Sun, sweat ‘n surf…
Mudjimba parkrun
A salty combo: sweat ’n surf! A bit like Fish ’n chips…
The Sunny Coast’s Mudjimba Beach parkrun was a siren, calling to me. Just an hour and a half drive north of Brisbane — Mudjimba Beach, an unspoilt coastal paradise generously offered delights such as surfing, swimming, fishing and bushwalking.
Mudjimba Beach parkrun was a perfect fit for me. Still mollycoddling my recuperating foot, the flat ‘out and back’ course along a footpath — following the coastline — fitted the bill perfectly. A rare find! While much of Australia, and the world were going crazy, anticipating Christmas… tourists like me had swollen the numbers at this quiet, parkrun to a modest 327 participants.
Soon after six o’clock, I had stealthily tiptoed out my cabin door. My Sleeping Beauties were gently snoring when I diligently locked both doors behind me (as you do)… you can’t be too careful these days! Surely axe murders and thieves are in need of beach breaks too… they might even be lolling around, bored, in the neighbouring cabin… waiting to pounce! The sole key to our cabin was tucked away securely… how inconvenient and embarrassing if I lost it!
Arriving in plenty of time, I scoped out the start area… met a few friendly runners, before taking a quick peek at the beach. Just a kilometre offshore Mudjimba Island was tantalisingly close. A fellow runner hoped to check it out later via paddle board. What’s quarter of an hour’s hard labour and the remote possibility of a shark circling, compared to the prospect of lazing on a tiny tropical island?
As I have a track record of concentration lapses and confusion over course details, I moseyed on back to parkrun, in time for the helpful First Timers’ Briefing. Due to the tight course, they employed placards to advise participants where to queue for the Start Line (according to our typical parkrun times). Speedsters at the front; joggers in the middle; walkers and plodders ranging up the rear. Optimistically, I plonked myself right in the middle.
I’m not keen on inclines but thrive on downhills. One older gentleman cheerfully informed me of Heartbeat Hill… so named because it’s over in a heartbeat. I think I noticed it near the outer end of the course.
As usual, numerous cute puppies provided me with entertaining diversions from the sun, heat and prolonged exertion.
One young fella in a dark hoodie — half my height — was struggling. His Mum was murmuring quiet encouragement, with little success.
You’ll beat me…
See you at the finish line!
My words floated over my shoulders as I plodded on by...
On the return run, I made the happy discovery that the path sloped downwards by at least a degree or two! Reminding myself of my preference for declines, I persisted in jogging further than I have in many months.
At last, the Finish Shute finally appeared. Mindlessly I strode to cross the line… when a blue streak startled me into alertness.
You’re the one we had to beat!
I was stoked to see the little ‘Stop/Start’ star had persisted and finished before me… his mother, chuckling ruefully in his wake.
Surely, I beat my time from the previous week… I ran most of the course and it was devoid of any real elevation!
Of course not! How could I be a huge quarter of a minute slower? My Garmin watch solved the riddle… I had run an extra quarter of a kilometre!
The nearby cafés lying in wait for other victorious parkrunners posed no temptation for me. However, the azure ocean and her lacy white crests proved irresistible.
Knowing my ‘Happy Campers’ were contentedly snoozing; I treated myself to an invigorating dip in the ocean… perfect conditions to ride the ‘White Horses’ almost onto the beach. Only one untamed ‘White Horse’ dumped me into the sand, grazed my knee and hurled my board at my head. However, I counted it well worth it!
Contentedly, I returned to my car.
Oh dear!
A text message revealed my latest misdemeanour!
Using the only key issued to us, I had inadvertently imprisoned my family in the cabin… barring them from their early swim. Sure, they could have removed a window and screen and jumped out of the window, but apparently, the situation wasn’t dire enough! I had delayed their swim schedule by an entire quarter of the hour. However, I was too late, slumber had reclaimed them before I could rescue them.
All in all, the sun, sweat and surf made for a most satisfying start to my day!
*
My other parkrun adventures!
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Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts5 days ago in Longevity
Stricter blood pressure guidelines are fueling growing unease among cardiologists, raising concerns about overdiagnosis and treatment
Recent changes in blood pressure guidelines have sparked a quiet but growing unease among cardiologists and healthcare professionals worldwide. As medical authorities lower the threshold for what is considered “high blood pressure,” millions of people may suddenly find themselves classified as hypertensive, prompting new questions about overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and the balance between preventive care and unnecessary medical intervention. The Shift in Blood Pressure Standards For decades, blood pressure readings below 140/90 mmHg were generally considered normal for most adults. However, in recent years, both the American Heart Association (AHA) and other international health bodies have revised their guidelines, lowering the threshold for hypertension to 130/80 mmHg. This change was driven by mounting evidence linking even moderately elevated blood pressure to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. While the intent behind stricter guidelines is clear—catching potential risks earlier to prevent serious health issues—the practical implications are complex. Suddenly, a large portion of the adult population falls into the “high blood pressure” category. In the United States alone, experts estimate that nearly half of all adults would now be labeled hypertensive under the new standards. Cardiologists Sound the Alarm For many cardiologists, the shift raises concerns about overdiagnosis. Dr. Elena Martinez, a practicing cardiologist in New York, says, “We are medicalizing a huge swath of the population who may not have needed treatment before. While preventive care is vital, there’s a real risk of unnecessary medication, side effects, and patient anxiety.” These concerns are not purely theoretical. Blood pressure medications, while life-saving for those with severe hypertension, can cause side effects ranging from dizziness and fatigue to kidney complications. Prescribing them to patients with mild elevations might not always result in a net benefit, particularly if lifestyle interventions could have been sufficient. The Role of Lifestyle Interventions Many experts emphasize that lifestyle modifications—such as regular exercise, reduced sodium intake, weight management, and stress reduction—remain the first line of defense against high blood pressure. The stricter guidelines may push physicians to prioritize early lifestyle counseling, but in practice, patients often expect a prescription as a tangible solution. Dr. Ahmed Khan, a public health specialist, notes, “The risk is that the pendulum swings too far toward pharmacological solutions when, for many, diet and exercise could prevent progression without the risks of medication. It’s a delicate balance that requires careful patient education.” Public Perception and Anxiety Beyond the clinical implications, stricter guidelines can affect public perception of health. Patients newly labeled as hypertensive may experience anxiety, feel stigmatized, or overestimate their immediate risk of serious illness. Mental health impacts are rarely discussed but are an important aspect of overall cardiovascular wellness. Media coverage and public awareness campaigns have also contributed to heightened sensitivity. Headlines emphasizing the dangers of “high blood pressure” may inadvertently increase stress among readers, ironically exacerbating the problem they aim to address. Economic and Healthcare System Pressures The broader healthcare system also feels the strain. More diagnoses mean more doctor visits, lab tests, and medications. Health insurance systems face increased costs, while physicians must spend more time managing cases that may not require intensive intervention. Some healthcare analysts argue that the stricter guidelines, while scientifically justified, could inadvertently prioritize pharmaceutical intervention over holistic preventive care. The challenge lies in implementing guidelines in a way that maximizes patient benefit while minimizing unnecessary medicalization. Finding the Balance So, how can the medical community reconcile stricter guidelines with patient-centered care? Many experts advocate for a nuanced approach: Risk Stratification: Evaluate patients based on overall cardiovascular risk rather than just blood pressure numbers. Factors like age, family history, cholesterol, and lifestyle are critical in deciding whether medication is necessary. Emphasis on Lifestyle: Encourage sustained behavioral changes, with medications as a last resort for mild cases. Patient Education: Ensure individuals understand what their blood pressure numbers mean, the relative risks involved, and the options for non-pharmacological management. Regular Monitoring: Use home monitoring devices and ambulatory blood pressure measurement to reduce unnecessary clinic visits and detect true hypertensive trends. Conclusion The new blood pressure guidelines reflect an earnest effort to prevent cardiovascular disease before it starts. Yet, they also highlight the delicate balance between preventive medicine and overdiagnosis. For cardiologists, policymakers, and patients alike, the challenge is clear: avoid the pitfalls of medicalizing normal variations while ensuring those truly at risk receive timely and effective care. As the debate continues, the hope is that a thoughtful, individualized approach—combining lifestyle interventions, patient education, and careful use of medication—will maximize benefits while minimizing harm. The evolving standards are a reminder that medicine is as much an art as it is a science, requiring judgment, empathy, and adaptability in the face of shifting evidence.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 6 days ago in Longevity
Comments (9)
My son was in a marathon race , when he got to a fork in the road dividing full, half and quarter marathoners he was shown the wrong loop, causing him to and one other to run an extra 5 km. An I would worry about locking your family inn they seemed ok. Great writing
So very well written!!! What a great adventure and such a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time!
Haha! Can’t believe you locked your family in! I thought I knew the Brisbane coastline pretty well but I hadn’t heard of this place. From the pics it looks amazing. I love running too! Loved your line about Garmin - I’m glad it’s because you ran further. Usually it’s because Garmin is pretty savage! Loved reading this.
An exciting adventure.....and this sounds like a place I'd like to go to! I recently hurt my feet too and couldn't run about for about a month. Hope you're feeling better, Angie!
What an adventure from start to finish! Thanks for taking us on the journey, Angie!!
This was such a fun read, Angie! It almost made me wish that I was still a runner. There is nothing quite like running on a beach!
What a vibe—Mudjimba Beach, parkrun, and a cheeky ocean dip! Even locking in the fam couldn’t dull this epic day. The way you captured the essence of Mudjimba Beach—its charm, quirks, and your adventurous spirit—is pure gold✨
Hahaha what an adventure- and sad to say, but I’m kinda glad the little guy was there before you (don’t be mad). Loved it!!
I'm so sorry about the horse incident but I'm glad you beat your previous time!