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.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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.
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.
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