First Tri, doable after recent FESS surgery?
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some honest feedback on whether my current race plan is sensible.
I’m a 23-year-old male, 185 cm, 97 kg. I’ve been training for triathlon and originally had a middle-distance race in mind for the end of June, but after surgery I decided to switch to the Bardolino International Triathlon on June 13, which would be my first ever triathlon.
My background:
- Running PBs:
- 5K: 20:54
- 10K: 44:00
- Half marathon: 1:47
- Sprint duathlon PB: 1:14
- Bike: Trek Madone SL 6 Gen 8
- I can train around 2 hours/day on weekdays and 4+ hours/day on weekends
- Goal is to reduce excess weight over time, but without underfueling training
The main complication: I had FESS surgery on April 22. It was fairly invasive, with a lot of work done. My doctor has told me I can return to all disciplines since I should not bleed anymore, but I’m still dealing with a lot of blood clots/crusting that makes nasal breathing difficult.
I resumed running recently and the first two runs back were rough:
May 8 comeback run
- 4.38 km
- 25:10
- 5:45/km
- Avg HR: 176 bpm
- Max HR: 189 bpm
- Felt like survival, painful/uncomfortable, not like an easy run
Most recent run
- 5.01 km
- 5:24/km
- Avg HR: 175 bpm
- Max HR: 190 bpm
- HR climbed from about 158 in km 1 to 184 by km 5
- Mechanically it felt better than May 8, but internally it was still way harder than “slow” should feel
Before surgery, paces around 5:20–5:45/km would usually be much easier for me, so I’m assuming the high HR is partly due to post-op recovery, blocked nasal breathing, detraining, and maybe trying to resume continuous running too soon.
The Bardolino race is Olympic distance.
My questions:
- Is Bardolino a reasonable first triathlon in this situation, or am I being too ambitious?
- Given the recent FESS surgery and high-HR return runs, would you still line up if medically cleared?
- Should I focus on finishing safely with a conservative run/walk plan, or would you recommend switching to a later/easier race?
- Any advice for handling the swim if nasal breathing is still partially blocked?
- For people who have returned to endurance training after sinus surgery, how long did it take before HR and breathing felt normal again?
I’m not asking for medical clearance, I’ll follow my doctor/ENT’s restrictions. I’m mainly asking from a triathlon/race-suitability perspective.
Thanks!