Walk.Blog.Run
Diary of a new marathon runner
Detroit Marathon Deaths- Should I Still Run?
Last week, three men died while running the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon. If you're not familiar with the story, three men, ages 26, 36, and 65, died within a 16-minute span. The 26 year old, Jon Fenlon, was diagnosed as a child with having a large heart, but was cleared to race numerous times. For Rick Brown, 65, this was one of over 50 marathons he ran. You can read more from the Detroit Free Press.
Reading this story has made me rethink my new love of running and my goals to run half marathons and full marathons. I'm pretty healthy, but I'm scared of sudden death caused by an unknown health condition. Then again, we face danger each time we step out of our homes. Should I also be scared to leave my house?
Running has taken over my life. If I stop now, what will I do? It's my exercise, my therapy, and my hobby. There's not much like it that can replace it.
For now, I'll continue running and let my fears subside...
Leaving nothing to chance I went to the doctor who noticed I had an irregular beat (not uncommon at all) - I was referred to a cardiologist for a "24 monitoring test" and a "treadmill test".
Both showed I was fit, but that I had an irregular beat. However, I only got the results of the test on the very day before the marathon, after I'd flown to New York (i'm from Ireland)!
Afterwards I stopped training as much but the palpitations were still there. It turns out they were entirely stress related (mostly work and little sleep) - After I sorted that out I haven't had them much since. And Im back running once or twice a week now; hoping to enter NYC 2010.
So in short, if you start feeling any different (at all) - get yourself checked out for peace of mind - and bear in mind other factors that could be causing any symptoms.
I am running the Philly marathon in 5 weeks--news like this surely adds a little fear, but in the grand scheme, it's safer for my long term health for me to run and train for a marathon than for me to just sit my butt on the couch and be inactive.
have particapted in these runs, comparing these numbers to the folks that unfortunately passed away during their races. Also
taking into account the health benefits of maintaining your fitness over the long run, as opposed to not being active. My heart goes out to the families that have lost their loved ones, may
they take comfort (albeit a small one) knowing that their loved ones passed away doing what they loved to do. These infortunate losses should not deter you from your running, no more
then fatal car accidents should deter you from driving. Maintain both your physical and mental health through proper nutrition and by being active, do your yearly check-ups with your local
physician and above all enjoy your runs :)