Heart attack to 10K (or maybe that should be half marathon)

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Heart Attack to 10K (part 4.20) - Persisting with parkrun - part 1

August 06, 2022

Part 4.20 - PERSISTING WITH PARKRUN - PART 1 (Phase VI - sustaining a healthy life-style) "Nothings going to happ en unless you ma ke it happen." I only intended to write another blog if there was something special or significant to write about; well, since the last blog in May 2022 my AFib (Atrial Fibrillation - heart arrhythmia ) has moved up a level to from paroxysmal to persistent which is a fairly significant change in lifestyle for me and as a result I would like to write my own tribute to just how important parkrun has been, especially through this period of relative inactivity as it has been the only bright spot during a period where I have become concerned about my of lack of exercise, but as crucially how it gave me the opportunity to progress my health and fitness drive soon after I completed both cardiac rehab and the Wycombe Wanderers FITT lifestyle programme in 2017, months after suffering a heart attack. Parkrun has become a constant feature throughout the...

Testimonials

“That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said about my commentaries! Great blog mate” – (Phil Catchpole, BBC 3CR)

“No apology required! Although it’s slightly annoying that your writing is better than mine” – (James Cumming, author of Small Town Dreams)

“Your blog is inspiring me in a way to try and keep my weight off to prevent me having a heart attack" - (FFIT participant)

“Great read, very inspiring" - (FFIT participant)

“Read through a bit pal, it makes you think forever more about being solo without ID in remote places doesn't it." - (Wycombe Wanderers fan)

"I’ve read the latest instalment of your blog, which again is a cracking read" - (Hearts & Souls)

“Just discovered your blog and read all of the posts. I am 9 weeks post HA and 1 stent and is the most scared I have ever been. Your blog is very inspiring and has given me confidence that things will be OK if I continue to do the right things. I am a Leicester City season ticket holder and didn’t attend the last 4 games as was too nervous however looking forward to the new season. Thank you for the read it really has helped” – (Heart patient)

"That's great! Real encouragement to others! Keep it up" - (Heart patient)

"Just read it. Fascinating. I am still in the scaredy cat phase of balancing exercise with fear of too much - Thanks for sharing, I found it a good read" - (Heart patient)

"Really well written and an inspiration to us all" - (Heart patient)

"Thanks so much for your rehab journal found it very informative - Great to read thank u once again" - (Heart patient)

"Yo Peter, I managed to get into your blog! What an inspiration! Thanks so much for sharing all the info about your fitness regime. I doubt I'll ever do as well as you in terms of jogging but I can follow your advice of setting personal goals." - (Heart patient)

"I came to this site, from the States, when looking for information, support, etc, post HA and stenting back in March. Found a lot of information, and found some blogs to follow - yours being one of them! And of the most interest is following your progress of getting out there and actually running 5K's. Something I have not done yet - frankly I hate to run. BUT I stayed in rehab, stayed in the gym and still hit it at the gym at least 5, sometimes 7 days per week. Treadmill, Elliptical, Stair-machine, weights. It gets boring and then I think "but your lack of exercise was probably very contributory to your heart attack, so get off and stay off your butt". Your blog and progress has been one of my inspirations, so I'm saying stick with it. I need your encouragement!" - (Heart patient)

"You've come such a long way in a relatively short space of time. It isn't only your fitness that has so clearly improved, but your confidence, self esteem, pride and unrelenting determination to recover have grown stronger too.
We each have our own reasons for turning to running but being inspired by stories like yours absolutely helps me to keep on running." - (Parkrun participant)

"I'm about to start cardiac rehabilitation after a bypass operation, and this is the first time I've found such a detailed account of what to expect. It's also encouraging to read an honest assessment from someone who is trying to address the lifestyle issues surrounding their illness. It was depressing in hospital to talk to other cardiac patients, who were basically intending on letting medication do the hard work of keeping them well." - (Heart patient)

"Hi Peter. Wow wow wow. I am so impressed with your commitment and your perseverance. I have always assumed I couldn’t run because of not wanting to increase my heart rate above 125 (told that in cardiac rehab). You have done amazingly well. Congratulations and keep it going. Thanks for sharing." - (Heart patient)

“Hi Peter. Well that's one hell of a journey you've been on and congratulations on your impressive progress. I'm particularly interested in your parkruns. My final cardiac rehab assessment was two weeks ago and I'm hoping to try my first parkrun shortly, also down at the Rye. Thanks for the added motivation.” – (Heart patient)

"Hi Peter, really enjoyed reading your series of posts about your journey through cardiac rehab and recovery. Agree your story is incredibly inspiring!" - (Bucks Health Trust cardiac rehab team member)

"You are a star! Shared this with hubby who had HA in 2011 he like you ran 5/10k and went on to run a marathon. I had a HA in May this year. There’s no way I would run that because I have pins and plates in my ankle (that was July 2018 suspect that was the cause of the clot). I do however go to the gym and did boot camp (have had to retire from boot camp since having the HA) life does not end when you have a heart attack it’s just the beginning with an incredible second chance. Your blog is inspirational - thank you!" - (Heart patient)

"Got to say I absolutely love the attitude on your blog of two finger up & get on with it." - (Heart patient)

"Well done, Peter. What you are doing is fantastic and inspirational." - (Heart patient)

"Thanks for your very interesting post. I was very taken with the table showing the improvement in your BMI, waist size and weight and your comments on the difficulties of keeping your weight down." - (Heart patient)

"I love seeing people like you who have been given what I see as a second chance making the most of the life you have. You know how hard others worked to help you recover, and you want to give back however you can.
My dad had a heart attack nearly 4 years ago and sadly didn't survive. I am glad you survived and are doing well. Keep on walking/jogging, inspiring and stay you." - (Facebook friend)

"Well done Peter, awesome and inspiring, I’m three weeks post CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) and cannot wait to get back in the gym." - (Heart patient)

" ..... And don't forget your work, support and contagious can-do attitude to getting up and active, bringing others with you for the journey is as well making a tangible difference to people's health. It's not directly measurable on a donations page, but you must be saving the NHS a fortune, and changing people's lives." - (Parkrun participant)

"Well done Peter, I had a heart attack 3wks ago due to a blood clot, this gives me some hope that life can return to some kind of normality. Glad you're doing well." - (Heart patient)

"A good read (again) Peter, thanks" - (Wycombe Wanderers fan)

"Just a thought, you have written very interesting blogs about your journey to recovery and I'm sure you have inspired others to take the same route. Not only that, you have taken some wonderful photographs. Put them altogether and write a book with the proceeds going to your favourite charity. Xx" - (Facebook friend)

"I think you're incredible .. truly inspiring - where many would have just given up claiming they feel pass the point of no return you turned yourself around completely .. people will want to run with you when you're ready." - (Your Pace or Mine member)

"I so love following your story of your heart battles and do think your story encourages many to seek help when normally they wouldn't. Keep Safe xx" - (Facebook friend)

"Wow. Sometimes its biggest shocks can make us realise changes are needed. The wake up call, and it's how we deal with it - change for the better or play the victim. Good for you" - (Your Pace or Mine member)

"People like you, inspire others to not give up, and keep getting out there, despite adversity, so seriously buddy, I sincerely mean this, you may not think of your stats as particularly impressive, but you’ve actually done way better than most of us who don’t have a health condition!" - (Your Pace or Mine member)

"Thank you for sharing your well written and informative explanation of Atrial Fibrillation. It will be very helpful for newcomers here." - (AFib patient)

"Hi Peter you are right, people have no idea in general about afib, I've been told when during an afib episode and feeling really unwell, to stop been so negative, hmmm that will cure it , lol." - (AFib patient)

"Great blog Pete - thanks for sharing." - (AFib patient)

"Well done that man, keep it up but interestingly I too had a heart event, with me my heart stopped due to an irregular heart beat, after being defined I was treated successfully at St Thomas by having heart muscle ablated, all is well now apart from the odd run of VT and also interestingly I used to be a Nuclear Medicine Department lead at The Royal London performing heart perfusion scans everyday" - (Flickr friend)

"Another interesting read, Peter. You have quite a knack with your tempo and style - it's informative (and often eye opening), but with a nice amount of your humour thrown in, to great effect." - (Your Pace or Mine member)

"Hello :-) I do not know much about how your condition affects you and I have read your blog and it is fantastic how this Parkrun has helped you :-) I hope those that have your condition will see your post they will get a lot from it :-) Well done :-) x" - (Heart patient)

"Your story just goes to show, its not just the exercise that you need, its the support from others in a exercise plan that you enjoy." - (Heart patient)

“I had a triple bypass in 2020 followed by a Carotid artery operation four months later. Both of them have resulted in lack of motivation and little energy. That's why I don't have many photographs posted for some time. Your page and information have given me a purpose to start my hiking again. Tomorrow is the day. Thank you for inspiring me.” – (Flickr friend)

"Damn, that's been a tough year for you! Great optimism, though, which is a fantastic example to the rest of us and will hopefully see you through the rocky patch and back to moving forwards" - (Heart patient)

"My sister-in-law had a mild heart attack just before Christmas and was given a single stent. ..... She's been badly knocked back by it all, so I'm hoping she'll find encouragement from your blog, Peter! Well done on getting through a tough year and on your achievements". - (Heart patient)

"What a dreadful year. I admire your ability to keep moving through it. I hope you have a better 2023 and keep the parkrun going. 😀" - (Heart patient)

"You’ve had a horrible year. I have found that going into persistent AF in October has really brought me down. Had an ablation recently, but went back into AF after two days. Of course it is still the blanking period, but I have a feeling that Amiodarone might be the next step. Like you, it’s not something that I would want long term." - (Heart patient)

"Peter, in the six years I have known you, your recovery has been remarkable and an inspiration. Small setbacks happen, but it will make you stronger in the long run. Keep up the great work mate." - (FFIT participant)

"Tough times but an even tougher patient! So many would have simply chucked the towel in after a year like that, so really well done for keeping motivation - with that drive you WILL be back out there." - (Heart patient)

"What a great blog Peter - super idea". - (Heart patient)

"I hope you stay in NSR Peter, and I think an ablation would serve you well. Thanks for sharing your blog and I hope you find the determination and will power to get to the fitness levels you hope to achieve." - (Heart patient)

"Wow ! What an amazing journey, well done. 😃 I just wish I was as brave as yourself. 😔 I’ve lost weight, I take all my meds, but as for the exercise, I’m very much lacking I’m afraid, too scared". - (Heart patient)

"Wow Peter, your story is amazing, and your determination is an inspiration. I used to be a hardcore runner until April 2020 when I started with paroxysmal Afib. Now I’m dealing with those same questions of how to balance life and Afib. Keep up the wonderful work. Thanks for sharing". - (Heart patient)

.... I'm still working my way back to 5k and I don't have a dodgy ticker (and could be described as very slim 😄) - and we're the same age. I find 5k hard, never mind 10 - very impressive Peter, especially reading you were doing longer distances during lockdown. Keep going, it means I have fewer excuses not to keep pushing it 👍" - (Flickr friend)

"I have to applaud your willingness to keep going, and keep pushing through, in spite of your serious yet manageable and what I imagine must be a greatly frustrating heart condition. Your constant presence at Parkrun is encouraging, as it’s not only good to see you there, it’s also positive from the point of view that as long as you’re sensible about physical exercise, it’s still possible to go to it, and not have to sit back feeling sorry for yourself, if you’re dealing with an injury however big or small, or any health issue, you can still put in a shift; you’re a positive example for anyone else who is going through a similar situation." - (Your Pace or Mine member)

“I read your blog. I like that my taxes and NI are not just for me but for all society to be able to equally access medical care, albeit it’s my turn now. So yes, the NHS is a god send even when it’s struggling.” – (Heart patient)

“I like that my taxes and NI are not just for me but for all society to be able to equally access medical care. That really made me smile that there are people that care about others no matter what. You have a sharp eye as well as mind I never thought that about the nurses but a good point.” – (Heart patient)

“I read your blog and you have had your fair share of things go wrong but I agree with the previous comment the NHS is a god sent even though it is struggling but let's hope that can be turned around x” – (Heart patient)

“Yes, I agree we are so fortunate to have our NHS in this country, where everyone is treated equally regardless of their financial situation. I was pleased to hear about the new 5% pay rise and some backpay had been negotiated for many NHS staff though unfortunately the doctors had been left out. Hopefully the doctors will also receive an increase. I was amazed when I read how little junior doctors received after all their years training and having hundreds of pounds worth of student loans to repay. They really need our full support so we don't lose them to other countries.” – (Heart patient)

“Great article Peter. It reminds us that for all the challenges the NHS may have, we have a lot to be thankful for. The American system certainly has its challenges. I had hoped that Obamacare would overcome some of these issues, although I don’t understand enough about it to comment from a place of knowledge. Thanks Peter it surely helps to remind us of ultimately how fortunate we are. “ – (Heart patient)

“In Australia we have Medicare. Like those who have commented before me about the NHS, I feel very fortunate to have access to medical care through our health system. Our Medicare has been ignored by successive Governments for some years and it’s now beginning to show damage. I hope they move quickly to patch it back up. I’d be happy to pay more income tax to keep it going, particularly for those who aren’t as fortunate as I am. It is a life saver for people from low socioeconomic communities. The American system, from what I’ve seen, is a disaster! I’ve been on medical related forums that are US based and it’s horrifying to read how people have to find home remedies for very serious and critical medical concerns because they can’t afford to pay the incredible costs for treatment. ” – (Heart patient)

“America is a really bad example of a healthcare system, if they have a system. The land of opportunity and dreams is useless for the majority that never found them. We have in Ireland both private insurance and the HSE which is the same as your NHS. The private sector is regulated and quite reasonable and covers over 50% of the population. Of course, you have to pay your taxes and health levy just like everybody else and you can use the public system anytime you need to. I think the private system takes a good deal of pressure from the public system fot those that can afford it. In an emergency like yours was, you would be admitted to the public system and treated pronto and the real advantage of having private insurance is that it does away with the waiting lists for procedures (angiograms, scans etc). Belts and braces.” – (Heart patient)

“After the past couple of days, I've had, I fully appreciate the NHS. Every member of staff has been amazing. Yes they are over stretched and understaffed but I found the level of care was still high. Brilliant blog post by the way ☺️ “ – (Heart patient)

"Hi Peter, I just read it. Well done for persisting, it’s a long journey you’ve had, and will continue to have. My mum lived with angina for 40 years, and she had a very tough experience (lost a leg due to multiple bypasses and destroyed arteries), forcing her to give up golf all together, which was her passion. Amazing that you are still able to run to some extent, and I remember seeing your beautiful routes through Hambleden pre covid!" - (Your Pace or Mine member)

"Thankyou for the blog. It takes courage to tell others. This has great interest on how we learn to cope with changing life. I never felt that heart rehab was just a 6 or 13 week program. Living with a heart condition comes with a feeling of unsafe, that is always in our mind. Learn to live with it, adjusting, and developing confidence is the challenge. Adding additional life challenges can be overwhelming. You are doing your best, even when some days may not feel it. One of the signs that you are, is you're reaching out to others with empathy and compassion. Thank You." - (Heart patient)

"Inspiring as I have atrial fibrillation and went from couch potato to 10k walking most days. I built it up and I was a comfort eater for decades. I've lost 11 stone and never felt healthier, thank you for sharing as motivation for others ❤ x" - (Heart patient)

"Inspiring stuff for anyone to read, and, I’m sure, especially for those living with heart complications 👍 - Keep writing!" (Hazlemere fete member)

"I read your latest blog post this morning. And three things struck me: your persistence to always improve your short and long term health, the grace with which you describe the chapters of your journey, and the elegance and clarity of your writing. - Thank you for sharing it all with the world." (Your pace or mine member)

"How you manage to write so beautifully I will never know maybe you should have been an Author as you have described so well your journey and anyone finding themselves in a similar situation will relate to all or parts of your blog." - (Heart patient)

"Well done Pete. Stay healthy but don’t overdo the exercise." - (Flickr friend)

"That made for interesting reading Pete. Phew... what an ordeal. So glad you recovered well and are still doing so!" - (Flickr friend)

"Hi Peter - great blog! Keep up the good work. My memorable date was 31 August 2024 when I had a cardiac arrest and I survived it due to my son and wife giving me CPR before the ambulance arrived. I also ended up in Harefield Hospital where they took amazing care of me. I look forward to reading all your blogs." - (Heart patient)

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Heart attack to 10K (or maybe that should be half marathon) - 'my story'

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Heart Attack to 10K (part 4.20) - Persisting with parkrun - part 1