Some of you will remember that 6 months ago I went to see the doctor here in France as I needed a certificate to be able to run a race. I'm scared of this man and consequently my blood pressure was through the roof, and I was advised not to run. I was given a prescription to lower my BP which I had a very bad reaction to, not exaggerating I thought I would die....I took myself off the pills and continued to feel bad.....Fast forward six months, I'm still feeling pretty crap, but I wanted to do the race as a selfie before I go back to England.
Monday was the day I'd chosen, I nearly didn't go as it was pouring with rain and a chilly 12 C. I'd decided I was going to do it on run/walk, 2 minutes/1 minute. I had a longish walk to the start, then it was pretty much uphill for the first 7 KM, the road snaking round like spaghetti up to the hang gliding point. The view of Cordes was breath taking, one of the few places you get to look down on Cordes. I stopped for a few seconds to admire it. Then it's down hill from there, Cordes is built on lime stone, and anywhere that is unpaved is treacherous, rocks and mud and tree roots....it's so steep and slippery it's impossible to do more than pick your way carefully and I nearly came a cropper three times. You don't want to twist or break an ankle here, goodness knows how the rescue team would get you down....
Down to town level, and a quick wave to friends outside Le Bistrot. Then up to the top of the medieval village, all cobble stones and slippery steepness! Not far to go now....downhill from here... then the heavens really opened, the paved road covered with fallen leaves was like a skating rink...my lovely husband was waiting for me at Le Stade, it's a very long steep walk back up to our house from there, I didn't think I'd have anything left over after this run....
Just under 11 KM run, and 285 meters of elevation. It wasn't fast, I knew it wouldn't be, and I hadn't really allowed for the conditions...still, I did it! Here's sticking two fingers up at you Dr Poisoner...
When it comes to running or anything related to running like feet, knees, etc - I am now of the opinion that a Doctor who runs is a must!!!! I like my Doctor - but he thinks that walking a 5K is a really big deal!!!!
I agree. We can see any GP at our practice, but on Saturday I was Tailwalker at parkrun and the first female runner to pass me on her second lap was the GP I am actually registered with.
I saw a different GP for my annual check (a year after starting C25K) and she was very pleased with my running progress and the resulting improvements to BP, blood sugar, cholesterol.
So I don't think either would discourage running without a very good reason.
Well done. That all sounds a bit tough for me. Living near the Peak District I know to treat limestone with respect, especially when it is wet. It is bad enough walking on it, I don't think I would choose to run on it.
As an aside, a few years ago we went to Sorrento and had a memorable walk on limestone cobbles. It was fairly steep so hard going anyway but there was the added bonus of olive oil! The road passed many olive groves and the olives were ripe -they spread nets or mats below the trees and gather the olives as they drop. Unfortunately some of the trees were overhanging the road. Oh yes it was raining quite hard by lunchtime as well. Quite a challenge.
We also had the worry of a small dog who decided to accompany us part of the way (this has happened in Portugal, Lanzarote and close to home - not the same dog!) It is quite nice, they usually politely share your lunch, but always a worry that they might get lost and not go home.
Well done Curly. I was told the other day that I had high blood pressure, which I queried with surprise, so the nurse redid the test using the old fashioned cuff, which gave me a perfectly good and safe result. Apparently the electronic device often gets confused if, like me, you have a low resting heart beat.
He used the old fashioned cuff, apparently my BP was 159. Then he got me to do some squats with arm raises, it went up to 225! I thought people were dead at that level. I told him many times I have it checked regularly in UK and it's normally around 112 - he said "that's all in the past now" I've read that in UK they only give you pills after about a dozen high readings, not just one or two.
I bought a home measuring device, on the pills my BP went down to 80/50, way too low. I've been checking it regularly, never once has it gone over normal levels even after squats with arm raises.
Strange! Have just taken my BP on a cuff wrist monitor and it read 139/113! with tachi cardia motive showing, I'm usually optimum! Hmmm, will have to watch this, hopefully just a blip!😟
Not sure doctors realise the effect they can have. The nurse at my practice measured my blood pressure last time I was in and said it was fine but she had just stuck a needle in me so it was higher than normal. So I still don't know if my low blood pressure is an issue or just an annoyance.
I was bold enough to tell him I'm frightened of him...and, of course, I have to speak in French. My French is not bad, but for that sort of consultation it's much more difficult.
I have a home blood pressure machine - I take a series of test a couple of minutes apart and there is a wide difference between them. I believe that the only accurate way to look at blood pressure is to wear a 24 hour halter.
What medication did he give you then Curly? I keep well away from the surgery. My run-phobic GP just wants to sell me statins and warns of my being crippled with joint problems down the line . Woe, woe and thrice woe 😱
Well done on your race. It sounds like hell! 🙂 Having to keep looking down at your feet, whilst not running into overhanging stuff is a game innit 🙂 Fun though
I love your determination Curlygurly2 ! That sounds a really memorable and brave run! Well done! Hopefully you will have a more running friendly doctor in England! Your french one sounds awful!
Well done, CG! That sounds like a nightmare of a race, and as for M. le docteur - pah! I'm so glad you did this race, after all the scary health issues. Congrats!
About blood pressure: I dropped mine by going all plant-based and low-sodium. I encourage you folks with blood pressure issues to read about it. It really works--(and I'm not selling anything! :D)
Well done on the run and good for you. Funny I had wondered what happened about your BP a few days ago. the thing here is they often strap you up and take recordings over 24-48 hours to rule out anxiety/white coat syndrome high readings before diving in with meds.
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20 km. Tick.
My first Half Marathon race
First Trail Run
