Weekend Runs and Grattitude

This weekend I was in Colorado and had a chance to run at altitude, 9,000+'. Saturday was an 11 mile run on all dirt road up to the Moffat Tunnel. More on that later.

About a month ago, I started feeling dizzy or light-headed for much of the day, every day. I've had bouts of this in the past, but they only lasted a few days. I've seen my doctor each time, and each time they've told me it's probably just stress. This time they decided I better see a Neurologist. Huh? Something literally wrong with my head?

The Neurologist ordered a bunch of tests. Blood work, I get that. MRI of my head, yikes, but I get that too. 24hr EKG and heart ultrasound. Huh? I'm in great cardiovascular shape right? Quack. At first I figured I'd do these just to humor the doc. But as each other test came back as normal, I began to worry. I started researching my symptoms as they relate to heart problems. Holy Sh*t. By the time I was done, I was sure I'd developed an arrhythmia and probably an enlarged left ventricle. I thought there was a good chance I'd have to quit training for three months or forever. I waited and waited for the test results but got some major health care system run-around.

In the mean time, I kept training. I was sure my heart would seize-up or explode at any moment. Which brings me to last weekend. As I said, I tried in vain to get my results and by Friday afternoon, I still didn't have jack. I talked to family members and they all just said "do what you do, and don't worry about it. You could get hit by a bus tomorrow." Or something like that. In my case though it'd be "your plane will probably crash." But that's another phobia and another story.

Saturday I did the bravest or dumbest thing I could. I ran 1hr 30min at 9,000', in the cold, in the middle of nowhere, with very few people around, and no cell service, possibly harboring a heart condition. Brains, I got 'em. It was beautiful though. Here are some pictures (forgive the crappy cell-phone pics):

When I first saw this sign, I was sure it read "The Moffat Road - 'Hell Route'"

Just a couple of miles from the end of the road. Yep, that's timberline in the distance.

End of the road, the historic Moffat Tunnel.

Sunday, I had a 2 hr run scheduled and and was now staying at my brother's house in Denver at a "lower" elevation of 5,500'. I once again got the opportunity to run on the Highline Canal. The weather was great and there were so many people on the trail it was almost an event. I kept getting "heart flutters". Every time I was thinking "Oh crap, this is it. At least there are lots of people around if I go down." I counted them. Twelve flutters during the run.

Along the way I worked very hard at being grateful for the run. Running became painful, but I also considered that it may have been my last run, even if only for a while. The view of the front range was spectacular. One of those clear Colorado days when you can see from Longs Peak to Pikes Peak, and even further today. I took it all in and did the best I could not to worry. Thankfully, I completed the run without major incident.

Yesterday, I finally got my test results. "Unremarkable" they said. I was offended at first, but then I let it go :). I'm very grateful that as of now, there's nothing wrong with my heart. It's quite a relief and I feel like I can get on with doing this season's work.