The Good Race – Part Two
My new aortic heart valve isn’t bionic, but it’s close. It’s a piece of graphite about the size of a Susan B. Anthony dollar.
Unfortunately, my valve doesn’t come with that retro sound effect, whenever the Bionic Man went into action.
And while I’m far from the six million dollar mark, I can safely be hailed as the quarter million dollar man — at least that’s what the hospital bill says.
So when I decided to run the New York City Marathon, the first person I called was my cardiologist.
“Are you out of your mind?” he asked.
You know, I’ve been getting alot of that lately.
He pronounced me physically fit for the race. While he could vouch for the survival of the heart valve, my knees, he suggested, were another story.
The biggest challenge — my weight.
I’m from the South. I like my tea sweet, my chicken fried and my biscuits buttered. Hence, the problem. About a 300 pound problem. My cardiologist said I had a choice — lose the weight or meet an untimely demise.
So with great trepidation, I bid farewell to my beloved friends — the double with cheese, Goo-Goo Clusters, and butter.
Instead, I filled my refrigerator with vegetables, lean meat and bought a membership at the local gym.
So far, I’ve lost about 110 pounds — in the past year. And I’ve done it without spending a dime. Why give Jenny Craig money, when I’m having to do all the work. I figured, I why pay some else to watch my weight, when I can do it for free?
The key — eating healthy and exercise. I walk or run at least five miles every day.
It’s not all that easy and sometimes exercise is a royal pain in the keister.
But as they say, no pain, no gain.
Sunday, I’ll find out.
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Todd, you were up late last night polishing that post. Get a good night’s rest tonight. And best wishes for tomorrow.
Tomorrow is my first half marathon — I’m going to turn into a posting machine today, just out of nervousness.
Take care.
Todd,
Congrats on losing the weight and running yur first marathon.
i was unable to walk from the ages of 5-10 due to a disease in my hips. I ran my 3rd marathon last year! Hang in there and just put one foot in fromt of the other and after a few hours you will have finished.
Steve
Thanks Steve and Athena! I really appreciate your encouragement! And Athena, good luck in your race!
Todd,
We’ve been thinking about you all day. Mom says she’s been praying for you while cleaning her rugs. She is hoping that you don’t drop of exhaustion before we have a chance to clog your arteries with our Thanksgiving dinner.
Side note: I, Bill, ran my best time ever yesterday by 11 seconds for you in your marathon. My new personal best in 3.1 miles is 19:37. Hope you have as much success in your race.
Bill & family
Todd, I am waiting for my valve repalcement…soon. I had to put off my run in NYC marathon this year because of it. It will be my first race back after my bionic valve surgery!
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