Half/Marathon Training

Hi all,
So glad i discovered this site. A month ago, i was training for the St. Louis Marathon and become concerned about how short of breath i was. I was diagnosed with a 3rd Degree AV Block and received a pacemaker a couple days later. I'm in my late 40's, and i depended on my marathon/half marathon training to keep me in shape and keep the weight off. I'd love to hear from anyone who had any similar experiences...positive or negative....as they rediscovered how to get running again. Thanks. George

9 Comments

Running

by Bostonstrong - 2014-01-19 11:01:13

I went running the same night I had my implant in June. Found a deserted hallway so I wouldn't disturb the sick people and jogged up and down the hallways. Have done 3 half s since then, Maine marathon half in Oct., Disney wine and dine in Nov., didn't finish, got a little overheated at mile 9 but I had been sick and dehydrated for a couple days before that. And finished the Arizona Rock and Roll half today, popped a ligament around mile 6 and peg legged it to the finish. Two angel runners supported me the last 2 miles and all but carried me over the finish line where medics grabbed me and carried me into the med tent.
You can run with a pacemaker. Or a torn ligament. If your dr says its okay go for it. Btw my EP said light jogging after 2 weeks. I took 3 vacations and did a lot of walking while I was recovering.

Training should help

by Theknotguy - 2014-01-19 11:01:28

I don't run marathons. Running gives me angina. But I volunteered at a furniture bank and did a lot of hiking. The day before my collapse I moved 2000 pounds of wood. The day of my collapse I had just completed 3 1/2 miles of a four mile hike. Then I spend six days in a medically induced coma.

My cardiologist said I was doing better than 95% of his patients. It translated that my recovery was easier because I didn't have as much ground to cover. I've come back faster than other cardiac patients in rehab.

So you marathon training is going to help you a lot in your rehab. It also helps you mentally because you aren't focused on your heart disease.

Keep up the training and let us know how you're doing.

Theknotguy

Running

by Colleen - 2014-01-20 08:01:14

As my EP was scrubbing to come in for my PM , he asked if I had any questions. "When can I run?" I asked....he laughed and said "is that really your question?" It's been 8 weeks since implantation and I'm up to about 2-3 miles. Because I live in Pittsburgh, the weather plays a factor in my training, but I try to get out at least 2 times per week .I try to increase my distance with every outing. My goal is to run the half in the Pittsburgh marathon in May, I missed it last year, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Just keep training, little by little. Happy Running!!!

That's great!

by GeorgeJoseph - 2014-01-20 09:01:05

Awesome Colleen! i will be rooting for you! All my relatives live in the 'burgh...and i visit Greentree often...love my Steelers and that Pittsburgh Marathon is a blast. Good luck!

Go Colleen!

by Bostonstrong - 2014-01-20 09:01:09

You will get there. That's how it's done, little by little.

Maineiacs

by Bostonstrong - 2014-01-20 12:01:02

I still have family there, I too live in the Midwest now. That's why I travel so much:) Aren't the Maine marathoners the friendliest bunch of people ever? Every runner who passed me had encouraging words. Loved it.

Everyone's

by Bostonstrong - 2014-01-20 12:01:21

Usually ahead of me, I'm used to that!

thanks

by GeorgeJoseph - 2014-01-20 12:01:30

hey appreciate the good thoughts and advice. hey Bostonstrong...i did my first half in Maine, then did the full the next year. lived in Scarborough Maine for 6 years...back in the Midwest now

Maineiacs

by GeorgeJoseph - 2014-01-20 12:01:51

they are awesome...but i can do without that long run across the bay on the way back...it was brutal seeing people two miles ahead of you.

You know you're wired when...

Your device makes you win at the slot machines.

Member Quotes

So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.