returning to running

I had a pacemaker implanted in August, 2008. I was out running two days later, though with my arm held securely to my side to precent the leads from becoming displaced. I also was on the operating table three times for a cardio ablation, of which only the third was successful in keeping me out of arrythmia (I was pacing 100-220 all the time for 2 weeks).
Two weeks after my final ablation (and with my pacemaker) I ran a 5K road race and placed third in my age group.
Last Saturday, a day shy of my 6 month pacemaker implantation date, I ran a 3:17 marathon with no trouble.
I don't enjoy having this thing in my chest, but I know that I need it and am convinced that I can be a better athlete with a heart that is now better adapted to allow me to train and recover more efficiently.

4 Comments

Good going

by ElectricFrank - 2009-02-18 01:02:34

Your quick recovery is typical of someone who was in good physical condition when the problem happened. Keep it up. It's great we have these modern devices. It is better to have an electronic device substituting for a conduction problem than to have to take meds for it. They have such nasty side effects and often their effectiveness wears off.

enjoy,

frank

keep it up!

by Tracey_E - 2009-02-18 06:02:37

Way to go!!! None of us would choose to have these things, but I'd sure pick my life with it now over the way I was before I got it. Sounds like you've had a lot of benefit out of yours also. I'll never understand how you marathoners do it! I work out and stay in decent shape but running to the end of the driveway wears me out, lol.

Great attitude!!

by BillMFl - 2009-02-18 06:02:50

I was a top ranked USTA tennis player at your age. Played national tournaments, singles in the middle of the day in 100 degree heat. Usually played two matches of singles and one of doubles on the same Saturday. Now I'm content to do long hikes in rugged terrain. For example, most people who visit Bryce Canyon stay up on the top. I did the all day 11 mile loop trail down in the canyon. I've hiked the tallest peak in Yelllowstone, the Skyline Trail in Glacier, and high altitude hiles in most of the national parks in the lower 48 and Hawaii. Gotta get to Alaska soon while I can still chug along. :)

Amazing Times!!

by TLRun - 2009-09-20 11:09:17

Those are amazing times and how fast you came back from your post op implant!! Like you, I had an ablation done but it was a year separate from my implant which I just received just a little over 3 weeks ago. I just starting running again after doing very long walks of about 8 miles a day during the first 3 weeks. I feel much better and dont have all the dizziness and such anymore. I am out of running shape now. I thought I was starting out too hard post implant. I noticed that my implant area is sore now that I am back to running. Did you have that problem? I dont know if I should back off my mileage of about 6-8 miles a day for now? I get such conflicting advice on what I should be doing. I just try to listen to my body. How many leads do you have in your heart? I have 3. Keep Running!!!

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Member Quotes

Yesterday was my first day mountain biking after my implant. I wiped out several times and everything is fine. There are sports after pacemakers!