My first run post-PE! I saw my pulmonologist yesterday, and he cleared me to start running, as long as I start from 1 mile and build up gradually. I have been feeling remarkably better last 2 weeks, almost back to normal, so I was ready to give it a go. I was a little afraid I was going to get short of breath, but I just figured I will go only a mile and I can always stop if I don't feel good.
I wore Garmin so Icould see my heart rate. I ran very easy, definitely could have gone faster, but didn't want to push it at all. Felt a little discomfort at the top of my lungs, but nothing bad. My breathing was fine and I felt okay, but my heart rate was through the roof - 170!! And I was going a little faster than 10 min/mi pace. Wow, I didn't expect it to be that high. My normal heart rate on easy runs is 140-145. The combination of de-training and PE certainly kicked my butt.
I'm not too worried though. The doctor told me I can get my fitness back and most likely I will not suffer any permanent damage in my lungs. It will just take time. He scheduled spirometry and blood gases tests for August, so that means they don't assume you're back 100% until full 6 months after PE. The tests supposedly will show whether I got my full lung capacity back or not. In any case, I hope to build up the distance first and speed second. I am jsut happy to be able to run again :).
Total time: 11:46 (9:48 pace).
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