 |
It was a little gloomy at Terrigal Haven this morning.
|
It was heart-warming at this morning's 6:00am Haven track session to have so many friends say how pleased they were for me on my return to running.
It is good to be running again, though I started my own
11km run after the track session with some apprehension. Yesterday's heart monitor read-out after my 5km run showed a very irregular pattern for the first ten minutes, and I had felt a little uncomfortable during that time. Today's run started with a good-sized hill, which I knew would be a good test of my heart rhythm, even if I took it slowly. I reached the top without incident, as happened on the second long hill near the end. Although I felt tired and unfit the whole way, it was satisfying to return to another of my regular courses. Once home, I loaded the heart monitor data, fearing the worst, but found no evidence of any problems.
 |
Looking north from Terrigal Haven this morning.
|
The next test for the day, about which I was also apprehensive, was a noon appointment with my cardiologist to check progress since the
cardioversion three weeks ago. He started with an
electrocardiograph and followed it with a
blood pressure test. The former showed my heart continues to beat in
sinus rhythm and the latter read 115/78. All good! We then had a conversation about my prognosis during which he said I could resume my normal life. I was particularly interested in the viability of a long backcountry hiking trip I hope to make later in the year down the
Appalachian Trail in the US. He said that, subject to carrying some precautionary medication, there was no reason to cancel, though he wants to see me again before I go.
 |
Terrigal Haven this morning.
|
The possibility of reversion to
Atrial Flutter remains (as high as 50% according to some research), but apparently my risk factors are low. The way forward is becoming clearer and my optimism is growing. I will continue running, but avoid racing, and resume planning my hiking trip. It could be a lot worse.
