The ABCs.
A is for asthma.
OK, according to my doctor it isn’t really “asthma” but more of an ongoing breathing issue caused by an extreme case of pneumonia. About 5 years ago I developed pneumonia after a bad case of bronchitis. I was sick with it for almost the entire winter and ended up missing a month of work. Yep, if I do something I doggone do it well! Needless to say my lungs have never been the same. Many of the things that trigger asthma attacks trigger my asthma-like attacks; case in point, the ever fluctuating weather the past few weeks. This past week during our long run I had an attack. Thank goodness I had my inhaler! By the time I finished the run I was all but doubled over, wheezing like crazy and trying to just stand up long enough to get my inhaler out. My coach, Charles, was wonderful. He was so sweet and kind to me. He gave me the space and concern I needed and even came out to my car before I left to make sure I could make it home OK. Many thanks also to my friend and mentor, Cheryl. She ran in the last with me and made sure I actually made it. You can imagine I was almost next to tears, too. Any time you have a brutal or bad run it is upsetting even when the causes are beyond your control. Of course this episode has left me shaken. What if I have another episode during the Middle Half? I continue to have some sporadic tightness of breath and this leads to struggling runs. What if I can’t complete the Middle Half? Lots of self-doubt is swirling. I try to remind myself that in spite of everything on Saturday I did actually finish my run. Maybe I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.
B is for birthdays.
After all the mess of Saturday’s long run I came back home to a house full of kids! My daughter turned 13 on Friday and my nephews were spending the night. There was also a birthday party planned for later in the morning. Tired, sore and feeling really down, I girded my loins and sucked it up. I couldn’t show any weakness until the day was over. Nothing was going to take any of the joy out of my girl’s special day. A shower, my rockin’ pink compression socks, a snack and almost a full pot of coffee later I felt as if I could make it. I am happy to report the day was a huge success! Fun was had by all and the only downer to the day was when my darling nephews and their mom and dad had to leave. We don’t get to see one another as often as I would like and I cherish each moment we are together. Sunday was a total SLUGFEST! I had to have a day of total rest and I even took another rest day on Monday. I blamed it on the rainy weather but that was just an excuse. Even if it hadn’t been raining I probably would have taken another day anyway. My chest was still tight.
C is for compression socks.
Oh my goodness! I love my compression socks! Not only are they a fantastic color but they also make my legs feel great! For once my calves didn’t cramp and feel like crap after a long run. I first tested them after my 12 miler the weekend before and fell in love. I’m still not sure about running in them but for recovery they are the bomb.
D is for….
OK, so maybe this alphabet ticker isn’t exactly going to work here. Ha ha! We have begun the taper in our training program and frankly I’m not sure how it works but I’m not going to knock it. Scaling back on the run distances couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I feel overwhelmed in so many aspects of my life at the moment. Having a little less to run at night eases my mind a little. It also eases the stress my body is taking. Not to sound like a wimp or that I don’t enjoy the ½ program – because you know I do! - I’m ready to run a little less. I’m ready to run the Middle Half to the best of my ability and scale back on my runs, at least until I sign up for the next ½ training program. Yes, you read it right! I am seriously considering signing up again to train and run the Country Music ½. But that is a decision and topic for another day.
Breathe in….breathe out!
My weight loss journey is still spinning wheels and at this moment in time I can’t give it anymore of myself. I’m staying on program to the best of my ability but since I am only approximately two weeks away from the Middle Half the stresses of the scale have and are going to take the back burner. I hope that my body will get back in the groove after my training scales back a bit but if not, I’ll deal with that then.
Two weeks to get there again in my mind. Two weeks to convince myself that yes, I can do it! Two weeks until one way or another I cross that finish line and get my Middle Half medal. Oh my gosh….TWO WEEKS!
4 comments:
Go J!!!!!!!!!!! You are woman, hear you roar! lol Keep up the good work even when you get discouraged.
First of all, addressing A: You are a LOT stronger than you believe you are. As long as you've been running, I have been constantly impressed with your perserverence. You never try to get out of a run. I mean, come on! You did your run while having an asthmatic attack! Who does that? I don't know if I feel that it was the wisest thing to do health-wise, but you didn't give up. You finished what you started! Now that you are aware of what could happen, the best you can do is take preventive measures. And you always have people around you who love and support you and would be there if you needed them.
For B: You really went out of your way to make sure your daughter's birthday was the best possible. I hate to say it, but I am pretty sure that my mom would not have gotten quite so excited as you did. And all the pictures show how happy you made her!!! Again, that's just so impressive. You are truly self-less. And that's saying a lot. I don't even think I am self-less. But you did what was necessary ("sucked it up" as you said). In my book (and I'm sure in E's book) you made the day a success. If that means that you needed to take a couple of days for yourself to recuperate, then so be it. You are an amazing mother and you have to give yourself tons of props for that. Don't wear yourself out to the detriment of family. I'm not worried at all that you would....just putting it out there. Sometimes you need encouragement and support on more than just running. I'm willing to bet a shiny blue TARDIS that your kids are there for you whenever you need them!
For C: Not a lot to say. I'm glad you have something that can assist in recovery. Question: would this be good for a soccer player, do you think? Siddhartha is always coming home with sore calves and ankles. If they are good for that (and probably not pink), that's an idea. I'm glad you love them!!!!
For D: D is for Dork!!! Just kidding. You have to pace yourself. It'd be different if you had nothing else going on but your running...but that isn't the case. You know your limits (even though they keep changing as you improve!!) You are not a wimp and don't need to preface your thoughts with "Not trying to sound wimpy". Nobody thinks that.
And lastly, but not "leastly"....... You CAN and WILL have complete success with your marathon and the rest will come. Don't torture yourself about it. It'll come and you will succeed.
You are gonna rock the Middle Half! You have worked so hard. If it helps any, at the beginning of every half marathon, my biggest concern is that I will be unable to finish the race!!! Yup...each and every time I have that moment that says "Can I do this?" AND...each and every time I do! AND...you are gonna do gr-8!!! You.Freakin'.Got.This!!!
I love you, ladies! Thank you for the encouragment. <3
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