at the beginning of last year (2021).
When I started my FTP was at or below 100W and I really struggled. But I kept at it, increasing my stamina one ride at a time.
Today, after completing a 14 mile ride in under 45 minutes (Castle to Castle on Makuri), Zwift told me it has detected an increase in my FTP from 198W to 203W.
It’s a huge personal milestone, I felt like bragging about it
Thanks so much for the support! I think my next milestone is to see if I can climb the Alpe du Zwift in under 90 minutes, so far I’ve made it up three times and my best time so far is 109 minutes, so I’ve got some work to do!
Well done Peter! A huge achievement, hold your head high. In 2017 at 52, I had open heart surgery to receive a quintuple bypass. Take it slowly and build. You’ll nail the Alp in 90mins I’m sure. Ride on.
PS: If you’re on Facebook there is a private group called Cardiac Athletes, support, guidance and just go stories to read. For anyone that has heart issues.
