Yesterday (Aug, 1st) I did a stress test at Iowa Health Center. They let me go home afterwards so it was a good sign. Today (August 2nd) I get the results back from my rather shocked primary care doctor. He is dumbfounded as to why a 34 year old runner who is not overweight and no longer smokes is in need of being referred to a cardiologist.
I cried a bit. Jaymon talked to me for a while and I felt better. He took the kids to Altoona for Jupiter's therapy and to hang at the wonderfully air conditioned library with the littlest spawn.
I took an anti-anxiety pill and am now listening to music and writing this waiting for 2:00 to get here. I must say that I do cherish the moments of intense appreciation of my life. The key word there is intense. I need to move away from intensity of which usually translates into high stress loads all. the. time. Oh I would have to count the years I have been saying that on my fingers and my toes.
Is this Karma catching up to me? I have been cruel and unkind to my body for years and I knew it. I grew up in a household where we ate pretty crappy and everyone was overweight. I would then take pills to loose the weight. Smoked for years. Did drugs. Ate fast food and gas station food far to often. Relying on intensity and instant gratification to get me through the day without having to be honest and look at myself then make decisions to improve my life. I just kept running away and trying bandaid solutions.
If it were not for Jaymon, my superhero, I would still be smoking and lying and spending money and constantly trying to run away from myself.
I found running.
I found barefoot running.
I found friends of which also love running.
Now I may not have the running for a while. we shall see.
research. thats whats next. and staying calm. Music is helping.
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On a barefoot running note,
MissZippy recently asked me about my coaching and I was telling her about the beauty of the squat.
Here is her post dedicated to the squat!
This is what I have to say about the squat.
The squat works on balance in that it positions the body's center of mass over the ball of your foot and will get you in touch with where you want to land when running. The goal is to get your heel down to the ground while keeping your weight over the ball of your foot. This is not easy for most people who have been in shoes their whole lives and who don't squat down regularly. When you run barefoot you want to let your heel touch the ground gently in order to distribute the force over a larger surface area so the heel will want to touch down in the squat to practice for running.
The squat will improve your range of motion in your ankles, knees, hips, and spine and will stretch tendons, muscles, and ligaments.The three areas to work on are Posture, Rhythm, and Relax. The squat will improve your posture and will also get you in touch with the ball of your foot which will lead into working on rhythm since your rhythm drills are jumping drills and you will land on the ball of your foot with your heel kissing the ground right after.
The walk, squat, jump, run are the milestones to meet to get to barefoot running and the foundation of my coaching with emphasis and a mantra of Posture, Rhythm, Relax.
It can all be read about by Checking out Lee Saxby's eBook Proprioception: Making sense of barefoot running.
13 comments:
My mom had some similar issues 9 years ago. She ended up with a stent in an artery that had been mostly blocked for some time. She has had no problems since. I hope your issues are as easily remedied.
And that you are back running very soon.
What ever this is it will resolve. You have caught this while you are young. You are strong and healthy NOW and that is what matters! Our bodies are amazing and are capable of so much healing. I'm thinking of you!
I often marvel at how the rockiest of paths allows us to arrive at being the strongest of people. You my friend are and are surronded by strong people.
Breathing deep and taking it one moment at a time with you. All will be well!
I am thinking of you and sending you positive energy. A referral is not always bad and specialists can be amazing. I was referred to a rheumatologist with concerns about possible lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. I was so worried. Would I end up crippled, unable to run or snowboard? After multiple tests by a specialist I was diagnosed with bursitis in my hips. Such a relief. I hope the same type of thing happens with you. Good luck. Stay positive.
The only thing that I can say ~ you are one tough lady. Good vibes being sent to you and yours.
Sorry to hear your stress test didnt come back good. It is going to be ok. Stay strong. THink positive thoughts. You are in my thoughts.
Sending positive vibes your way!
I kept checking your FB for updates... Please don't freak out. THis will get solved. I promised you. I know it's scary and I've been there with the anxiety and panic attacks too, it's just really hard to control. But it will get figured out. You know I believe Running fixes everything and you already have that super power! If you stress, your immune system drops, you will stress your heart, just trust yourself and the process. I am here anytime you want to talk, just dial. HUGS.
Best wishes that this turns out to be a non-problem for you...I hope you're back on your (bare) feet in no time!
We're all thinking of you and pulling for you. Relax. All is well, all is well, all is well TURN TAPE OVER...all is well
You all are the best and I love you for being so positive and supportive :) I am really optimistic that this will make my life so much better :)
I have more news that I will post about soon.
Thank you!!
i fully understand not dealing with stress very well. i hope that this turns out to just be a blip and maybe a reminder that we need to find better ways to handle things...apparently our runs aren't enough :)
Best wishes to you. Feel better soon!
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