Aspiring Marathoner

[OSU Chris]

I have not visited this site in a while. I am almost 30 and have had my St. Jude valve since 1998. I run regularly and was hoping to do a 1/2 Marathon in June but I just don't think I have the time to properly train.

I am training for the Hood to Coast relay race from Oregon's Mt. Hood to the Pacific Ocean. Right now I run about 10-15 miles a week at 8 min. pace (each run is 5-6.5 miles). http://www.hoodtocoast.com/htc/default.asp - each runner basically has three 4-7 miles runs over 36-48 hours.

My Hood to Coast team is entirely made up of open heart surgery patients, the name is "Scar Trek". I found them last year after reading some news articles. Check out this group of racers: http://www.proaxis.com/~karose/Scar_Trek04.htm The leader, Kirk ... is an experienced marathoner and tri-athlete. The race in in August.

I am thrilled to see so many valve patients running marathons, congratulations and keep up the good work. I hope to join that list one day. Best Wishes and keep to the up the good work!!

[tommy]

Chris,

Great to here from you. Glad you are doing well.

That team looks totally awesome. Your 8 minute pace for 5-6 miles is pretty impressive.

Don't be a stranger...and tell Captain Kirk to drop us a line.

[Raverlaw]

I love it!

Here I was trying to come up with a cool name for a group of valvers to do something like the Pike's Peak Challenge - Scar Trek would have been perfect!

But I won't plagiarize, I promise.

Chris, sounds like you're doing well.

[tommy]

Chris, I've coined the word "valvathoners" for those valve surgery people that have gone on to run a marathon. So far we know of just a handful that have done so. My plan is to become a valvathoner in 2 weeks.

[Raverlaw]

Tom,

By the time I'm ready to do a marathon, I'll probably have artificial knees to go with my valve. We'll have to start a bionic marathon list..... :rolleyes: