Valvathoners

[tommy]

I've been doing some Internet research to find as many "Valvathoners" as I can. This list is in chronologial order based on their first marathon.

Les B
Simon G
Vince O (Oldest at age 63)
Stephanie L (8) (4 of them in 2004)
Mark W (2)
Helal S
Ron P (2) (AVR and Pacemaker)
Kathleen S
John N (Fastest 4:07) (Ross Procedure)
Tom H
John B

Stephanie and Kathleen were both 27 (youngest) for their first marathons.

I'm suspect that there are more.
If anyone knows of any others, please let me know.

I also found a fellow named Chris D with an interesting story. Chris ran marathons in the 2:30's in his younger years. He mentions his "valve surgery" in a "Runner's Word" article about the 2004 Salt Lake City Marathon. I don't think that he ran it. He owns it! His company also purchased the Las Vegas Marathon and is expanding into other running and triathalon venues.

[BillCobit]

Dang! You guys look good on that list...I gotta go get myself a finisher's medal one of these days!

I know of two other guys - an accomplished, serial marathoner w/ aortic valve replacement and a guy who has done several marathons and Ironman races since having Ross procedure. I've never seen any public disclosure on their part, though, so I figure it's not my place to publicize their names. I haven't really helped your list, merely validated the suspicion that "there are more out there."

[tommy]

Bill,

Good point about public disclosure. Actually, all of the information is already posted on the Internet in public view. Still the point is well taken, so I edited the previous post to remove the last names.

If you care to pass along your friends' information, I'll handle it the same way. No pressure.

I'm in awe of you triathaletes ("trivalvathletes"?). :D

[BillCobit]

Tom -

My comments weren't directed at your posting of names - I'm aware all those guys/gals have already been "outed" ;) ... and guys like Les, Mark, Simon and Vince talk openly about their circumstances and accomplishments.

I actually did a google search on my two local heroes to see if I could comfortably identify them on the forum -- came up empty, though. I don't actually know either of them. One is a very casual acquaintance, the other I know through reputation. Since that's the case, I don't want to be insensitive to any privacy concerns they might have.

All that said, I like seeing lists like yours. In my early post-op days, that kind of stuff provided hope. Now, it provides inspiration.

Best of luck on the upcoming marathon - please be sure to give us a report.

All the best.

[tommy]

Bill,
I just thought that I would be consistent and as comprehensive at the same time. This is the search page that I use.

http://www.marathonguide.com/results/search.cfm

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Tom. Are you trying to short me one!! :eek: I worked hard for number 3. Yes, I have run three marathons. Portland Oregon in 2002, Victoria Canada in 2003, and Vancouver Canada in 2004. Come on now, get it right!! ;)

Glad to hear the training is going well. Take care and run strong.

Mark

[MarkU]

You marathoners amaze me. I have enough problems plodding along for 3 miles, let alone for 26. I have toyed with the idea of working up to 10K over the next year so I could attempt an Olympic distance triathlon, but just don't know if my 50 year old knees are up to it - I'm at the point know where I just can't do long runs two days in row (long runs for me being 3-5 miles). I think that is one of the primary reasons that the cross training required for triathlons suits me well - my body can recover better.

Regarding the "disclosure" issue, I have been reluctant at times to let people know about my AVR. Mostly to avoid the "are you sure you should be doing this?" line of questions when I work out.

With all the swimming I do for triathlons it's unavoidable that people see my scar. It bugs me that 99% of the people just assume that I had by-pass surgery. I guess I take it as a bit of an insult. It gets a bit old at times having to explain about bicuspid valves and AVR surgery...

Anyway, I stand in awe of all you marathoners. Congratulations and keep it up!

[M&M]

Hi Mark U: I know exactly what you mean - I'll be turning 50 next year and even though my 'heart' seems prepared to tackle long distances - my hips, hamstrings and various other parts of my body - think I'm NUTS for trying a half marathon - let alone a full marathon.. After completing race after race last year - I think I pushed my muscles to the 'limit' and as my PCP said to me: Marilyn YOU OVERTRAINED !!! I said: NO way 'doc' I'm too slow to overtrain !! He said: NO YOUR OVERTRAINED - read the 'chapter' in the book on overtraining !!! Of course I kept thinking' why bother - there's no way I overtrained !!! STUBBORN - yup thats ME..

But like you I also get that question alot: Are you sure you should be doing this? Does your doctor know your doing this and what does he say? Does your surgeon think you should be doing this? I get those questions quite often.. I hate to 'explain' - YES, they know and YES, they endorse my 'efforts' - I'm talking 'efforts' not WINNERS MEDALS - more of FINISHERS MEDALS or FILLIES MEDALS !!! I came in SECOND for 2 out of my age group !!! Its not like I beat that 20 year old or 40 year old.. Man those 40's are FAST..

I also along with you get the typical - how many bypasses did you have done? Then I have to explain - no bypass - I had mitral valve disease from rheumatic fever.. But anyways, the past two years I've done alot of cross training - its just so much better than beating the same muscles. I was a constant high impact aerobics person and then I becamed a constant runner -now I'm back to aerobics, running, and I just got a new racing bike, plus I've been doing some weight lifting... It's so much better in the long run for ALL my muscles.. For ME anyways.. I hope to do my first duathlon next year.. :)

I have so much respect for anyone who can run 26 miles !!! I only wish I could do it.. More to the point I wish my WHOLE BODY could do it.. My heart says YES, my body says NO WAY LADY.. I hope to do a half marathon in February - but I don't know - it may be pushing it since my surgery was just in May.. My body says: what are you NUTS !!! and what planet did you just get off !!! Next year I'll be 50 and their aren't to many 50 year old woman runners so I should do alot better as far as running in my age category.. and I hope to get more medals and 'maybe' a 'trophy'.. I would dearly love to get a trophy for my surgeon - as a kind of 'thank you' note.. I've given him 3 medals since my surgery in May.. but one was for finishing a 5 miler and two were for the "fillies" category.. So its not a big deal..

But at any rate - no matter what a person does - the important thing is that your having FUN.. If I've learned anything in exercising for 12 years - its got to be FUN.. and then its a 'lifetime' of committment and goals.. and many, many smiles along the way. Along with watching some awesome looking guys in spandex !!! Now, that's motivation enough for ME.. and I sure do smile..

Happy Trails
Marilyn (runner)

[stormrev]

Thanks Tom for your research and encouraging data re valvathoners. I am not sure I'm needing to run any more marathons, knowing the kind of stress it places on the body and recognising I want to look after this reconditioned model I've acquired! I do have memories of struggling through my last marathon in 2001 when the impact of the bicuspid AV was becoming more evident and being glad to get to the finish line thinking "That's it for me!"

At this stage (9 months post op) I'm extraordinary grateful to be able to jog/cycle for an hour and the occasional swim. Maybe I'll tackle something competitive again next year, what about Masters Valvathletics? I have dreams of the triple jump!

Kind regards

Grant

[BillCobit]

Check this out! - Les inspires another valvathoner:

http://www.sjm.com/successstories/successstory.aspx?name=Moore%2C+Brian

BTW, Les - in my early days after surgery, you were also my inspiration!

[tommy]

Thanks, Bill. Here's the updated list:

Les B
Simon G
Vince O (Oldest at age 63)
Stephanie L (8) (4 in 2004)
Mark W (2)
Helal S
Ron P (2) (AVR & Pacemaker)
Kathleen S
John N (Fastest 4:07) (Ross)
Tom H (2)
John B
Anonymous (Bill C)
Anonymous (Bill C)
Brian M (AVR & Aorta Patch)

Chris D ran 2:30 in younger years.
Now owns Salt Lake City and Las Vegas marathons as well as other running venues.

[MitralMan]

Weird. My goal was to finish, which I did. I came in something like 29,000th out of 29,500. I was slow (understatement) but absolutely fine. Then a month ago I ran a 5 mi (REAL SLOW) and then I KNEW something was wrong -- couldn't run a 10:00 pace for more than 30 seconds without having difficulty breathing. My mitral valve repair is in 9 days.

I really think I need to hang out in the active lifestyle section more, and the freak-me-out sections (pre- and post-op) less. :D

Whether it's just walking, improving my PB in a marathon or 10K, or nonathoning on the C2, THIS is where I'm going to shift my focus.

QUESTION: I just finished 75 minute walk, and my hands and feet are swollen. Does this have anything to do with my valve?

[tommy]

Mitralman,

Congratulations on your marathon! Regarding your question about swollen hands and ankels, that certainly could be related to circulation, and thus the valve. I know that my cardiologist always spends a lot of time checking circulation in my ankles.

Did you clear your exercise program with your cardio? If not, I would right away. 9 days away? It could be a moot point. Sounds like your in "taper mode".

The good news is that based on reports in these VR.com forums, those that enter surgery in good fitness, recover faster. It's anecdotal, but also logical.

Best wishes for a successful surgery and quick recovery.

[MitralMan]

Seems like I'm tapering down EVERYTHING. Just feels like what I need to do.

But I'm determined to take advantage of a valve that will ultimately be better than it was before and create some PB's. I don't mind if it takes time.

[tommy]

It has come to my attention that I had a mistake in my previous list.
Mark Wagner has run 3 marathons.
He desreves the proper recognition.
Sorry for the omission.

Les B
Simon G
Vince O (Oldest at age 63)
Stephanie L (8) (4 in 2004)
Mark W (3)
Helal S
Ron P (2) (AVR & Pacemaker)
Kathleen S
John N (Fastest 4:07) (Ross)
Tom H (2)
John B
Anonymous (Bill C)
Anonymous (Bill C)
Brian M (AVR & Aorta Patch)

Chris D ran 2:30 in younger years.
Now owns Salt Lake City and Las Vegas marathons as well as other running venues.

[BillCobit]

Dang! You guys look good on that list...I gotta go get myself a finisher's medal one of these days!



I wasn't properly trained - but when I had an opportunity to try a marathon at the front end of a business trip, I couldn't resist. Besides, lack of training gives me room for a PR on the next one ;) All-in-all, it was probably pretty foolish due to risk of injury from inadequate training. But I got away with nothing worse than some sore muscles.

The day was GORGEOUS - and I was able to hook up with two other velocity-challenged runners. We kept each other company throughout the "race," and provided that much-needed moral support past mile 20.

This adventure (and the week of inactivity after) was a serious violation of my training plan. I vow that I will do no more binge running until Ironman!


http://members.aol.com/teampumphead/c1.jpg


http://members.aol.com/teampumphead/mdl.jpg

[Les]

Bill,
That's great! You're sore...but doesn't it feel good! Congratulations and welcome to "Valvathoners." Rest up my friend!

[tommy]

Way to go Bill!

Running a marathon on the front end of a business trip? Whoa, you got guts! Glad to hear that you finished and are okay. Great looking piece of hardware.

Here's the updated list with your name added.
Congratulations, Valvathoner!

Les B
Simon G
Vince O (Oldest at age 63)
Stephanie L (8) (4 in 2004)
Mark W (3)
Helal S
Ron P (2) (Pacemaker)
Kathleen S
John N (Fastest 4:07) (Ross)
Tom H (2)
John B
Anonymous (Bill C)
Anonymous (Bill C)
Brian M
Bill C
26 total known

Chris D ran 2:30 in younger years.
Now owns Salt Lake City and Las Vegas marathons as well as other running venues.

[Raverlaw]

Good job, Bill!

First 'impulse' marathon I've ever heard of!

Hey, Tom-

If I row a marathon can I get on your list? So far the longest rowing distance I've done in one sitting is a 1/2 marathon, but one of my sub-goals for 2005 (besides another two million meters) is to row a full marathon (42,095 meters) in one sitting.

[Mark Wagner]

Congratulations Bill!
You've got guts my friend!! The medals pretty cool and something to really be proud of. Keep us posted on your training.

I am just now beginning my slow increase in miles, and will actually start on my training program the week of March 13 for the Seattle Seafair Marathon. That will be my warm up for the Marine Corp Marathon in DC on the 30th of October. I must admit, I have had quite a set back where I was so ill, but as much as possible, I ran and kept a 4 mile base two or three times a week through December. This week I am beginning to tack on a couple of more miles on my runs, and will run 5 days total for the week, so things are looking up.

My incisions are healing, and the infection from an earlier post I talked about seems to be gone now. In any-case I am off the anti-biotics and off and running. (Pardon the pun.)

I know many of you have written to me, and I have saved your e. mails to write back as I find time. Thank you for the prayers and good wishes. I am sorry I have not kept up with them. In a sense I felt I was having a pity party for myself by talking to others about it. Again I apologize. You people are truly my extended family.

Someone asked why I take Nuerontin. ... I have cronic muscle siezures. They actually take me to the ground, and take around 20 minutes to pass. I have to say, when I have them, the pain is literally the worst pain I have ever experenced in my life. Nuerontin seems to control the frequency of them, I take a very small dosage in the morning and evening.

Got a little off subject, .... but all you runners, rowers, swimmers, walkers, and bikers, and any activity I left out; keep it up! God has given us all a second (and for some third and fourth) chances. Remember quitting is not an option.

Be good ... Mark

[johnbelloh]

Hi Tom

I've been away from the forum for a while. You are correct. I ran my first Marathon following valve surgery on 9/18/04, the Air Force Marathon. That was actually my ninth lifetime marathon.

I had to back off from running a while when my right knee started to hurt.
I ran The Naples 1/2 Marathon yesterday and had to walk the last 3 miles when the right knee started to hurt again. I'm scheduled to run the Miami 1/2 Marathon next Sunday. I'll see how the knee feels on friday and make a decision to run or not. The good news is that my new heart valve is working perfectly. Now if I can get my knee to cooperate I will resume my regular running schedule.

John

[Mark Wagner]

Hi John ... Congratulations on the Air Force Marathon, and the recent half marathon, and good luck on the half-marathon next Sunday! Keep us posted.

Bill ... I don't know what the equivalant of running a marathon versus rowing a marathon at one time is ... but if you can do it in one sitting ... I say have Tom put you on the list!!

The same thing should go for 'Mary' and her swimming.

Mark's OPINION AND EDITORIAL SECTION ...

Running a marathon is awesome. Climbing Mount Everest is awesome. Swimming the English Channel is awesome; although the the only one we really remember by name, is the man whom had the guts achieve the feat the first time. What that does is allow the rest of to have the courage and ambition to push ourselves to the finish line. For 'Valvathoners' that honor and credit goes to Les Barret; whom I might add, holds that position with humbleness and integrity; always willing to encourage and inspire. "I take my hat off to you Les Barret, for you let us know by your feat; it could be done."

The number of marathons, when you really think about it does not matter. Too me, it is the ambition and courage to get your butt off the couch and quit feeling sorry for yourself after valve surgery. It is great we have a forum like this to encourage and push each other. Where not special. Our hearts are fixed. Maybe a little bigger now, and they make a little noise, even 'spit' and 'gurgle' now and then; but overall the heart just works somewhat normal in the physical sense of the word. To me the impressive part of our hearts is the heart in the 'emotional' sense of the word. We all have changed in that department. We probably now think more about God, our family, our lives, and life itself. That is what gives us the determination to run marathons. Notice I said determination to run marathons, not guts. It takes guts to get off the couch and put one foot in front of the other and begin.

... Mark