Skip to main content

Pleasantly Surprised

I'm happy to report that my pulse and blood pressure have been holding steady inside the normal range. I've been more than religious about sticking to a healthy, clean and low sodium diet and I'm starting to realize the impact of these changes. However, I'm still moving forward with lots of caution and taking it easy to make sure I don't overdo it. Once I see the changes are working and I'm feeling better, it takes more discipline to hold back than it does to "make" myself exercise. I'm learning how to balance out resting, active resting, working out and running to my benefit.

Yesterday I did an easy 5 mile run on the treadmill. I have started walking for 5 minutes to warm up and allowing myself time at the end to cool off. I also take at least the first mile very slow and easy. If I'm feeling off in any way I keep it slow and easy. When I feel pretty good I gradually increase and play with my speed. I was pleasantly surprised at how good I felt during and after my run yesterday. I can't wait to get a longer run in this weekend.

Tonight I went to taekwondo for an hour. Again, I take it easy during warm-ups so my heart rate comes up slowly without spiking.Tonight I don't think I got dizzy at all and even if I got a little out of breath, I recovered quickly. I was once again pleasantly surprised at how good I felt.

One of my online groups has a biking challenge going on this month to coincide with the Tour de France so I pledged 100 miles for the month. After I got home and ate (I was starving!) I hopped on the bike for a very easy 5 mile ride to get the challenge started. I like to read and have tried to find more time to read lately and so this worked well for helping me meet two of my goals.

I have not had my blood pressure meds for about 10 days now and I don't report back to the cardiologist until next Wednesday. I'm hoping my bp and heart rate hold steady so I can build my case to stay off of them! We will see.

Throughout this process I'm learning a lot about myself and life. I had to admit to a friend today that "being good" does have some benefit. I've always been one to push the limits and I don't see that changing any time soon, However, I am not willing to jeopardize my forward progress and the increased energy I'm feeling for a salty snack.

Still training for a full -Actually, I had this thought last week as I was trying to get my body balanced back out. I talked to my primary care and the cardiologist and while I have several stipulations to running - neither of them told me I couldn't run.  That helped me gather myself up and get back on the treadmill earlier this week. I'm anxiously moving forward one step at a time - where each step is a victory!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hello - It's Been Awhile

I am sorry, I had to take a break and get myself focused. However, I haven't stopped, and I've been quite busy really. There's been a lot going on and honestly, I've been living out the every step's a victory   mantra. There's been lots of struggles and tons of ups and downs. But I have to say each step toward a healthy, whole life is still victorious. As a matter of fact, revisiting that is why I decided to get the blog back up and going again. I did get a website set up, you can check it out if you'd like. I still have to get the blog up and going on the site It won't be like this one, it will have more general information about healthy eating, exercising and things that are not as much about my own journey, it'll be more educational. Check out the Every Step's A Victory site and let me know what you think so far. For me life continues to be a struggle, I think that may hold true for most people who deal with a chronic condition. It seem...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cardiologist Update

So I guess I'm just going to have to get used to going to cardiologists and doctors. My primary care sent me to a cardiologist at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. I think I like this guy (as much as I can like docs). He was very kind, and looked me in the eye when he was talking with me and I liked that. Of course I gave them my standard "abnormal but not bad" EKG. I also explained about my meds and how the other doc wouldn't call me back. He told me not to trust a doctor who didn't call you back. (I was surprised.) He said it's an integrity issue and it sends the signal that they don't care when they don't call you back. I agreed. At the end of the appointment - he gave me a gentle hug and promised to take good care of me. That was nice I thought. (Even though I'm not too keen on "being taken care of.") My blood pressure was great- didn't even mention taking meds for that. I have to say that's a HUGE win. I believe the drastic ...
3 comments
Read more

Ready for a New Start? Get Ready!

I've been quiet for a very long time. I don't even run much anymore, which is why I started this blog in the first place. But don't let the silence fool you, I've been hard at work, and there are lots of cool things coming. I'll make some announcements and give you heads-up about some cool stuff coming your way soon. For now, keep an eye out for launch announcements!!  Let's get started with what is going on in my world now.  Firstly, I'm launching a series of coaching services, products, and freebies (who doesn't like free stuff?), all based around Every Step's a Victory. The premise is that every single win should be celebrated.  Y'all - it's way too easy  to talk negatively in our heads. Seriously, we are our own worst enemy! What if we could turn that around and celebrate wins? Really - think about it, when you make a choice that positively affects you, even if it's a small one - that's a win for your soul! Drink a glass of water ...
Post a Comment
Read more