— In case you don’t remember, Jim Fixx was the author of “The Complete Book of Running” a best seller in 1977. He did not popularize running but his book became a reference for novices. And for many, Fixx became a well-known symbol of the sport. Then he had a heart attack and died at the age of 52.
— For some of the multitudes of non-runners his death was an “I told you so!” moment. “See! I knew it! Running is bad for you!” Smug and self-satisfied, thousands climbed back into their couches and rocking chairs.
— But what the exercise-averse masses never learned was that before he began running at the age of 35, Fixx smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day and was overweight at 240#. An additional risk factor—his father died at age 47.
— Ironically, “The Complete Book of Running” referenced studies showing that exercise and running helped extend life.
— As a heart attack survivor and Marathoner (before and after the heart attack) I can tell you that running, by itself, is not enough to prevent cardiovascular disease. In my case, slightly elevated cholesterol and incredible work-related stress combined to nearly kill me.
— So runners and others are subject to the heart disease risk factors. The main risk factors are elevated cholesterol, smoking and high blood pressure. Secondary, but critically important, are: being male, age over 50, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, family medical history and stress. Some of these factors are out of our control, but its clear we can control our risk.
— And we have to keep running until the doctor or the undertaker tells us to quit.