Stress Center Peer Support

I was wondering if anyone has ha a panic attack during their workout? About a month back, I was doing my morning cardio walk with a friend who happens to be a personal trainer.In one area of the walk, a particular step hill, he really got me to "push it" then wanted to check heart rate etc. at the top of the hill which sent me into a panic.I since avoided the hill until twice last week, where by myself was able to walk the hill and beat it with little problem.(a bit anxious but so proud)
So last evening I approach the hill and start having bad negative thoughts about the 1st time, working myself into a state. So I attempt the hill knowing I can stop and rest any time, but I get about 1/3 and the way up and "panic" turn around and go back down and take an alternate route home.
I feel a bit of a failure that it beat me, although , I pat myself on the back for picking an alternate route and carrying on. The alternate route has a hill as well, almost as step as the 1st.
But what really gets me is the panic and that the hill beat me, should I avoid this hill or keep trying. I thought of staying away for a while before another attempt.
On a final note , I did have a coffee prior to my walk which I rarely drink anymore, so I do think the caffine prior may have been a negative factor.
Any thoughts?

Hi-

I would under NO circumstances avoid that darn hill. You can take it slow, you can crawl, you can walk backwards, you can yodel while you go up-- but get up that hill. Repeatedly, until there is no fear left. Make it the most boring hill in the universe.

You do not have to "push" yourself. A steep hill is a workout in itself.

I workout with a heart rate monitor on. It was enlightening in that I didn't have to rely on how I emotionally "felt" about an experience. I could look at my wrist and see that my heart rate was xyz,and rely on the facts. I have noticed that it doesn't really go that high when I get anxious. At the club I go to, there is information given on heart rate training zones. Since using my watch, and getting my personal zones figured out, I am much more comfortable with high heart rate exercise and consistently am where death was previously imminent. And, I might add, my anxiety is WAY DOWN since I started exercising aerobically, regularly.

Best wishes to you.

Present Power

My quick 2 cents, why not start by going down the hill? You know, take the route you take but do it backwards. Sooner or later you will start to notice you are running down the hill. Other than that I like Newrunners idea of yodeling. The only problem with that is if you hit the wrong key and break a window or something that may cause more anxiety. Sorry. but DO NOT avoid that hill in any way!

So just think of the good you are doing by even going at the hill in the first place. Keep up the good work!

Going down is such a great idea-- it made me laugh out loud.

Good luck with your walking. God speed.