Tomorrow, I plan to run the Jed Smith, 50 km race advertised as the fastest in the West. My friend Secretariat is going to run with me and keep me company. He has done that before in this race and other races like the American River 50 and the Way Too Cool 50 km. It is great being able to run these races with a good friend.
Today is a rest day, as I am not going out for a trail run. Last Saturday, at the Stinson beach half marathon, I experimented with a Chia bar. It seemed that my energy was good after consuming that bar. However, I do not believe that I ran any faster. Yesterday I purchased Chia seed powder and mixed it in today’s smoothie. My smoothie consisted of a banana, an orange, an apple, frozen strawberries, ginger, almond milk, yogurt, cayenne pepper, pineapple, and broccoli. I intend to use the Chia seed powder and Chia bars during tomorrow’s run. If all goes well, I will hoot and holler.
An article titled “Rowing to the Heart’s Content” appeared in the December 20, 2011 edition of the Wall Street Journal. In the article, there was a story of a commercial real estate attorney who, at the age of 48, had a nine hour sextuple coronary bypass surgery to install artery opening stents. At the time, James was 5’8” and 182 pounds. He jogged, rode a stationary bike and lifted weights several times a week. He was a light drinker, did not smoke, and avoided eating red meat. Unfortunately, he was the one of the 10% of cardiac patients who is genetically predisposed to heart disease, regardless of lifestyle factors.
Currently, he is working out with an Indo-row machine that has water filled flywheels intended to replicate an on water experience. This machine also measures miles per hour and calories burned. He also practices Yin Yoga (a deep stretching, passive yoga) and takes spinning and strength training classes. In addition, he has adopted a gluten-free diet that, according to him, boosts his energy. He currently weighs 157 pounds.
According to Dr. Gordon Blackburn, the best activities for post-operative patients are aerobic exercises that utilize the large muscle groups and involve rhythmical repetitive activities. He recommends cycling, walking, jogging, rowing, an elliptical trainer, or dancing. The doctor also suggests resistance training with bands and weights to maintain muscle mass. He believes that there is exercise for health and exercise for performance and does not believe in high-end performance for these patients. He believes that every post cardiac bypass surgery exercise program should be customized.
How would you classify your exercise program? 1. None at all 2. High-performance 3. For health 4. Somewhat between 1, 2 or 3. I would currently place myself between 2 and 3. Do as the Nike commercial “Just do it” or “keep moving.”
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