An Experiment of One

Yesterday and today I went for a routine check-up and some other recommended medical testwork. My last physical was just when I started running (March 2005) and I am very interested in understanding the effect on my general health as assessed by my physician.

First off, the doctor himself exercises daily on a treadmill and has lost 10 pounds over the past year. He said that I am down 17 pounds versus March 2005. I must have took my shoes off then since I felt I have lost more weight than that, more like 25 pounds. But it doesn't really matter, I feel a lot fitter and carry my weight much better. Blood pressure was 120/70 on Tuesday and 126/70 on Wednesday. These days anything over 120 is considered prehypertension, but this is pretty good. Pulse readings were consistent with distance running at a slow 54 and 51. Haven't measured my resting heart rate recently, but it is likely around 45.

What I am really waiting for is the blood work. I have been borderline high risk for cholesterol for several years. This experiment of one is to see if the 1300 miles or so I have run since my last physical will have had an impact on my cholesterol. My doctor, being a big supporter of regular exercise, is expecting a good result. Stay tuned.

To celebrate, I got in a real sweet 5.4 miler this evening. There is nothing better than running strong and free in the second half of a training run or a race. I had that feeling today as I waltzed through the run in a average 8:33 pace overall, but the last three miles were at 8:15 pace. Average HR was only 145 and never felt strained the whole way. Yum.