Why I Became a Runner
To manage cholesterol, raise HDL, lower LDL, after a heart attack
What I Did:
After being blessed by having a heart attack, I discovered that family history of heart problems meant I was a high risk heart patient. I, and my siblings, need to keep our LDL under 70, HDL as high as possible, and Triglycerides as low as possible. Few if any drugs have an affect on HDL or Triglycerides. Intense cardio exercise does, as does diet high in nuts, soy, and low in sugars/seving.
So in July 08 I started the Couch to 5K training program that I had found on Caloricount.about.com, where I was tracking what I ate etc. Could not believe that I fell in love with running!
How I Did It:
Started with Couch to 5K and after a few weeks, even tho it was painful I realized I had fallen in love with running. Ran first 5k race on my 62nd birthday and the deal was sealed! No going back. Question was how far my cardiologist would let me go. I passed a stress test in July 09 and was cleared to run half marathon distance and finished my first half just after my 63rd birthday. I'm not fast, took me just under 3 hrs, but I enjoy it. I stay motivated by the way I feel and the positive test results I have had since starting the program.
Lessons Learned
- Run slow
- Run lots
- Run slower
- Run by time, not distance - important for slow folks like me.
- Use low heart rate approach (Dr. Maffetone, http://www.runningahead.com/groups/LOWHRTR/forum) or run/walk (Galloway) to avoid injury
