Training update

I post some of my training so that some of you who doubt their capabilities after getting a device implanted. I had 3 ablations and a Medtronic Adapta pacemaker installed 8/15/08.
I am currently training for the Blue Ridge Relay, a 208 mile relay race paralleling the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. I am on an ultra team of 6 men. We are trying to win the race.
Saturday I ran up a mountain. Sunday I ran a moderately hard (7:30/mile pace) 12 mile run in the morning, then a harder 6.5 mile hill run in the evening, followed by beer. Monday a moderately hard 5 mile hill run. Today, Tuesday, a workout consisting of a 2.5 mile warm up, 6 sets of 2 min. hard running and 2 min easy, then a 2.5 mile cool down. 31 miles Sunday to Tuesday.
I train hard. I am determined to improve. My doctor is a runner, he gets it. Be your own advocate, and find a doc who understands what you do. Do what you do.

2 Comments

I TOTALLY get it

by COBradyBunch - 2009-08-05 09:08:25

I was shocked when I found out I needed a pacemaker for syncope brady (heart liked to take little 4-9 second naps) and one thing I was told when they went to put it in was they were going to set it to kick in at 60 for a low and throttle me back at 120 on the high end. I said WHOA NELLY!!!!! I am a cyclist and my RHR was 62 when this happened and I would normally get my HR up to 160 and above when I was mashing on the pedals on a hard climb, and sometimes when really pushing it would push beyond the old theoretical max into the 170s (I am 50).

Well, after a lot of discussion we came to an agreement. My pacer only kicks in at 50 and has no high end to throttle me. Of course my doc now that I am about 6 weeks out from implantation is having me in today for a stress test to make sure there wasn't some underlying problem they didn't catch when they were testing me in the hospital after my last syncope episode when they found the heart naps and I am hoping to have some fun and see if I can talk the tech into letting me found my true max HR. Thing is, and part in big thanks to this site, I am using the new borg implant as a motivation to get back into citizen racing shape and once there ride the Triple Bypass here in Colorado (three mountain passes, 120+ miles, one day), the Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb (27 miles up, with 6,915 feet of climbing) and a few more Century plus rides next summer.

BUT, if I hadn't spoken up and let the doc dictate my fate I would be walking around, pacing when I didn't need it and with a throttle that wouldn't let me live my life as I want to live it. You gotta fight for yourself and if you don't have a doc who will listen find a new one. There are docs out there who get it as you so well note above.

Come on.......

by Angelie - 2009-08-05 09:08:50

Why don't you run on over here to Georgia and help me train.

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

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