Hi
Well I've just come back from the doctors after a regular check up (as you will see from other threads I had a stroke 2 years ago) and asked him his opinion about running. His response horrified me!
First he looked at my age and said "perhaps you'd be better off taking a 20 min walk 3 times a week. After all the government guidelines are that we should exercise 3 times a week and build up a gentle sweat - no point in overdoing at our age."
Then he checked my BP and pulse and said both were excellent (both results were at a level many people in their thirties would crave) but questionned whether running was a good thing to do at my age (I'm 56!).
Is it any wonder we are a nation of couch potatoes when you get reactions like this? I never expected him to whoop with joy at the idea of me running, but a more positive attitude to the sport would have been nice. Oh and his final question -
"So how long are you running for then?
"Well I've just come back to it, so right now no more than 35 mins"
"Ah, so how far is that then? About a mile?"
I know I'm slow, but sheesh I'm not that bad!!!!
"Needless to say I'll be back out pounding the paths tomorrow - despite him."
D
Comments
Indeed, as you say, no wonder we are a nation of couch potatoes.
Yes, perhaps he should urge caution because of your past stroke, but loads of cardiac and stroke patients attend the Action Heart exercise facility round here and exercise reasonably intensively.
My Dad's 62, and has just entered the VLM ballot for the first time (he wouldn't let me out-do him).
And the gov't guidelines are 30mins 5 times a week (at least)....not three.
Basil
(I'm a GP too)
but there you have highlighted another separate issue MrW - you don't get to choose your GP. they decide whether they will accept you on their list and you don't get to choose who you want to go with. and if your GP is not available you get to see a locum they have wheeled in or another practice GP who knows nothing about you...
unless of course you can afford to go privately....
LOL at 35 minute miling!
I reckon you could probably lie down flat on your stomach and cover a mile in under 35 minutes using only your lips to propell yourself.
"With massive condescension she asked me 'What do you consider to be a long distance?' When I said 50 miles plus her expression was a wonder to behold. "
Well yes, but you're assuming that the doc is au fait with the world of running ... which given that it is a minority pastime is possibly a mistake. She's probably dealing most of the time with people who think getting out of the car to walk into the chippy counts as exercise.
What?
Why are you looking at me like that?
Aw c'mon, I find that hard to believe - what was wrong with it?
You left me with no option but to do it............
He's Welsh, what you made me do it.
No offence by the way Welshman1952 - it's D2D's fault you understand.