I think I'm learning how to listen to my body better - but I'm also sticking to some changes I've made. I've lost 30 pounds this year and have been able to keep it off. I think that's a big factor, really. I treat salt like poison because for me - it is. Now to get off sugar! lol I'm eating fresh and almost no processed foods and I'd like to think for now my body is thanking me by letting me run.
Each day I take it as I get it. Every run I have in the back of my mind that it could be the last run of this streak. My commitment to my self is if my blood pressure goes up, ankles swell and don't go back down or I start feeling fatigued, the streak is over. And for this reason I am learning to take it easy on runs - lots easier than I want, but it can mean the difference between running or not running. I tell my body every day that I am listening and will respond to the messages it sends. I'm off bp meds right now - so many challenges there - but I do return to the cardiologist next week. Hoping that he's okay with continued running. We shall see.
So today I ventured out to one of my old routes. It's an out-and-back route that's right at 5 miles (unless you have to double back to get your timer that keeps you on a steady 3R/1W interval then it's about 5.2) When I started having trouble especially chest pains and shortness of breath when running I not only slowed way down - I also stayed in the park behind my apartment, or stayed on a 2.2 mile loop that made sure I was never more than about a mile from my house. Today is my second run out past that safety net. It felt good - but there were hills that really kicked my butt. However, today I appreciated those hills. Here's why...
Hills are a challenge and for me they represent challenges we face in life. Now I have always loved the challenge of hills - just like I like a good challenge because it makes me stronger. Today's hills helped remind me of the journey I've been on for the last two years. It helped me realize that I'm not back to where I was before all this started, but also that I've made a lot of progress. I used to tuck my head push harder and nearly kill myself going up steep inclines. But today - I walked when needed, ran carefully when I could - but I didn't push it. This is so not my nature.
I normally push those boundaries - or rules! Keeps me in trouble a lot - so to learn that I can still enjoy a run without pushing myself to the limit was enlightening to say the least. It's also in the back of my mind that if I blow it by pushing too hard today - I may not get to run tomorrow. So what I'm learning is to take the hills of life - the challenges - adjust and proceed.
Having to deal with CHF (although I got the doc to admit it's really low level finally! - now to convince the cardiologist!) - is a huge challenge or hill in my life. At first I wanted to barrel through it and charge as hard as I could against it. If I had continued doing that - it would have cost me...a lot. Instead I've adjusted - adapted my plan, schedule and goals - and continued to proceed. Challenges don't mean we stop. They may however, mean I have to do things differently.
Hills reveal what we are made of and the speed in which we take them is irrelevant. It's the fact that we don't stop that is relevant. Hills make us stronger runners - dealing with challenges appropriately and responsibly makes us stronger in character. Now to keep applying this knowledge so I can proceed to outrun CHF!
So for now - I am training for my spring half marathons - and hopefully will get to do the Cowtown in February. At that point - if I am able to continue doing well - and being good - I'm going to move on up toward a full again - looking at the OKC for my next full. Always moving forward - can't give up - no need to - every step's a victory...
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