Yesterday afternoon I ran two miles. I was scared silly before taking my run, but last Friday medical staff removed my medical restrictions. This was my first workout where I was outside, by myself and not wearing a heart monitor. The physical rehab staff want me to restart my normal active lifestyle. While two miles is not a long distance, it felt like a marathon to me. Yesterday’s run even had 130 feet of elevation climb (and fall) … the equivalent of running up an eleven story building.
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While that may not seem an impressive distance, for me the run was HUGE … a full marathon while fighting off fear. It was a bit less than two months ago I collapsed while trail running and cheated death. While I knew I had a genetically misshapen heart valve, no one realized that valve had recently deteriorated. Most folks with similar valve issues live their entire lives without any problems.
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The graphic shown at the bottom of this post is from my Garmin which I was wearing while running that fateful day. Apparently I lay on the ground for 30 minutes before my body and heart reset enough to allow me to hike to the trailhead (with assistance) to meet the ambulance. The new “Richard Hoeg” has a new heart valve and a pacemaker. My medical tests did not reveal any heart disease.
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Only today was I willing for the first time to look at my Garmin data. Yesterday’s data was much, much, much less eventful! I am not considered fully recovered yet from my open heart surgery, but the Rehab Staff say I am “knocking it out of the park” in terms of recovery. The nurses all say the fact that I was in excellent shape before my troubles is now helping me recover quicker.
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Still … weird to look at the map and timeline of when I cheated death. I intend to run again today. Thus, an update on my health status … I am doing very well and have even gained back 3 of the 16 pounds I lost over the past two months.
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I hope folks don’t mind the “non bird related post”. My recent journey has given me a much great appreciation for family, friends and nature.
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Click / press upon graphic if you wish to read details.
Normally I do not post photographs of myself, but for this post it seems appropriate. This image was taken two weeks ago at Thanksgiving dinner … only Molly and me given the Pandemic, but I had a HUGE amount for which to be thankful. I am also enjoying a glass of Chardonnay with my dinner … approved by my doctor!
You are such an inspiration. You rock. May God continue to bless you physically, mentally and spiritually! Thank you for the update.
Glad to hear you are recovering so well Rich. Looking forward to more progress reports and bird posts too. 🙂
What a great and uplifting post about your recovery and first run! I did NOT mind the interruption in birding pix. Congrats on your recovery. Keep up the good work. Judy Drew
I’m glad you’re doing so well. I love all your posts, especially about owls. We have gone to the Sax Zimm bog for 3 winters to look for great grays or whatever we can find.
Thank you for sharing this. Life is precious and your wonderful attitude is uplifting. I enjoy your posts!
Glad to hear you’re well on the way to full recovery! Just don’t push things to far to fast! Happy holidays!
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I needed that extra reminder to stay in shape ! ! !
Hope your recovery goes smoothly and well and that we’ll be seeing your birds again soon.
I love 365daysofbirds. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with so many.
So glad you’re feeling stronger!
I truly appreciate your fantastic bird pictures in my LinkedIn feed so reading this story was heartwarming. Thank you for the picture of you and your turkey bird…
Glad to hear you are doing better and increasing your activity. You gave us all a scare Rich. Knowing how active you and Molly are makes a more sedentary individual rethink their daily choices. Keep up the road to recovery, sharing updates, and all the wonderful birding pictures.
Happy to hear of your excellent recovery. Also happy you have engaged with the rehab team that I was lucky to manage for many years, kudos to you, all of the rehab team and the family support you receive everyday. Love 365 days of birds!
Kevin Welsh
Kevin … it is a great team and I value their help immensely.
Thanks for sharing your heart story. So glad you are better and can share your incredible bird pics and stories. Your Thanksgiving meal looked scrumptious:-)
thanks for the report, rich, and we’re cheering you on. a good reminder for all of us to get -and stay- in shape and to see the beauty of the world. thanks for sharing that with us