Benefits & goals

I am now 46, when diagnosed aged 40 I had just completed my 1st Olympic distance triathlon since college & taken up football refereeing so was very active. In the initial days in hospital after diagnosis "dr doom" spouted the negative but dated side of what DCM meant to me, no physical exercise, possible heart transplant, 5 years etc etc.

It is here I had my 1st piece of luck as i had never been fitter so I was able to fight the physical and initial drug side effects barriers, my work allowed me 14 weeks full sick pay & i was able to transfer to Scotland. I returned to Glasgow from Cornwall to live with my parents. A city full of excellent heart doctors & fitness opportunities.

I was in denial of what DCM & Atrial fibrillation actual meant so I continued  to train basically full time with swimming, cycling & walking most days Luckily I had the base of stamina to help me over the last 7 years.

Exercise strengthens my heart, it has a deep physiological positive impact on me, it allows me to fight off tiredness & fatigue more than my fellow DCM friends so able to lead fairly active life.

As I approach my 46th birthday something has changed, I done 2 sprint triathlons this year but training is harder, I am carrying too much weight due to the medication and so new barriers to overcome if to complete a Olympic triathlon distance next year, Maybe or hopefully it is just middle age but I will do a Olympic distance comfortably next year, that is my goal and this blog is part of helping achieve that goal.