For a long time now, I've thought about running a marathon. It seems like finishing a marathon is a really big personal triumph. I've watched my mother complete seven of them between the ages of 35 and 55 and I figure if she can do it, I can do it.
The reason I haven't started running is because, up until recently, my heart/chest would hurt considerably whenever I tried to do any kind of cardiovascular exercise, not just running. My heart would race over and above the effort level I was putting in, well into the 200's and for someone my age and overall health, that was excessive.
The first thing I should have done was consult a doctor but I don't have health insurance so I've never had my heart checked out. I just can't afford it. I know, I know, "You can't afford not to!" But really, between seeing the general practitioner and paying for all those appointments and tests to be referred to a specialist to have the same tests done over again was way outside my affordability.
Recently, I started seeing my Applied Kinesiologist again after moving back to Ohio from California. He put me right back on Cataplex E2 by Standard Process for my heart. Seven pills a day for an indefinite period of time. Then, while out on a walk pushing the stroller, I decided to try jogging to the next driveway...then the next one and the next one. Before I knew it, I realized that the intersection ahead of me was the one that was exactly one mile from my house. I had just run a mile and I hadn't really tried! I was elated!!
The next day, I was seriously sore but I felt great. Then winter came with a vengeance as well as some troubles so I haven't tried to run a mile again.
I work really well with deadlines and accountability. I've offered up to a friend that we run a 5K (3.1 mi) race together in March. I'll have to start training for that to be able to show up and do it, like I promised.
I am hoping that this will lead me to the 26.2 I'd like to do someday.
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