Mark Wagner

[Ross]

Mark is a long time member that seldom comes around anymore, but I feel it's proper to show him off. It's well deserved.

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/nov/28/pacemaker-surgery-opens-up-a-real-heart-for/

 

[Cooker]

Thanks Ross, good article ...

 

[skeptic49]

Quite an athlete!

Jim

 

[Ross]

He truly is remarkable. He was on deaths door, with both feet already in the grave, and somehow made it out of that and still runs.

 

[Duffey]

I'm glad to read that Mark has overcome the endocarditis and is back in action. Long may he run!

 

[ottagal]

Remarkable and what an inspiration Mark is (along with the other post VR athletes!).
Thanks for sharing this, Ross. It was a great post to wake up to!

 

[SumoRunner]

Good story. It emphasizes a couple things I said early on. First, in those days it was risky mostly because we thought no one had done it before. I don't doubt that he thought he was only the second man to have done a marathon after AVR, but that's only because he didn't know enough of them. I corresponded with a woman in the mid 90s who had done the Pikes Peak Marathon after valve replacement. Then again it wasn't a man. And a cyclist friend of mine in Schenectady, NY was able to do a century ride within a year of AVR in 91 or 92. And then there was me returning to running in 91 after AVR, but then I never went after marathons. I was way to scared to try that much.

All of which underscores my other point. We didn't know there were other post-op athletes back then. We were all experiments of one. There wasn't a forum such as this where we could exchange experiences. That makes all the difference.

 

[Danny]

Thanks Ross, great article.

 

[rkeirl]

Fantastic read, is there anyway to contact Mark if he does not use the site anymore. Been a young athlete myself be it in a different sport i would certainly like some advice if he could spare it.

 

[Ross]

Fantastic read, is there anyway to contact Mark if he does not use the site anymore. Been a young athlete myself be it in a different sport i would certainly like some advice if he could spare it.

He's still an active member. Well as of tomorrow, that won't be true, but you can PM him. If you don't hear anything, let me know and I'll see about an email address exchange with him.

 

[Freddie]

Thanks Ross for sharing this.
Maybe we should have a 'Hall of Fame'?

Ross, what do you mean by "Well as of tomorrow, that won't be true"? Did I miss something in the article?

 

[Ross]

Good story. It emphasizes a couple things I said early on. First, in those days it was risky mostly because we thought no one had done it before. I don't doubt that he thought he was only the second man to have done a marathon after AVR, but that's only because he didn't know enough of them. I corresponded with a woman in the mid 90s who had done the Pikes Peak Marathon after valve replacement. Then again it wasn't a man. And a cyclist friend of mine in Schenectady, NY was able to do a century ride within a year of AVR in 91 or 92. And then there was me returning to running in 91 after AVR, but then I never went after marathons. I was way to scared to try that much.

All of which underscores my other point. We didn't know there were other post-op athletes back then. We were all experiments of one. There wasn't a forum such as this where we could exchange experiences. That makes all the difference.

Oh I agree. Here I sit, can't do a darn thing but walk and even that sometimes about does me in, so watching you guys run and such just proves that it can indeed be done.

 

[Bina]

......Ross, what do you mean by "Well as of tomorrow, that won't be true"? Did I miss something in the article?

To remain an active member of VR a member needs to sign in at least once per year. Mark has not signed on for 11 months and 29 days....

 

[Freddie]

To remain an active member of VR a member needs to sign in at least once per year. Mark has not signed on for 11 months and 29 days....

Damn your good Bina.
Having another birthday hasn't effected your powerful mind one bit

 

[Bina]

Damn your good Bina.
Having another birthday hasn't effected your powerful mind one bit

The brain still works in short spurts....LOL

 

[MarkU]

Good story. It emphasizes a couple things I said early on. First, in those days it was risky mostly because we thought no one had done it before. I don't doubt that he thought he was only the second man to have done a marathon after AVR, but that's only because he didn't know enough of them. I corresponded with a woman in the mid 90s who had done the Pikes Peak Marathon after valve replacement. Then again it wasn't a man. And a cyclist friend of mine in Schenectady, NY was able to do a century ride within a year of AVR in 91 or 92. And then there was me returning to running in 91 after AVR, but then I never went after marathons. I was way to scared to try that much.

All of which underscores my other point. We didn't know there were other post-op athletes back then. We were all experiments of one. There wasn't a forum such as this where we could exchange experiences. That makes all the difference.

I don't know that you will ever be able to determine how many heart valve patients have done marathons, ironman triathlons, etc.

It's been my experience that most do it "anonymously", not for any recognition related to their heart condition.

In my case the motivation to do triathlons, half marathons, or century rides has nothing to do with having a mechanical heart valve - only the physical/psychological challenge of the event. The healthy benefits of training, particularly weight reduction and control of my cholesterol are my biggest motivators. That plus the endorphin rush that I get during a long workout.

I view my limiter as age, not my heart. When I'm running, riding or swimming I seldom think about my valve.

At the same time, due to my cardiac history, I feel extremely blessed and thankful to still be able to do this stuff. I know it will all be over one day, but I want to keep going as long as I can.


Mark

 

[halleyg]

Great story! Good for Mark. I love all of the inspiring stories I see here.

 

[Mark Wagner]

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you 'Everyone' for the kind comments. I will take some time and respond as soon as possible, as I am running out the door for the "Salt Mines" better known as work. Talk to you all soon. ... Mark

PS This is going to be a long shift as my body feels like it was beat up by a dozen hoodlums!

 

[kodi]

First, thanks Ross for the post. I think any of us than tackle any major event after a valve replacement do it with some trepidation. It does take some time getting used to but determination wins if you stick to it.
Second, Congratulations Mark on finishing the marathon. Would be anxious to read a report on your run.

 

[SumoRunner]

When I'm running, riding or swimming I seldom think about my valve.

When I train, the valve is the farthest thing from my mind. I workout for the shear pleasure I get from exertion. However, when I run a race, especially when I start to get highly stressed toward the end, I start having doubts. Am I breathing to hard? Is this too much for the already damaged heart to take? Is this twinge of pain an incipient heart attack? If I push just a bit too much will I just collapse right here on the pavement? Will I be tomorrow's headline news?

I am constantly monitoring how it feels with every breath. Somehow I've managed to push past the self-doubt these past couple years, but for at least 15 yrs I could not. I guess running 33 races in one year should erase the doubts, but it never does.