Running with a PM

runners

by Tracey_E - 2017-01-23 19:38:33

We have lots of runners here of all levels from the occasional really slow 5k to marathons and triathlons. How it goes getting back to training depends on why you got it and how long you had been ill before getting it. Some go right back to it, some take longer to heal and get their stamina back. Some are easy to program, some take a few tries to fine tune it. But nearly everyone gets back to it, often with more stamina than before. I'm one of the slow 5k'ers but am doing my first half in three weeks with my daughter. Still not quite sure how I let her talk me into it but we've been training our hearts out.

You'll want to wait to start training until the impact doesn't make you sore. Some can within a week, others take a month or more.

Things to watch out for, signs that the settings need fine tuned- suddenly hitting a wall, short of breath or dizzy too easily, rate not getting up high enough.  

Running

by Running Machine - 2017-01-23 21:14:36

I actually ran a decent (for being 65 and running at 6,000') 3.25 miles last Tuesday, and by Thursday, was being told I needed a PM to keep my heart rate from dropping too low.  I had a broken bone in my foot last October (not running related) and couldn't run for two months.  Then when I started running again my fitness had disappeared, WAY more than it should have.  I would sometimes be out of breath after 60 seconds at a pathetically slow pace.  The limit is now 130 bpm but that can be changed as I progress.  Thanks for your kind comments and good luck with your half marathon.  Where will you be running it?

settings and races

by Tracey_E - 2017-01-23 22:17:23

130 is a standard starting number but rarely enough for sports! If they don't raise it at your next appointment, ask. 

We are doing the Disney Princess race. With tutu's. 

Running

by valley01 - 2017-01-24 07:26:40

I'm a 5k runner. My stomach doesn't allow me to run longer runs/races for some reason. I ran a 5k race 4 weeks after getting my pacemaker. It was a very slow pace, I even stopped to walk for a couple of minutes once, but I was pretty proud of myself. I started walking immediately after getting my pacemaker (I drove the nurses crazy walking the halls of the hospital the night I got my pacemaker - 2am, 3:30am, 5am) and running short distances at 3 weeks. I remember having to hold a hand over my pacemaker while running because it felt like it was bouncing in my chest and was uncomfortable. However, I was more uncomfortable not running so I just dealt with it and it eventually went away.

Running

by Sarbear - 2017-01-24 10:51:39

I was cleared to run 2 weeks post surgery and eased slowly back into it and in the last year since surgery have done a half marathon, a bunch of 5ks, and a triathlon.  My biggest complaint was the way the pm box felt agains my skin at first, but that went away within a month or so.  I've noticed that my heart rate stays elevated a bit longer after a run than it used to, but for me I don't notice too much of a difference during the actual run, but my condition never affected my running.  I imagine for some people whose condition make exercise difficult, the pm could actually cause an improvemen.  Good Luck!

Running

by Running Machine - 2017-01-24 13:22:44

Thanks for the comments!  My diagnosis was High AV Block so the electrical signal wasn't always getting to the bottom part of my heart, and so my heart was way less efficient than it should have been.  So even if my HR monitor said 125 bpm, the effective heart rate might have been 80 bpm or something at pumping and providing oxygen, at least that's my understanding.  No wonder my pace had slowed and I was breathing hard.  My muscles were screaming for more oxygen, but not able to get it.  I'm actually hoping to run better once I get going again. 

Plus Factor

by doublehorn48 - 2017-01-25 09:29:44

I always try to keep my cup half full, seeing the positive in every situation. You now run with a chip on/under your shoulder.   It is, to me, a great incentive to show that I'm as good as ever.  The one difference with a pm is I beathe pretty hard for the first mile, but then that goes away.  If you run in the grass watch out for the clydesdale, it's probably me.  Good luck.

Running

by Running Machine - 2017-01-25 16:20:33

Thanks doublehorn!  How soon were you able to resume running after the surgery?  I feel like I could run today (but I won't) only 6 days after the implant...

Running

by Regina - 2017-01-26 13:23:37

i slowly returned to sports a month after implant.  Start the workout slowly.  For me,  a sudden increase in demand hr puts me back into heart block for about 10 secs.  The other part that I am not sure about I how much CV fitness one loses during the months prior to implant and how quickly that can be gained again. Good luck.  It is a balance between persistence and surrender for sure.