Secretariat, Toughness And Anxiety,

“Reality is the leading cause of stress among those who are in touch with it.”-Jane Wagner

In response to Secretariat’s recent input are the following points Re: the horse and the human: 1. Per the survival of the fittest-humans outlive and compete at higher levels longer than the equine 2.Comparing Western States and the Tevis Cup-a top 10 Tevis horse may compete (top10 ten) for about three years per current president of the Tevis before it lames up 3. Tim Tweitmeyer ran 25 top ten Western States-he hasn’t broken down 4. During the Tevis and climbing up Devil’s Thumb, ask Secretariat when he did? Did he get off the back of his horse in order to protect? 5. During one of Secretariat’s top 10 finishes, the veterinary made comments to another “he’s a runner.” He’s a runner is translated “Secretariat was doing something unfair -he was off the horses back  during the horse race and that would disqualify horse for best condition.”6. One definition of toughness is the ability to compete at high levels (top ten) for at least seven years during 100 mile events.7. The only function of the veterinarian on the Tevis ride is to protect the horse from the rider. Usually the veterinarians (there are exceptions) don’t trust the rider’s judgment.

From Secretariat: I only have one thing to say Rio Grand Sultan ( Arabian Horse) 10,00 endurance miles in a 13 year period. Finished 38 100 mile races out of 39 of those 21 were First place Three were 2nd place 2 were 3rd place all the rest were top 10 except 3. He did a total of 143 rides finishing all but two. 90 % of those were in the top ten. Rio also won 46 BC’s out of all his races. He also won two gold medals at the world championships both were 100 mile rides. Oh and one more thing he did this while carrying up 20 to 25% of his body weight on his back.

Are you a worry wart? Do you tremble; have muscle tension, experience restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating and/ or have cold hands and feet? Are you lightheaded, have shortness of breath, tingling of the skin, diarrhea and/or frequent urination, dry mouth or initial insomnia?  What are your fears, worries, or phobias? These physical symptoms and types of anxiety can be troublesome to say the least and the neurobiology is located in our prefrontal cortex.

Some emotional factors that lower brain serotonin levels include: significant losses, prolonged experiences of powerlessness and lack of mobility. Also,   medical disorders that can cause anxiety  include:  adrenal  tumors, alcoholism, angina  pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, CNS degenerative diseases, Cushing’s disease, coronary insufficiency, delirium, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, Ménière’s disease, mitral   valve prolapse, parathyroid disease, partial-complex seizures, post—concussion syndrome and premenstrual syndrome.

On top of that there certain drugs that may cause anxiety as well and they include: amphetamines, appetite suppressants, asthma medications, caffeine, CNS depressants, cocaine, nasal decongestants, steroids, and stimulants.

Some interventions to assist the neurobiology of the prefrontal cortex include: eliminate the substances that cause anxiety, sleep enhancement, and exercise. Remember things like caffeine, sometimes antidepressants, alcohol, tranquilizers, and some sleeping pills can cause sleep disturbances. Insomnia only makes matters worse as far as anxiety is concerned.

We know that exercise not only helps with sleep enhancement but also helps deal with anxiety. Research suggests that BDNF (brain derived neurotropic factor) is reactivated by exercise as well as by certain medications. Although exercise has been loosely defined as three times a week for 20 minutes, each day two 10 minute periods of exercise, and walk 10,000 steps a day, I question those studies. I believe a clearer definition of what is exercise is required. Further, don’t forget the role of relaxation, yoga and breathing techniques that help manage anxiety.

If exercise and relaxation techniques do not help you cope with your anxiety, I suggest you see a psychologist or other health care provider to help you deal and change your thinking process. If still no resolution to your issue, then consult your medical doctor for meds. This information was provided by the Institute for Brain Potential.

Whatever you do, keep moving and remember to run for your life. If exercise (aerobic) was in pill form it would be # 1. Since you can’t buy it at the store, use your brain while you can.