Surving a heart attack

**denmcdough** · 10th August 10, 06:25 AM

O'Callaghan, yes, it is surprising that someone so fit could have a heart attack, but it can happen to anyone. In my case it was a family history. And, the number one risk factor for any disease is a family history. We can't choose our parents. Anyway, the doc said that all my exercise probably saved my life, as the collateral circulation around the heart was very good.

Anyway, since I was in good physical shape and if I do well in August, I should be able to return to full activity in September. Of course, I'll have to start out slow and rebuild.

Life is good!!

**MarkMcM** · 12th August 10, 04:52 PM

Any day spent above ground is a good day. Thank the good Lord, you're still drawing breath. Sláinte!

**WeaselMender** · 13th August 10, 11:03 AM

Welcome to the Heart Attack Suvivors Club!

Now go home and get well Don't attend anymore meetings, I sure am not planning to

Weasel

**Darkislander** · 12th August 10, 03:20 PM

Glad you are on the mend. My friend has had 2 attacks and is 71 years old. He has other unrelated health problems now though.

**wildrover** · 12th August 10, 04:23 PM

Oh man, the Vasaloppet...isn't that, what, 80k?

I did the Birkebeiner about 12...maybe 14? years ago...stopped counting a while back. Got my silver mark...that was a helluva good time, we raced from Rena to Lillehammer, the trails were lined with people for a couple kilometers up and down from every stua on the route, and every road crossing, waving flags, ringing bells, cheering whether you were going fast or slow...it was awesome. There was even a contingent of guys in furs, wooden skis and poles, pine tar, shields, the works. I remember all I brought was a warmup jacket and some spare kick wax, and had to grab a free weight from the workout room so my pack would be over the minimum weight if I emptied my Camelback before the finish line!

I grew up in Alaska, there's a great XC skiing community there. Haven't been on the East Coast, but the New England skiers were always stiff competition, and a few guys from back home went to that academy in Vermont, I forget the name. Man, that brings back memories...I haven't skied nearly as much as an adult, but being young and hitting the spring circuit when all the Euros come over, man, what a party!

Now, I kick around Summit County occasionally...the family that runs the Breck Nordic Center is really, really nice, if you get a chance to visit.

If you do make it out to Denver some winter, look me up...I'd never turn down an excuse to bring out the skinnies, and the Nordic areas at Breck, Frisco, Vail and Beaver Creek are awesome.

Four weeks of sitting...well, I suppose it's four weeks to explore the virtues of good scotch

!

**denmcdough** · 12th August 10, 04:50 PM

Wildrover, I just had a heart attack!...don't get me excited about going to far off places to ski. Actually, I've always wanted to ski the "real" Birkie. You're lucky to have done it. Maybe I'll get there!??

The Swedish Vasa is ridiculously long..might even be 90K!

Yes, if I make it to CO, I'll look you up. A good friend of mine teaches in the Denver City Public Schools.

OK, time to close and dream about skiing in Norway. Scotland has limited xc, also!!! Hmm, Scotland to Norway...that's the trip!!!!

Oh, a good Scotch, eh?...well, it's a great vaso-dilator!! Good for a heart attack???? LOL

**wildrover** · 13th August 10, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by denmcdough

Wildrover, I just had a heart attack!

Yup.

And you're lucky to be drawing breath!!!

But..."any landing you can walk away from...", as a pilot friend of mine says.

I'm sure you'll be back on the skis once you've recovered, if slower perhaps. Might want to ask your doctor about the scotch, though!

Huh:
http://www.nordicski.co.uk/hnoc/
http://ski.visitscotland.com/

How cool is that! I never would've thought, skiing in Scotland!

-Sean