“ I think running is one of the best sources for maintaining good health ,” Kenton said .
“ I think running is one of the best sources for maintaining good health ,” Kenton said .
He would know . The 74-year-old has completed 19 marathons in 27 years . At the peak of his training , he was running 75 hours every week . to install a defibrillator . He recovered , and five weeks later , the active grandfather was hitting the slopes , skiing with his two grandkids .
In 2015 , Kenton and his friends decided to do the Big Sur International Marathon in California . He started conditioning for the long-distance challenge immediately .
By February 2016 , three months prior to the marathon , Kenton and his running partner had increased their weekly mileage to 55 miles , including lots of hills . Then , while jogging on a treadmill one morning , he stepped off and lost his footing .
“ I felt really funny ,” Kenton said . “ It was something that never occurred to me before . The dizziness and the feeling that I was going to pass out continued , so I said ‘ Call the ambulance .’”
Something was definitely not right . On the way to Straub Medical Center , Kenton ’ s training heart rate went from 132 beats a minute to 232 beats .
“ When I arrived at Straub ’ s Emergency Department I knew my condition was extremely serious ,” he said . “ They told me that my heart rate was at 265 .”
Kenton was experiencing ventricular tachycardia . The rapid heart rhythm is a precursor to ventricular fibrillation , a condition where the heart ’ s rhythm is so rapid that it stops pumping blood . This can lead to sudden cardiac arrest .
Fortunately , Kenton ’ s condition was stabilized and he avoided a cardiac arrest . But , after examination , doctors decided
“ We usually see ventricular tachycardia occurring in people with other heart conditions , so it was a bit unusual that it happened in someone as fit as Kenton ,” said Dr . Jeremy Lum , Kenton ’ s cardiac electrophysiologist . “ Thankfully he got medical attention immediately and made a terrific recovery , in part due to his excellent health .“
“ I have such confidence in the doctors at Straub ,” Kenton said . “ I don ’ t hesitate to go and to recommend it to other people .”
He believes the frightening condition was a result of the way he used to train . In rare cases electrolyte imbalances can contribute to the development of ventricular tachycardia . Drinking water was never a priority for Kenton during those intense running sessions .
“ I really pushed it ,” he said . “ A lesson to be learned is that if you run you have to drink … and get the right amount of electrolytes .”
Lesson learned . Kenton now makes sure to drink at least 13 glasses of water every day of his very active life . The senior bikes , plays tennis and is now considering registering for marathon number 20 . He has added confidence in the fact that his defibrillator has tracked a normal heart rate the past 18 months . Kenton ’ s greater focus on his health and the care he can count on from Straub should help him go the distance .
“ I have such confidence in the doctors at Straub . I don ’ t hesitate to go and to recommend it to other people .”
KENTON ELDRIDGE
Pictured above : Kenton ’ s most prized medal came from his 36.5 mile trek from Kihei to the top of Haleakalā for the Run to the Sun .
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