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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Why I didn't give up paddling....
Posted By: KenB In Response To: Why I gave up paddling.... (Davis)
Date: Thursday, 22 September 2005, at 8:16 p.m.
I was going to stay out of this as I thought it was probably a troll, albeit an interesting one. As it seems to be real, I have some relevant experience to add. A few years ago a routine test led to a diagnosis of multiple 90% arterial blockages. I talked my cardiologist out of a quadruple bypass and had a couple of stents (sort of little arterial culverts) put in to open things up a bit. (My reasoning was that, if the stents didn't work, I could still get the bypass.) I should mention that I have never had a heart attack, nor any physical symptoms. I do have some nice pictures of my blocked arteries though.
10 months after the stent procedure I ran a marathon. That wrecked my back, so I don't run any more, but I prefer to kayak anyway. I've paddled several 'kayak marathons' while touring with a loaded boat, and like to do longer workout paddles and races on a reasonably regular basis.
Why? Well I like to do it of course, but I'm not willing to die for it. My reasons are much more practical. There is substantial evidence that sustained exercise builds up corollary vascularization. In other words, longer runs, paddles, whatever, build alternate pathways for blood to circulate in and around the heart. My last series of tests a couple of months ago showed no abnormalities.
I don't figure I'm getting any kind of guarantee but I do think I'm shifting the odds, and doing it in a way that I really love. I also don't think it is right for everyone. Your friend may be right, for him. Absolute proof of your own mortality is a very scary thing.
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