Friday, October 12, 2007

Getting back in the saddle

Well, I was given the green light to train again this week:

Run for 70 minutes (10:45 pace)
Swim 2700 yards
Trainer for 40 minutes

I feel slow and "winded" but I'm out there. The hardest thing for me to get my head around, is that it's "OK" for me to be out there! I still can't grasp that this feeling in my chest should be considered "normal". But I've seen three different cardiologists and I have to assume they must know what they are talking about.

The good news is that after about 20 or 30 minutes, my heart settles into a rhythm that I don't notice, and that must be good. Even though Dr. Doug couldn't ablate all the areas, I'm still banking on it all just going away someday, just like most non-heart-related viruses do.

I am going to IM FL on Oct 31st; bringing my gear and bike. I'm just going to try the swim, and see how that goes; if well, then start the bike and see how that goes, and take on the day in segments. Last year I finished this course in 11:48, so that gives me a spare 5+ hours before the cut-off time at 17:00 hours. I'd like to try to finish it, but won't be embarrassed by a DNF if that's what the day brings.

18 comments:

Bolder said...

this post truly makes me feel appreciative.

YOU are the real deal.

you're in no rules land re IMFL. you do whatever is right for you, and will make you happy!

Spokane Al said...

I agree with Bolder. Whether or not you finish IM FL, the point is that you are able to start, and continue to revel in life and living.

Brent Buckner said...

Great that you're back out there!

Jumper 2.0 said...

There is a certain comfort in letting it go!

You get to just do i! No worries! Nothing to prove!

Have fun in Florida. Wish I could be there!

Laurie said...

You have the right attitude. Take each day as it comes. I am hoping for the best for you :)

21stCenturyMom said...

You go, Jenny! You are an amazing athlete and I know you willdo what is right for you. I'm so happy you are back in the saddle.

Here's to your wild heart settling down over time. At least working out gives you some respite from the crazy beats.

Doing IM FL sounds like it could be fun. You'll take it at your own pace and just enjoy the ride without worrying about how long it is or long it takes. Perfect.

brendaj said...

Those sound like good expectations to set for your IM! BTW, I noticed that some of the baby joggers (like Bob) now come with a version where the front wheel will pivot!

greyhound said...

Hey, I'm on your team, too. Just be careful, OK?

the Dread Pirate Rackham said...

wow. You are amazing.

Have you ever had this big a break in training? I remember last year after 2 weeks of doing nothing that I was feeling really winded. It took about 2 more weeks before I felt like I had "it" back. You have 2 weeks.

Go do the swim, see how it feels. It's a long training day, right?

momo said...

you are incredible, jennyfriend. i know that whatever the day brings in fl, you will hang tough throughout. you always remember to honor your body and that is a lesson we should all pay attention to.

hugs!!!

momo said...

you are incredible, jennyfriend. i know that whatever the day brings in fl, you will hang tough throughout. you always remember to honor your body and that is a lesson we should all pay attention to.

hugs!!!

RunBubbaRun said...

Accept whatever the day brings us, that is what we just accept on any given Ironman day or any other endurance event..

Take it easy and enjoy the race..

Wish I could go out there a cheer for ya..

Tri-Dummy said...

You are THE REAL DEAL.

Go get some!

Michele said...

I will be there cheering for you. Hope I get to meet you.

Di said...

Wow Jenny, it's only a couple of weeks away!! We'll be there too cheering you on. If you need ANYTHING let me know. I'll make sure we have it for you. We're staying at the same hotel as Tac and TriMama so hopefully we'll all get to spend a little time hanging out.
Keep yourself well and we'll see you in a few weeks!!

Julia said...

I'm going to bet on you finishing - if you're out there just to have a nice day it'll be the best race!

ShesAlwaysWrite said...

You are an absolute goddess for going ahead with IMFL. And I don't think it's possible to have a healthier or more realistic attitude about it than you already do.

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

So glad you are doing better and that you are going to go ahead with IMFL. I just found out that I'll be body marking and peeling - I'm going to have to get some lessons from Tac and Trimama on the peeling. Anyways - I'll be looking for you and cheering for you.

Best of luck!