Episode Episode 10: Mark Usher – Overcoming a Mechanical Heart ValveEpisode 10: Mark Usher – Overcoming a Mechanical Heart Valvehttps://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/tri2listen.podcast/audio/Episode_10_Mark_Usher_2021.mp3Guests:ResourcesHeart  and Medical Conditions Discussed:Bicuspid Aortic ValveFirst Degree BlockThird Degree BlockAtrial FibrillationBeta blockers in Endurance athletesCardioversion for Atrial FibrillationDupteryns ContractureSkills & Qualities of being a TriathleteBudgeting TimePlanning SchedulesRace PlanningWorkout ScheduleDisciplineMasters Swim Team & CoachesArlington Park, Sarasota, FLIra Klein Sarasota Tsunami’sShiela TaorminaButternut’s ClubName DropsArthur AlberoKelsey WohrlFavorite Swim Sets"THE" Auburn Sprint SetThe "Other" Auburn Sprint Set (Transcription by Your Swim Book)WU: 400 Easy3 x 50 @ :452 x 75 @ 1:15 as kick/swim/heads up kick100 build by 25sMain Set:100 x 25 Maintain 100 race pace throughout)10 @ :60 - (50 easy)10 @ :60 - (100 easy)10 @ :55 - (150 easy)10 @ :50 - (200 easy)10 @ :45 - (250 easy)10 @ :40 - (300 easy)10 @ :35 - (350 easy)10 @ :30 - (400 easy)10 @ :25 - (450 easy)10 @ :20 - (500 easy)Cool Down:300 EasyProgression set for endurance ~200m each1 stroke fly, rest freestyle2 strokes fly, rest freestyle...up to full flySponsor This EpisodeAbout this EpisodeIn this episode, masters swim and USA Swimming Official Mark Usher joins me to talk about overcoming a congenital heart defect called a bi-cuspid aortic valve.  Mark was an active athlete who began experiencing increasing amounts of fatigue with exercise.   An evaluation showed his aortic valve which was less flexible than it should be, and it reduced the amount of oxygen filled blood to his exercising muscles.He was faced with many decisions about surgery, replacement options, lifelong medication possibilities and whether or not he could return to endurance sports safely.After making his decision, full of all the potential risks of heart surgery including a poor outcome (or death!), Mark resumed his training and thrived in the pool.He continued to face decisions about his heart condition, guided by his love for being active.After decades of training and competing as an athlete, Mark decided he'd like to help give back to the sport of swimming that he is so devoted to.  He became a USA Swimming official, putting his time in (with love) working at local  youth meets, and working his way up to higher and higher stakes.He's now an in demand official at Swimming meets of the highest caliber and has worked meets with the swimming superstars of the decade including Katie Ledecky and Caleb Dressel.Mark continues to comlete in masters swimming events and even in his 60s continues to work on perfecting his butterfly!Tune in to be inspired by his story, learn from his upbeat and optimistic attitude, hear his favorite swim workouts and more.

Ryan Lochte with Mark Usher USA Swimming OfficialNathan Adrian with Mark Usher Swim OfficialMark Usher Peripheral IV in HandMark Usher Pacemaker TestingMark Usher Heart Surgery – PacemakerButterfly Swimming – Masters – Mark Usher – Sarasota TsunamiEpisode : TranscriptMark UsherSuzanne Atkinson: Hi, this is Suzanne Atkinson with Tri 2 Listen. The podcast for curious triathletes. Each episode features an interview with an athlete, coach or scientist whose passion lies in triathlon, it's my job to uncover their story.