How to start

I read the other runners post and it got me thinking. I walked 3 miles per day while pregnant with my daughter...who is now turning 2. Since then and especially since the PM implant I haven't done any type of exercising although I am medically cleared to. I've just been too afraid of my own heartbeat to do it.

I read all the posts on how wonderful running can be...so I would like to give it a try. Is there a way to begin that kind of training when you have a pacemaker and have never really run before?

Wondering if there are any rules....or any tips.

Thanks!
W

4 Comments

Easy

by ElectricFrank - 2010-04-07 01:04:45

First off, the only way to avoid a fearful heart beat is to have it stop. That treatment has too many side effects. LOL

Seriously, just start start walking. You know how to do it since you have done it before. Just walk at a pace and distance that is comfortable for you. 2-3 miles is a good distance and easy if you do it in 45 minutes or so. To start with it helps to have someone you can contact on a cell phone if you find you want a ride home. You won't need it, but it is reassuring.

Then just work up to a level of exercise you enjoy. At some point you may feel like running for short distances during the walk,

This it the approach I took after back surgery in the 1980's and was up to 4 miles in just a few days after getting out of the hospital. Same after my implant and again recently with the replacement.

When you feel your heart a thumping away just think of all that healthy blood being pumped to your muscles.

best,

frank

running

by cfritza - 2010-04-07 09:04:04

Hi Wendy,

I started running when I was 40. I use to bike and walk but my sister had started walk/run where you run for a little bit and then walk etc. So I started doing just that run for a litte walk for a littel then just slowly built up from there. After my pm I did the same walk/run a just listened to my body and am back to running as before. Running feels good cuz I feel like I got a good work out but just walking fast can be just as good for you and isn't quite as jarring so if you decide running isn't for you just remember any exercising is good. Here's to exercising one of the great things we can do for our bodies!! ^

Exercising is great!

by heartu - 2010-04-07 10:04:09

Today I am 6 weeks post pm implant for 3rd degree heartblock. I have been in a walking "regimen" for the past 4 weeks. I am not a runner (don't like it at all!), but love walking and even cycling.

1. I wear a pedometer each day. My first goal was to walk over 5,000 steps before I attempted to walk for extended periods on the treadmill. I now take over 12,000 steps each day and on Monday took over 15,000 steps!!

2. Next I started walking on the treadmill for several reasons. First because I could walk on no incline and at a steady rate so I could monitor my heart rate. I used the "how I feel while working out " factor at first. If I was huffing anf puffing it was too hard and I slowed down. If it was too easy I sped up by 0.1 mph. After 10 minutes I stopped and checked my heart rate.

3. When I could walk at a certain mph rate for at least 20 minutes, I added 5-10 minutes everyday, until I could walk for an hour. After I could walk for an hour, I started to up the speed. I can now comfortably walk 3.3 miles per hour (still with no incline) and get my heart rate up to around 110, which for me at age 53 is 65% of my target heart rate.

I see the doctor in 3 weeks and hopefully by then will be able to walk at least at 70%-75% of my target heart rate. Can't push it beyond that right now because the upper limit of my pm is set to 130. Once the doctor gives me the go ahead I will start doing Pilates and working out my upper and lower body as well. Gotta gain the strength back in my arms with weights.

I would also like to try "spinning"...easier on the knees than running. Next I need to find a heart rate monitor that will work with my pm.

Good luck in your exercise endeavors!!

Exercise rehab

by excumbrian - 2010-04-18 06:04:31

I too had a pm inserted March 3 for 3rd degree block -- no prior warning. I collapsed at work -- onto a patient's bed! (I'm an RN!).

I've been walking vigorously on a daily basis for about 3 weeks, and have been given the all-clear to resume exercise (prior to collapse, I'd been doing treadmill and stationary bike work). Surprisingly, I found that trying even very light jogging left me exhausted, with legs like lead.

I would be interested in keeping in touch with anyone who is in a similar position so we can swap experiences and provide support, as I really don't know what to expect. I'd half-expected to be back at work by end April but I somehow doubt it.

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