[Jeff]

Hey Neil -

I've been a busy beaver, working a lot, but also finding time to fit in some running or running + a little weight lifting. A month or so ago I went out and ran 8 miles. Never ran that far in my life! It wasn't at any breakneck speed, probably 9 minutes per mile, but not bad.

In winter I got down to 190 pounds, but then slowly creeped back up to 200 (in the pic I'm at about 202). The funny thing is, when the construction season started, I stopped exercising, thinking I'd be so busy working I'd keep losing weight. But I forgot. I manage more than anything else now, or my ass is in a piece of equipment, digging or lifting or something. So I was eating the same amount and not exercising. When I hit 200 it woke me up and I started exercising in the evenings again. Running on average 30 minutes on the treadmill, 4-5 days a week, lifting a litte bit afterward (lifting AFTER running is supposed to be better for your heart) 2-3 times a week.

But the thing is, I still have palps. I just push them out. Ignore them. And there's really only two reasons I can do that, because 2 years ago I never would have been able to just ignore them. No way.

Reason 1: I got good advice from a cardio I trusted. I can't overstate the value of that in terms of confidence and mental health.

Reason 2: drugs. I've dropped down to a tiny dose of generic Zoloft, but it's enough to make me just not worry about it. I push myself as hard as I can sometimes. After a few 5 mile runs I actually had to just kneel down on the road to catch my breath I was so winded. And I have no idea how fast my heart was beating because I haven't worn my heart monitor in at least a year. I just go.

Unbelievably liberating.

And there's probably a reason 3, tied tight to reason 2: at some point you've just gotta let go. Trust that you won't die. Run knowing that your heart may flip out, you might pass out, hit face first on the pavement. And yes, you might even kick the bucket. But also recognize that those odds, if your doctor has cleared you, are unbelievably remote.

Throw caution to the wind once. Push through it.

Jodie's doing it. And I'm proud as hell for her for doing that. She's running now. A lot. You can, too. You've just gotta risk it once.

And a disclaimer - sometimes, for an hour after exercising, I have PAC's every other beat. But I feel fine. So I just go about my business and just try to relax. And they go away.

Do it, Neil. Do it.

[Neil]

Pure inspiration as ever Jeff big thanks to you! I was so pumped after your post I kitted up and did 3 miles longest for a long time slow yes(prob about 9.30 to 10 min per mileif not slower) but actually enjoyable!!! Also no issues , except for the evening whilst at rest on the sofa and all sorts of flips n flutters but dealt with it. So far so good now to maintain it . Continuing with the weighs also . Interesting I had not heard about it being better for your heart to hit the weights after running.
Thanks again to all for the motivation and support. Maybe I'll get brave and post my torso here soon! Maybe

[bypeep]

Here's a link to the most AWESOME and FREE website on earth for those of you who are looking to track your weight, calories, fitness, measurements and nutrition...

FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal

I used this when I was on my own weight-loss journey and without it, I wouldn't have succeeded!

[Neil]

Jeff and all, just a quick update since my last post and your kind word of encouragement I have been running and now can run for 30 mins or up to 4.5 miles  i have reduced my weight over the last 12 months but more so recently having dropped down from 217 pounds to 203!! I am pleased and feel much better both body and mind. I have been struggling with a cold over the last couple of weeks which has caused the palps to play up a bit more and I am noticing them more when running again. I have to say that if I control my breathing and don't breath in too deep they remain as flutters the more deeper I breath in during exertion the more my heart appears to loose it's rhythm and palpitate. The same happens if I cough when running also. It's getting colder and darker in the evenings now in the UK and therefore is not as pleasant to run and takes alot more effort.
When I'm ready I may post a before and after pic!!!!! I need to get to Jeffs standards first!

[Jeff]

Hey Neil, that's great!

Congrats on having the courage to get out there and exercise!

[Katie]

Anyone on this forum still running? I've tried everything but running since my crazy ER visit with 15 PVCs a minute. I did a stress test without 1 popping up even though the stress test two years prior showed PVCs. I'm just scared shitless to run again. I'm not sure why but I am.

[Jeff]

Oh, I still run, but I'm not in as good shape as I was 6 or 8 months ago. Once the busy season hits for me it's hard to be careful about what I eat, and I don't get as much exercise as I'd like - but the winter months I can control my diet more and have more time to exercise.

And this winter? I'm doing P90X.

As for you - I've been there. A few years ago when I went walking (wasn't ready to risk running yet), I literally had my cellphone on, pre-dialed to 911, thumb on the Send button. Had to be ready, right?

What I'm saying is, find any way you can to get out there. If you need to use a crutch like I did, use a crutch. But get out there. If you want to drive to the hospital and exercise by walking laps around the building? Do that. Do whatever you need in order to feel safe, and then exercise as far and as hard as you feel comfortable doing. If that's a 5 minute walk? Start there. Next time make it 6 minutes.

[Katie]

I belong to a gym with a nurse on site and one of those heart machines so I really shouldn't feel uncomfortable but I do. I walk constantly because I stay home with my kids who won't stay still and I try to walk them around the neighborhood. Full blown running is the thing I'm worried about, but yeah I'm going to try it soon. P90x is tough but I've heard great things about it. I want to get it for my husband. There is a guy on their website who had a heart attack and now is doing that program. Talk about ballsy! .

[Cheers]

Just started reading all the posts here...what a great idea!!

There have been several obstacles standing in my way of weight loss through the past 8 years. The last 2 seem to be beta blockers and fear of heavy exercise.

I will post a link to my story. I cannot wait to learn more from you guys!!

My Fat Story Ramblings of a Neurotic Housewife

Ho..Ho..Holy Shit I Got Fat!!! Ramblings of a Neurotic Housewife

(again, apologies ahead of time for those offended by potty talk...I swear like a drunken sailor...)

[DaniRae]

I happen to find your potty mouth rather refreshing!