Settings or Unfit?

Hi all

Just completed a 10k race - first one in 18 months due to ongoing calf (not heart) problems. I have done quite a bit of training for it but I really struggle going up hills (there is a gradual hill between 2 and 4 k). I feel I've got no energy or oomph! to get me up. I seem okay once the route flattens out. I get quite frustrated that before the pm implant in 2013 the people I used to beat quite easily and who are in my age group now beat me - not that I'm competitive or anything! Just wondering if it could be anything to do with my pacemaker settings or should I just admit that I am not as fit anymore and getting older?!! Any advice from you 'experts' out there would be welcome.
Pammy

5 Comments

could be either

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-23 09:01:26

It could be either one. Have you had a stress test lately? Simulate what your heart is doing when on the hills.

Meds?

by Lurch - 2016-01-24 01:01:28

Are you taking any meds that would impact your ability to run (BetaBlockers especially)?

Hi Pam

by IAN MC - 2016-01-24 06:01:03

Good to hear from you again !

18 months off certainly takes its toll, that must have been one hell of a calf injury. I've got nothing sensible to say to you other than suggesting that you start running only with people much older than yourself if you must do hills.

Best of luck

Ian

Thanks for responses

by PAMMY - 2016-01-24 08:01:51

Hi Tracey and Inga - no I haven't had a stress/treadmill test. Unfortunately I only went for my annual check up a fortnight ago otherwise I would have asked them about it and they might have suggested one. I could always ring them up though and ask.

Lurch - No I'm not on any medication whatsoever (apart from the odd glass of wine!!)

Hi Ian - I haven't had 18 months off running - I have managed to do quite a few park runs which are 5ks - my calf didn't seem to like it if I went over about 5 miles so hadn't managed a 10k. I have recently had some physio from a friend of mine who has also given me some calf strengthening exercises which she has ORDERED me to do so I think they've certainly helped. I know I don't post on here often but I regularly come on the site to read the comments and advice. I particularly enjoy yours and Tattoo man's banter. You can't beat the British humour. Take care and keep on bantering!

Pam

Running

by golden_snitch - 2016-01-24 09:01:38

Since you "only" have a block and no sinus node issues, I'd not expect that the pacemaker settings are the problems. This is quite an easy job for your pacemaker. All it needs to do is track the sinus rhythm and make the ventricles beat in the same rhythm. So, unless your upper tracking rate is set too low, the pacemaker shouldn't be the trouble maker.

Maybe you can get a treadmill test done just to make sure it's not the pacemaker?

Best wishes!

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