Feeling happy today as have had the all clear to exercise more. Doctors have said I can run properly in 3 weeks and until then I can adopt a walk/run strategy. My heart is healing well and things are looking great for getting back into training. I am a little anxious about the pain I experience and have said to myself as soon as I don't need the painkillers, I will head out for a very gentle walk/jog.

I have apprehension about how running will feel, with pain and my breathing. I have to listen to my body as this is tell me how much to push myself. Knowing medically things are ok spurs me on. I am lucky that my heart condition was easy to correct and I am unlikely to have any residual problems.

My experience to date (3 marathons, 1 olympic, 1 sprint) should allow me to get back into training fairly easily. Running will be the first discipline I tackle as this is an extension of my increasing long and faster daily walks. Cycling and swimming put more pressure on my sternum which takes 12 weeks to heal. However, the incision I opted for is the best for flexibility when exercising, particularly front crawl.

I am considering my long term aims and getting a triathlon coach. I'd like help structuring my training right from the beginning. I need someone who believes in me and my ability to (eventually) complete an Ironman. I am excited about the potential of my 'new heart'!

Several months have lapsed since I last did any triathlon training, or a blog on here! I had to put my summer of races on hold as I underwent tests for a hole in the heart. After lots of waiting, I finally had open heart surgery last month. Since th...

Well, had all my tests and am now in the know about my new-found problem. I need surgery to repair a hole in my heart. So in terms of tri, I have to take it steady and see how things go. I can't, says the consultant, do the marathon in April. Very sa...

Today I'm feeling much better. Had a good gym and swim session yesterday and slow 10 mile run this morning. Feels great to be out and doing something. Couldn't bear to let all my fitness go as a result of minor set-back. I always feel good when I get...

I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks now. The reason being I have felt a little sorry for myself. I have diagnosed with a hole in my heart on the 18th January and since then, I have been having lots of tests and waiting to speak to specialists to ...