Running half-marathon after ICD implant

i'm 45 (m) and in Aug 23 i had a widow-maker. in jul 24 i had my icd implanted... before all that nonsense i was a marathon guy.

it's been a stop-start journey back to running long distance and i in feb i will start training properly for a half-marathon (june). so that'll be almost two years after my heart smasher.

i wrote this post really for anyone who has qs about resuming training, or tips for me, or really just to share experiences about being active after such a life-changing, scary experience. Maybe this will be useful.

overall i have just been sensible - unusual for me as my whole 'thing' has always been pushing myself to extremes. so my progression from slow walking short distances in early recovery, to longer, faster walks, to jogging, to running has been careful.

i used to track my heart-rate but i have stopped doing that for a few reasons. 1) the equipment (even an expensive chest strap) is not super accurate, which means i'll be constantly looking at it, which is annoying and boring tbh. 2) i'm on beta blockers, have an icd... so chances of my heart hitting any sort of crazy high range are really low as i know how to pace myself without pushing my heartrate up. When i run my heart goes to a max of about 110. i am fit i guess.

I'm trying not to 'over do it' and really i'm just trying to enjoy getting back to long distance running with no goals with regards to times and pace etc. i just go steady and try to make small improvements.

the main thing is confidence. when you start off you'll be thinking you're going to collapse or drop dead or get a shock. it's natural. take it slow. and good luck on your own journey.