TitaniumJohnny: The Crash and Journey Back to Running – PT1

I have always loved titanium bicycles. I liked them for their strength and light weight. However, I never imagined I would carry that metal inside me. It is now in my leg, arm, and face.

Recently, my orthopedic specialist suggested I share my story. I want to help others who feel trapped in a dark place. Specifically, I want them to know they can reclaim their lives. This is the first part of my journey as #TitaniumJohnny. Overall, it details how I fought to run again.

The Day Everything Changed

Today is June 18th, 2024. Incredibly, it marks exactly one year since my car crash. The accident nearly took my life. In fact, the responding officer told my sister the truth. He said he only attends the most extreme cases.

First, the fire department cut me out of the wreckage. They intubated me on the spot. Soon after, I was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital. To this day, I am profoundly grateful for their care.

A Litany of Injuries

I spent my first week in the intensive care unit. During that time, I underwent more than 20 surgeries. The list of my injuries was massive. For instance, I had:

• Broken eye sockets and a broken nose.

• A fractured skull, neck, and back.

• A bruised heart and a lacerated artery.

• Multiple breaks in my arms and feet.

• A severe compound fracture in my left leg.

Today, my body is a map of that trauma. I have a fusion in my neck. Additionally, I have titanium rods in my limbs. Pins and plates hold my face together.

A Hard Lesson in Fatigue

People often ask how this happened. The truth is the cause was simple but deadly. I had overloaded my schedule. As a result, I fell asleep behind the wheel. My car finally hit a concrete pillar on the Beltway. Therefore, I urge everyone to learn from me. Never drive when you are tired. It only takes a second for your life to change forever.

Hallucinations and the ER

I do not remember the crash. Furthermore, I don’t recall the eight hours before it. My first memory is waking up in the emergency room. My face was severely swollen. Consequently, I could not see anything. I felt no pain yet, but I felt trapped.

Suddenly, my brain created a vivid hallucination. I saw a futuristic, bleach-white operating room. I heard a man’s voice. He said I would recover on a beach in the Bahamas. However, reality soon set in. I felt water around my face. I felt submerged. Only my mouth was above the surface. Understandably, I felt intense anxiety. I was paralyzed and alone.

A Familiar Voice in the Dark

Then, in the middle of my panic, I heard a familiar voice. My anxiety vanished instantly. I realized I was at Memorial Hermann. Moreover, I knew that voice belonged to Barbara Lamb. Barb is an ER nurse and an Ironman. In addition, she has been my coaching client for ten years.

I was desperate to get her attention. Since only my left arm could move, I reached out. I grabbed her forearm as she passed.

“Wait, you know me?” she asked.

I could not speak. Instead, I gave her a thumbs up. She asked how I knew her. I couldn’t remember a triathlon signal. So, I mimicked a running motion with my fingers. She gave me a board. Slowly, I spelled out B-A-R-B.

Finding Peace Amidst Trauma

My mother and sister were in the room. They witnessed the whole exchange. Immediately, they told Barbara who I was. She was completely shocked. Because of my head injuries, I was unrecognizable. Even so, knowing I was in her care gave me peace. I knew I was in the best hands. Finally, I could start the long road back to the trails.