Heather Rosenberg’s heart condition for years relegated her to the Peachtree Road Race cheering section. Now the 31-year-old Smyrna resident is determined to cross the finish line, no matter how long it takes.
From her first heart surgery at 11 months old, Rosenberg has had to closely monitor her health. More recently, she’s had two heart valve replacements and been discouraged from tackling the grueling 10-kilometer race.
“My whole life, my family told me I shouldn’t do it; they said I would pass out,” Rosenberg said. “But it’s always been a big part of my family’s life. My dad has run for at least the last 20 years, and my mom, sister, brother-in-law and step mom have also done it.”
This year, Rosenberg’s doctor said there was no reason she couldn’t try it.
“It’s one of those things I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “It’s a huge deal to prove that I can.”
Rosenberg was mentally prepared to run last year. She and her partner, Joey Rosenberg, were committed to doing it together but couldn’t obtain entry numbers. This year, they snagged two numbers in March and started working out immediately. Yet Rosenberg admits when it comes to exercise, she’s still a novice.
“I definitely had breathing limits,” she said. “Growing up in East Cobb, I played as many sports as I could but my heart was always a factor. I did well with volleyball; I played goalie on the soccer team. I played basketball and softball, but couldn’t do a lot of the running drills, and, when I did play, I couldn’t stay in the game too long.”
Rosenberg was 21 when she noticed she tired easily and slept for long periods. Her breathing was so labored she couldn’t manage a flight of stairs without becoming completely winded. Doctors diagnosed a leaky heart valve. In 2002, they made the needed repairs using a pig valve. Twelve months later, Rosenberg had that valve replaced, this time with one from a cow.
“They say this cow valve can last 20 to 30 years,” she said. “It’s now been seven years and it’s not showing any sign of deterioration. But I know I’ll probably have to have it replaced at some point.”
Rosenberg carefully monitors her health and takes medication to control palpitations. Her cardiologisthad no problem with her tackling the Peachtree Road Race.
“When it comes to exercising he said I have no limitations, though I’m not supposed to do any weight lifting or furniture moving, and I’m OK with that,” Rosenberg said.
Her exercise routine hasinvolved spin classes, elliptical trainer workouts and walking or jogging along a paved path close to her home near Spring Road.
“She likes to be active but she gets bored easily,” Joey Rosenberg said. “Sometimes I have to drag her to the gym."
In the past few weeks, Rosenberg has built stamina enabling her to run at least three miles. The Road Race won't be easy, but she is determined to finish.
"If I’m breathing, I’ll keep running," she said. “I’m not worried about the first three miles at all. Usually my legs give out first, but I’ll walk up Cardiac Hill if I have to. My goal is just to finish; I don’t care what my time is.”
Joey Rosenberg’s plan is to stick by her partner’s side throughout the race.
“I just want to see her do it,” she said. “To me, the fun part of a run is hanging out and being together, and we’re in this together.”
"Milestones" covers significant events and times in the lives of metro Atlantans. Big or small, well known or not, tell us of a Milestone we should write about. Send information to hm_cauley@yahoo.com or call 404-514-6162 or mail to Milestones, c/o Jamila Robinson, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30346.
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