The Scariest One

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Here are the basics you need to know to understand this post.
I weigh 460 pounds.
I am 53 years old.
On February 11, 2014, I had a heart attack due to two blocked coronary arteries.
The main blockage was opened by a stent.
The other remains blocked but is not of concern to my cardiologist due to its location and the age of the blockage.
Before my heart attack, over the past three years, I had gotten up to walking 5-7 miles in 90-120 minutes a few times per week.
Since my heart attack I have walked where I've needed to go, but not WALKED the way I used to walk.
So tonight,
after my first really good eating day in months,
and after making a promise to my cardiologist,
I grabbed my bottle of nitroglycerin spray, my iPod, my health insurance card, driver's license, Discover card, and wife, and headed out to walk.
I knew I wouldn't be able to go as far.
I knew I wouldn't be able to go as fast.
But I promised myself I would go as far and as fast as I could without passing out.
That turned out to be 1.2 miles in 25 minutes.
Not as far as I used to go.
Not as fast as I used to go.
But farther than if I had stayed on my couch.
And faster than if I had stayed on my couch.
So tomorrow, I will do it all again.
I will go as far as I can go.
And I will go as fast as I can go.
Perhaps it will be a scoonch faster and a scoonch farther than today.
But I will try.
Because I like the feeling of sitting here in a drenched t-shirt with sweat pouring off of my face.
I like the feeling of my recently sedentary cardiovascular system revving and roaring back into action...
feeling the pounding of my own heart.
Listening to the rhythmic sound of my own breathing.
As my respiration and heart rate slowly return to normal.
But most of all...
I like conquering the Fear of Exercise that held me in its cold, steely vice grip for so many days since February 11, 2014.
Frack you, Fear. I am in charge. You can kiss my *kitten*.

Replies

  • WildCatClimbs
    WildCatClimbs Posts: 35 Member
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    Nice work!!!!! Keep it up, remember this feeling anytime you need motivation to get off the couch.

    "The journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step"
  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
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    :flowerforyou:

    Good for you!
  • kjurassic
    kjurassic Posts: 571 Member
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    Walking back to healthy! Keep going! You can do this! We're here for you!
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
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    Frack you, Fear. I am in charge. You can kiss my *kitten*.

    you ROCK!!!!
    :laugh: :drinker:
  • trm68
    trm68 Posts: 55 Member
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    Wow, now that is an inspiring testimony, keep going, you can do it.................
  • Snip8241
    Snip8241 Posts: 767 Member
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    Wow.....you go....show that fear who's boss and kick it's backside.
    Slow and steady wins the race. :happy:
  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
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    wow, that's an amazing and inspiring post - keep up the great work!
  • gary241069
    gary241069 Posts: 255 Member
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    I quote a comment by another MFP member whose blog I read before.

    Slow and steady wins the race.
    One more day. One more pace.
  • frida001
    frida001 Posts: 437 Member
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    I'm looking forward to tomorrow's post!
  • mjterp
    mjterp Posts: 655 Member
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    I LOVE that you are posting again! I love that you show us life can happen and you just get back up again. It might not be easy, but it CAN be done!
    HUGS...
    *dusting off my own pants now as I pick myself up*
  • Maddalen101
    Maddalen101 Posts: 307 Member
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    Thank you. YOu do inspire me a lot. I had lost 30 lbs earlier this year, and have gained back 10. It's very hard to keep going back. I know I need to , and so I keep on going. I do have to stop playing games with myself - I know that. Even though it's my worst time of year - heavy allergies which no medication really takes care of, difficulty breathing (asthma) etc., I know I can do it.