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.

Day After the Super Bowl

Runs are not fun after a day of celebration.  Being from just north of New Orleans, I am unbelievably excited at the Saint's win.  Hell has frozen over and pigs are flying.  Of course, I ate too much last night while watching the game with my wife and friends.  I did put in 3 miles this morning though.

Training is going well.  No pain in my achilles.  I was able to put in a total of 16 miles last week and will try to get to 18 this week.

I have signed up for several runs.  Two 5K's, one 10K, and one half-marathon.  Having races to look forward to always helps me.

I am amazed at how much better I feel now that I am back running after a year off.  What a difference.  My energy is up and I actually feel more at peace.

Good Runs

I've had some good runs over the past few days.  I did a 5 mile Saturday, 3 Monday, 2 Tuesday and 3 today.  My achilles is not hurting, which is a miracle.  Saturday's run was different for Mississippi.  It snowed on me.  It was fun.

I've been trying out chi running form with some positive results.  My legs are not nearly as tired as they used to be, and I'm enjoying the meditative focus on relaxation during the run.  It hasn't been a very difficult change because I have always naturally been a mid-foot striker.  The focus on relaxation it what is most different.  I want to focus on pace and pushing it.  Leaving that by the wayside has been relaxing within itself.

Rest Day

Today was a rest day.  I did do some strength work and stretching.  Tomorrow, I have a five mile slow run planned.  At this point, I'm looking forward to it and want to enjoy it without any expectations of performance.

I did make an appointment with my cardiologist as promised.  Writing this blog is already giving me a sense of accountability even if no one every reads it.

Treadmill

Well, today's run went a little better.  I was short on time, so I got on the treadmill this morning and put in two miles.  Whatever was bothering me yesterday was not there today.  I can still tell that my stamina is not that good.  Patience.  I believe that is what I said I needed yesterday.

I listened to an audio book on my iphone.  That always helps pass the time while on the treadmill.  I usually have a wonderful view from there over our lake, but it was still dark.  It's no fun staring at a reflection of yourself while running.

I am aware that I need to make an appointment with my cardiologist before going to far into my training.  He has been very reinforcing of my running post-MI in the past, but it would be the smart thing to do.  I will make a commitment to do this tomorrow.

One of Those Days

Today was one of those days that every runner knows.  I went out to run at about 5:30 this morning.  It was about 30 degrees, not too bad.  I started out and knew I didn't have it.  The energy was simply not there.  Why?  I have no idea.  I slept eight hours, I'm not sick.  The only explanation is that this is my second week back running and I have escalated fairly rapidly.  My longest run has been 5 miles, today was supposed to be 3.  Maybe my anxiousness to get back to full speed is overwhelming my good sense.

I live in the country and work in the city.  We have a beautiful place, but it is very hilly.  If I run an out and back, the out is easy (mostly downhill), and you can guess what the back entails.  I need to be more patient with getting back after a year off.

I have always struggled with the pull between obsessiveness and balance.  Running gives me that sense of mental peace, but as the day goes on, I tend to become obsessive about the next day's performance.  That's silly if I am doing this primarily to help with my overall sense of well-being.  Writing this makes me aware of this tendency and helps me let go of the need to outdo myself, at least for now.

First Post

I am a 57-year-old runner and therapist.  I am interested in interacting with others who have interests in two areas: cardiac rehab and mental health issues related to running.

I have been running for about 35 years.  I first became interested in this when I heard Dr. Kenneth Cooper speak during graduate school.  My father and all of his brothers had suffered with cardiovascular disease, and I was determined to fend off the same fate.  I was also in the midst of writing my dissertation concerning the effect of stress on critical thinking.  The effect of exercise on this became another passion.

Over the years, I have run consistently and participated in countless races from 5K's to marathons.  The last few years have been the most difficult.  When I was 51, I had a heart attack.  My LAD was almost totally occluded.  After having two stints placed, I began the long haul back to trying to run.  In 1997 I was able to complete the Chicago Marathon and subsequently the New Orleans Half Marathon and another half marathon here in Jackson.  While training for the Mississippi Blues Marathon, I fell and compound fractured my arm.  The next November I had surgery on my heel to remove bone spurs which involved splitting my achilles.

This past year, I have not been able to run.  It has been one of the longest years of my life.  Only a month ago have I been able to begin training again, not much, but at least some time with the road under my feet again.  This week, I will put in about 15 miles.

I would love to hear from other runners who have had cardiovascular problems.  One of the problems that I have had since my heart attack is having to take medication which moderates my heart rate.  Not being able to get my heart rate up has had a limiting effect on my training.

Being a therapist, I also have a great interest in running's effect on mental health and would love to hear from those of you who have experience with this.

I'll be posting my progress with training and hopefully some thoughts concerning these issues.  Let me know if you are interested in joining a discussion and giving some mutual support.