Little Things That Make You Smile Page 34
I went out for a jog this morning after the kids went to school and a guy who lives around the corner from our complex started out for his run as I went by. I must be a bit faster runner, because he really had to push to catch up. But it was nice visiting with someone while running. So, Randall, I suggest giving it a try. It makes a nice impression.
I reckon I could only be motivated to jog any distance if I was running behind a woman. Sad but probably true.
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 14 2009, 12:32 AM BSTI reckon I could only be motivated to jog any distance if I was running behind a woman. Sad but probably true.
I never thought of that...now I feel creepy. He was jogging behind me for a bit. 
Or, if her boyfriend was running behind you.
I'm a terrible runner. I could barely keep up during the Army runs when I was young and in shape; I was always getting yelled at for falling behind. My mother later told me that doctors had expected me to be a severe asthmatic, but they never told me. They thought I might grow out of it and didn't want to pamper me. I don't know about asthma, but I feel like I'm suffocating when I run, so I don't do it anymore. My knees are about shot, anyway.
My neighbors are marathon runners, so I stand no chance of keeping up with them.
Quote: AndreaLynne @ October 14 2009, 12:34 AM BSTI never thought of that...now I feel creepy. He was jogging behind me for a bit.
Do he have to stop because he got a "stitch"?
Quote: DaButt @ October 14 2009, 12:36 AM BSTI'm a terrible runner. I could barely keep up during the Army runs when I was young and in shape; I was always getting yelled at for falling behind. My mother later told me that doctors had expected me to be a severe asthmatic, but they never told me. They thought I might grow out of it and didn't want to pamper me. I don't know about asthma, but I feel like I'm suffocating when I run, so I don't do it anymore. My knees are about shot, anyway.
My neighbors are marathon runners, so I stand no chance of keeping up with them.
All it takes is a big stick and a balaclava and you could be superior within minutes.
I just started having palpitations just thinking about running. Any tips to make them stop, Dr. Walker?
Quote: DaButt @ October 14 2009, 12:46 AM BSTI just started having palpitations just thinking about running. Any tips to make them stop, Dr. Walker?
Don't think about running. 
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 14 2009, 12:49 AM BSTDon't think about running.
And you been paid for advice like that? 
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 14 2009, 12:49 AM BSTDon't think about running.
Didn't work. It took longer than normal using my favourite tricks I've learned over the years: drinking ice water, holding my breath and bearing down like I'm trying to poop a watermelon, but they've stopped.
Quote: DaButt @ October 14 2009, 12:51 AM BSTDidn't work. It took longer than normal using my favourite tricks I've learned over the years: drinking ice water, holding my breath and bearing down like I'm trying to poop a watermelon, but they've stopped.
Oh dear. Have you been actually been diagnosed with an arrhythmia? Obviously you've been taught about the vagal techniques to resolves a SVT (supra-ventricular tachycardia) - e.g. Valsalva movement. Commonest cause would be runs of "fast" atrial fibrillation.
There are very effective tablet treatments for PAF (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation), which don't tend to have a high incidence annoying side-effects. And so long as there are no major structural problems with your heart, there are electro-cardiology ablation techniques to "burn" the faulty conduction pathways.
I've never been diagnosed, but my father was about 40 years ago. I first experienced it while I was in the Army and the doctor suggested I kick my rather substantial caffeine habit. I no longer drink caffeine, so now it only happens every 2 or 3 months. My kids also appear to be sensitive to caffeine, so I guess it's the kind of thing that runs in families.
I should see a doctor one of these days. It's been years and I'm getting to the age where I should take better care of myself. One of my friends (same age) had quadruple bypass surgery last week and another (4 years older) was diagnosed with extremely high blood pressure, sleep apnea, prostate problems and possible diabetes.
I don't want to get old. 
Still, might be worth getting your doc to run a portable 24-hour ECG tape on you. Even if you don't get symptoms during the period, it will often show runs of the arrhythmia that's probably causing the problem.
The good news is that your heart muscle and coronary arteries might be A1, you just have a electrical wiring problem. Depends on how much it bothers you, I suppose. (I doubt it would cost much for your family doc to run this test, for some peace of mind. But what do I know, being in the UK? It's just a few leads on your chest, a portable recorder and getting a specialist to interpret the printout.) 