When I set out to run a marathon, the primary driver was to enjoy a certain quality of life for many, many years, and was fueled by the idea of watching my kids have kids of their own and still be in good enough shape to get down on the ground and play with them. On October 9th, at roughly 1am in the morning, I experienced a “cardiac event”. I was admitted to the hospital. After several days, as I was being prepped for a cardiac catheterization (where they stick a camera in your heart), the doctor was telling me that they might have to crack me open and perform open heart surgery…I actually found myself wondering if I would get to see my kids again. It was a sobering moment that I will never forget.
I have survived (obviously) a case of pericarditis and am taking some time off from physical activity (per my doctor’s orders) for a few weeks. I have every intention of reaching my immediate goal of running a marathon, and of course my long term goal of being a healthy and active parent/grandparent/great-grandparent.
To be continued…
