Heart Of The Matter

We only have one heart. We only have one machine that pumps millions of times over the course of a lifetime, pushing blood into all of the organs that keep us functioning. So when you learn that something is not quite right with yours, it can be disheartening (no pun intended).
My doctor's nurse told me, very nonchalantly yesterday, that I have mild mitral valve regurgitation. It's a mouthful, to be sure, and it's led to massive amounts of googling. What it boils down to is that in approximately 1-4% of the population, the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, doesn't close properly and some of the blood leaks back into the atrium when the heart contracts. It's nothing severe for me and my symptoms are slight, but they were enough for me to feel and to get me to make an appointment with my primary. Now that the tests are done, I have a follow up with the cardiologist because I have questions. Lots of questions.
I've learned that it's probably genetic, which doesn't surprise me in the least. My dad suffered from heart disease and I knew I would have to be careful. I just didn't think it would be something like this. Something that diet isn't really going to affect all that much. (I think). What I need to know is what can I expect long term? I know I'll be getting an echo every year so that means I need to start saving immediately - thank you, U.S. healthcare. I also need to know how this affects my lifting. Just in the few things I've read they advise against any heavy lifting, but light weight for reps appears to be OK and cardio, of course, is beneficial. I've stopped doing pretty much anything until I see the cardiologist. The nurse told me over the phone that I could resume normal exercise, but I guess they must have forgotten the part where I've told the doctor that I lift weights. Huh...go figure. 
I suppose it's not the end of the world if I can't lift heavy and progress to that 400lb dead lift, but maybe I'll still be able to. At any rate, I'm pretty sure I'd still be able to swing that 35lb bell and Odin knows that thing whipped me into pretty good shape. People have gotten pretty damn fit from nothing but body weight exercises too, so I'll still have options.
Part of me is just tired of this body of mine, though. I have ovarian cysts that come and go and one that's been hanging around for years now. That's supposed to be followed by ultrasound every 6 months, but that was getting a bit pricey. I have this screwed up SI joint, which is completely workable and honestly, it's better than it has been in a long time, but it's still an issue to watch. I have a couple of discs that want to degrade too early for my liking and now I have a faulty shut off valve. I mean holy hell, if I was a used car, one look at my car fax report and I'd be brought to the scrap yard.
I have no choice but to deal with this body, as is, and try and make it the best it can be. I try not to worry, try to keep my head up, but at times, it's a gargantuan task just to put a smile on this old face. However, I'm no stranger to struggle or adversity so I doubt I'll be down for long (as usual). It's also a good thing for me that my boyfriend is a mechanic and knows how to deal with used cars! :P
as always....onwards and upwards.

Improving Condition

70lb DB shrugs x30
Run to the second to last telephone pole and back. I have no idea how far that is, but it's not very far haha. I'll find out and update the notes!
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STONES:
80lb (?) x1
100lb (?) x1
[115lb x1] 5x
I'm not sure of the weight on the first 2 stones - I couldn't see any markings. I'm positive of the 115.
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CARRIES:
Bag carry (80lb ?) to May St. (I'll have to update with distance)
trip down - on back
trip back - bear hug

50lb db (2) Farmer's carry to May St. and back
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RUNNING:
jog to May St. and back 5x, sprinted last 20'
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DB OH PRESS:
20lb x12
25lb x5, x3
30lb x3, x3
25lb x6, x2
20lb x6, x6
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INCLINED DB ROWS W/SHRUG
25lb x10
35lb x5
40lb x3

INCLINED FRONT RAISE / LATERAL RAISE:
[10lb x12 / 10lb x12] 3x
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[25lb Bumper Plate Press/Pullover x12 / 25lb bumper tri. ext. x12] 5x
••••••••••
I was pretty much done after that! I used the first half of training for conditioning because mine is seriously behind. I haven't jogged in forever, it's one of the things I would like to start incorporating back in. I was super pleased with the stones! That was the heaviest stone I've ever lifted. I've done a 145lb bag before, but stones are different. Different technique and feel entirely, so that was great! I was also actually pleased with the running. It was slow, but I did it. I always end up playing mind games with myself. Part of my brain will always begin telling me that I can't do it, that I don't have anything left and that's when the stubborn, fighting part of my brain kicks in. Every time I train, I'm my own competition. I tell myself I can't and then I prove to myself that I can. 
On many fronts, my condition is improving. I won't lie, I've had my doubts. But I've also had that tiny little spark inside me that just needs a little fanning. When that happens - watch out, those flames burn hot!

Know Thyself

65lb DB Shrugs x30
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DEADS:
95lb x10
135lb x3
155lb x3 (belted)
185lb x3
215lb x1
[220lb x1] 2x
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O.H. PRESS:
Bar x10 (strict)
65lb x3
85lb x3
95lb x3
[100lb x3] 5x
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DB SINGLE LEG RDL / Front Lunge
25lb x10 / 40lb x10
35lb x8 / 50lb x8
45lb x6 / 60lb x6

18" (?) Box Jumps x5 / 45lb KB Squat x10, x8, x6

[Burpees x5 / Mountain Climber x10 / Pushups x10] 5x
••••••••••
This was supposed to be my week of just main lifts, with no accessories, but because I missed 2 days of training I wanted to do more during Wednesday night at the gym. So I did. And I shouldn't have. This is where the whole idea of knowing what you personally can do is so important. It's just too taxing on my body to overload it like that. I fully understand that for most people, this is no big deal, but for me it is. So that's settled. The deads didn't go quite as I'd hoped but it could have been worse. The video below is my second lift of 220lb. The first one came up with no problems, but that second one....well....you know. 
I have a heart monitor on today, so no training tonight. I'm shooting for bench press Friday and maybe some squats over the weekend. That's what I'm shooting for - we'll see how good my aim is.