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I'm 67, ran 12 marathons in my mid 40s. Best was a 2:48 in "82" - 2 weeks after a 2:57 in Boston. Have continued running, albeit lightly, but few races since then - until this year. A son wanted family to run the NYC marathon and 4 of us are entered. I've worked my training since May(15 miles a week) up to about 60 miles a week, with one 20 miler and three 19s. Also, races at 18 miles (1 of the 19milers), 25K, 20Kand 15K - at paces between 9:09 and 9:20. Aside from slower speed and slower progress than expected - there have been a couple of body revolts where weariness required about a week of big pullback on milage - I feel generally well and gradually getting stronger. Problem: I went to MD for check up. It went well, everything OK. But, since I have a slight murmer, and the MD is skeptical about older folk doing prolonged "strenuous" exercise, he suggested a stress test. Stress test started with pulse in mid 40s. He got me gradually up to 125. When he increased the speed again I had to break into a run on the treadmill and eventually the pulse reached 142. I felt fine, but he informed me that shortly after breaking into a run there were a couple of extra heart beats that concerned him. He says that if there are a string of such beats unconsciousness, and even sudden death, can result. I'm going on a halter today for 24 hours to see if any other irregularities can be observed. I don't want to be a fool, but I also don't want to be an alarmist. I don't think the MD (a cardiologist) has a lot of experience with running, and might be over cautious. Yet, since he is the professional, I don't think it wise to ignore his concern. Anyone out there experience anything like this - or know anything about it? NY Marathon is Nov2 - about 10 days - and I would like to proceed with plans for a 9:30 pace.
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