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Chapter 3

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION

MEDICAL CHECK

Check with your doctor’s office before you start a strenuous training program. Keep the doctor informed of cardiovascular system irregularities or aches and pains that could be injuries. At first, just tell your physician or head nurse how much running you plan to be doing over the next year. Almost every person will be given the green light. If your doctor tells you not to run, ask why.

Since there are so few people who cannot train even for strenuous goals (if they use a liberal run walk run formula), I suggest that you get a second opinion if your doctor tells you not to run. Certainly the tiny number of people who should not run have good reasons. But the best medical advisor is one who wants you to get the type of physical activity that engages you–unless there are significant reasons not to do so.

RISKS: HEART DISEASE, LUNG INFECTIONS, SPEEDWORK INJURIES

Running tends to bestow a protective effect from cardiovascular disease. But more runners die of heart disease than any other cause, and are susceptible to the same risk factors as sedentary people. Like most other people, runners at risk usually don’t realize it. I know of a number of runners who have suffered heart attacks and strokes who probably could have prevented them if they had taken a few simple tests. Some of these are listed below, but check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Your heart is the most important organ in your body. This short section is offered as a guide to help you take charge over your cardiovascular health to maintain a high level of fitness in the most important organ for longevity and quality of life. As always, you need to get advice about your individual situation from a cardiologist who knows you and specializes in this area.

Note:

The information in this book is offered as advice from one runner to another, and is not meant to be medical advice. Having a doctor/advisor will not only help you through some problems more quickly, but contact with a responsive and supportive medical advisor will improve confidence and motivation, while reducing anxiety.

Risk Factors: Get checked IF you have two of these–or one that is serious

• Family history

• Family history of cardiovascular problems

• Poor lifestyle habits earlier in life (alcohol, drugs, poor diet, etc.)

• High fat/high cholesterol diet

• Have smoked–or still smoke

• Obese or severely overweight

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

Tests

• Stress test–heart is monitored during a run that gradually increases in difficulty.

• C-reactive protein–has been an indicator of increased risk.

• Heart scan–an electronic scan of the heart which shows calcification, and possible narrowing of arteries.

• Radioactive dye test–very effective in locating specific blockages. Talk to your doctor about this.

• Carotid ultrasound test–helps to tell if you’re at risk for stroke.

• Ankle-brachial test–can detect plaque buildup in arteries throughout the body.

None of these are foolproof. But by working with your cardiologist, you can increase your chance of living until the muscles just won’t propel you farther down the road–maybe beyond the age of 100.

SHOULD I RUN WHEN I HAVE A COLD?

There are so many individual health issues with a cold that you must talk with a doctor before you exercise when you have an infection.

Lung infection–don’t run! A virus in the lungs can move into the heart and kill you. Lung infections are usually indicated by coughing.

Common cold? There are many infections that initially indicate a normal cold but are much more serious. At least call your doctor’s office to get clearance before running. Be sure to explain how much you are running, and what, if any medication you are taking.

Infections of the throat and above the neck–most runners will be given the OK, but check with the doc.

RISK OF SPEED

There is an increased risk of both injuries and cardiovascular events during speed sessions. Be sure to get your doctor’s OK before beginning a speed program. The advice inside this book is generally conservative, but when in doubt, take more rest, more days off, and run slower. In other words…be more conservative.