Sorry, I have been MIA.
Here's what my life has been.
Early September -- BQ at Tunnel Marathon. Got to hang with everyone's favorite
@bushdocda . Had a great time.
4 days later, I know something is up with my heart. End up on Friday (5 days after Marathon) going to cardiologist. End up diagnosing I have Atrial Fibrillation....which is essentially, heart is not beating in rhythm....super inefficient. I felt like I was living at 12,000 feet of elevation. Out of breath going up a flight of stairs type of thing. (I had this 11 years ago as well.)
A week or so later, I had a cardioversion where they use electric shocks to get the heart back into rhythm. All is good, however, in meeting with the cardiologist, he said, "There is research going on that may indicate some longer endurance events could have a negative impact on some hearts." This was obviously nerve-racking to me. My doc is a triathlete so he understands my mentality and I trust him. The research isn't totally conclusive and we agreed since I went 11 years in between episodes, I can continue on with my racing plan.
In any event, I decided I need to continue to live my life but I'm definitely much more careful right now in what I'm asking my body to do. I used to workout and go hard....as hard as I could. I simply need to be smarter and more measured.
I just led the 4:00 pace group at a small race here in NY and will be leading the 4:05 pace group at NYC Marathon in a couple weeks. That will be the end of the 2024 race season for me.
2025 currently looking like Boston (my 8th straight), a possible 2027 BQ attempt in September (location TBD), Chicago (likely pacing), Marine Corps Marathon (pacing) and NYC (pacing). Admittedly, I'm working on getting myself back into Chicago -- was offered a pacing spot a few years ago but had already committed to another race. Now, I know I said I was being more careful, and I am. I will likely slow down my paces -- particularly for MCM and NYC since they are on back to back weekends.
If anyone will be in NYC for the marathon, let me know. I believe
@bushdocda and Mrs.
@bushdocda may be spending a few days in the Big Apple during that time. Perhaps a FBG meet up is in order!