After my call with the cardiac nurse and her deep concern about the levels of exercise I was trying to do, I decided not only did I need to get real and reduce my pushing, but I needed to monitor myself more closely.

I decided to get a smart watch with heart rate function.

Many years ago, not long after I first started running, I was all into heart rate zones, interval training, and statistics.

I stopped because the thing I realised that I loved most about running was being in the moment. Being in nature – even when I was pounding the city streets.

Stopping, if only for a moment, to watch a bird or squirrel, enjoy a plant or tree, or appreciate the scent of spring or Southampton’s sea air.

I ditched the heart rate monitor.

And was happy.

And was happy for many, many years.

Then I had a heart attack and suddenly I needed to monitor my heart. Not with any hope of boosting performance or achieving a personal best, but simply to stop myself from damaging my heart while it recovers – to help me learn my new limitations and find where ability starts.

After some research, I settled on a Samsung Galaxy Watch7. Not the latest because I didn’t need to spend that much and I’m not buying it to be my latest gadget. Considering I’m a programmer, I’m not addicted to technology.

I wasn’t going to go Apple. Overpriced shiny brand. I wanted something more than just a heart rate monitor. Besides, I have a load of Samsung kit and rather like it.

I don’t like watches. They are too heavy. I do sometimes wear wrist bands, but not when exercising. I need something light and unobtrusive. I have gone for the smaller screen to keep it light.

Things I have learnt so far:

• They prefer untattooed skin: in order for the heart rate and blood pressure stuff to work, I had to find a minimally tattooed area of skin!
• You have to calibrate the blood pressure function using a blood pressure cuff (manual or automatic) because you need the readings to input into the watch.

So I have a new tool to help me keep safe when exercising.

I’ll let you know how I get on!