The Heart of a Runner

by Kevin Smith Author

Running a marathon demands a great deal from a healthy body. With the latest advancements in cardiology treatment in Suffolk County, NY, however, more people are doing what used to be impossible. They are looking to complete marathons, and even ultramarathons, after major heart surgery.

Dave McGillivray

Dave McGillivray is running royalty. He ran his first marathon at the age of 18. He has been the race director of the Boston Marathon since 1988. In October of 2018, he underwent open heart surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. Just a year before his surgery, he ran a fast time at the Bay State Marathon, unaware that he was running with a heart in need of repair.

Every year, in addition to organizing the race, Dave runs the Boston Marathon. After a successful heart surgery and continued recovery, he looks forward to lining up again for the 2019 race.

Alex Glarakis

Alex Glarakis has double bypass heart surgery in February of 2017. Before his surgery, he would often run for hours every day. He had the lifelong goal of running a marathon on every continent in the world. Alex underwent months of cardiac rehab and stress tests before getting the go-ahead to start training again. Through his hard work and focus on recovery, he was able to run a marathon in Kenya in August of 2018, moving even closer to his lifelong goal.

Doug Flis

Doug Flis has completed hundreds of marathons, often in times fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon. In 2014, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery to repair significant blockages in his heart. Since his surgery, Doug sees his cardiologist regularly and is more strict about his diet. Eventually, he was able to return to his regular running routine. His 76th marathon was also his first after the bypass surgery. He ran it in 2016.

Helen Doyle

In her early 20s, Helen discovered that she had an atrial septal defect, or a hole between the top two chambers of her heart. She had been an avid runner since her college days, and had secured a place in the 2013 London Marathon. She had to give up running the race because her doctors told her it was too risky. In January of 2015, she underwent surgery to repair the hole in her heart. After surgery, Helen set herself the goal of running the 2016 London Marathon. She completed that race and continues to enjoy running.

With proper rehab and excellent cardiology treatment in Suffolk County, NY, it is possible for runners to continue their sport even after heart surgery.