I have been slowly working back after my cardiologist and I came to an understanding about running.  I've been using Jeff Galloway's method of run/walk, which satisfied the doctor.  This morning I ran the Run for Life Half-marathon here in Mississippi.  It was great to be back able to race.  The morning was perfect, in the mid 50's and dry.  I feel so much better psychologically being back on the road.

Upcoming are two 5K's, the Mississippi Blues Half -Marathon in January, and the Rock and Roll Half-marathon in New Orleans in February.

Hopefully, I can be more faithful to the blog as this progresses.

Barefoot Running

I just finished reading Chris McDougall's book, Born to Run.  What a great read for anyone, but especially for us runners.  I decided to make the plunge and try barefoot running.  I went to the local outdoors store and purchased a pair of Vibram Fivefingers.  This morning was my first attempt on a .6 mile trail around our property.  I'll have to say it was at least a lot of fun.  There was a feeling of being connected to the earth that I don't get on the road.  I'm a little more sore afterward, but I think I'll build more of these barefoot trail runs into the week.

I've been running the road in some new Newtons.  Love them.  Legs doing great.

Back to It

Well, despite my cardiologist's opinion, I'm back running.  My GP is a runner, and after having him check me out, he said go for it.  This just shows you what a diversity of opinion there is in the medical community about aerobic exercise post-MI.

Here in Mississippi, it has been in the upper 90's F with close to 90% humidity, so my runs have been at 5 AM or shortly after.  Even then, it's draining.  I'm being smart and not taking it too fast, hydrating well, and not racing.  A short swim in the pool helps after a run in these conditions.  I did, however, encounter a water moccasin taking a dip with me one morning.

My mental health is improved since getting back to running.

Running and Psychopathology

I read an interesting study many years ago in which a psychiatrist divided his depressed patients into three groups.  With one group, he did traditional therapy.  With one group, he ran with them on a daily basis.  With the third group, he did a combination of therapy and running.  Which group had the most improvement in their depressive symptoms?  The group who simply ran.  Close behind was the combination group (no statistically significant difference), but both were significantly more improved than the therapy only group.  (I am sorry it's been too long ago for me to remember a reference to the study.)

Two years ago, I worked with a marathon training group on a similar basis.  We asked anyone who needed help with any emotional issue to participate in group therapy combined with a training run.  Several persons responded to the call and we gathered weekly for eight weeks.  I was amazed at their progress.

Anyone who runs does not find this surprising.  It is almost intuitive to us.

I would love to hear from other mental health professionals who have had similar experiences.

Cardiologist Report

A mixed bag.  No new disease, but no running.  He wants me only to walk.  I called him a few choice names and immediately began readjusting my self expectations.  OK, I will walk and not run.  Maybe it's a good thing.  Maybe it will teach me to simply enjoy rather than constantly trying to reach another goal.

I've participated in one race since the appointment.  I averaged about 14 minutes per mile.  I've walked daily since then, listening to my favorite podcasts and music.  I find myself noticing the beauty on my usual route at our home that seems to have been unnoticed while running.

I have always had a strange mixture of attraction to a meditative life but a goal directed drive.  I will chose to pay attention to my circumstances and simply be with this.

Cardiologist Appointment

I finally had my appointment last Friday with my cardiologist.  The bottom line, no running until I have a nuclear stress test next week.  I was very depressed for a couple of days.  I think what got to me the most is the idea that I'm so limited in what I can do with running.  That sounds pitiful, and it is with every thing else I have to be so thankful for.  Flash backs of all the ways that I haven't taken care of myself over the years came flooding back.

I've pulled out my copy of Dean Ornish's book on reversing cardio-vascular disease and want to recommit to the diet.  I pretty much do everything else he suggests with stress management and exercise.  Writing about this I hope will keep me on track.

More Snow

What's up with so much snow in Mississippi.  We had about 5 inches last Friday.  Luckily, that was a rest day for me.  By Saturday morning, the roads were fine for a run.  I put in 7 miles.  This is my longest since my comeback.  The run was encouraging.  I still have trouble on hills, but other than that it felt pretty good.

Running hills has been a problem since my heart attack.  The medication that I take limits my heart rate and therefore makes it difficult to exert enough to make long hills.  It's very frustrating, but I understand why I have to take this.

I have my first race this coming Saturday.  It's a 5K to raise money for the Blair Batson hospital for children in Jackson.  It will be fun to be back with old race friends.