Ups & Downs

I've about had my fill of this crud I've entertained since spring this year. Yes...spring!!! I've missed races I have so looked forward to doing but had to cancel. I thought I was over this stuff late spring but with an out-of-town visit my allegies came back fiercely accompanied by the dratted cough. [Long story, no comment.] Hoping I could handle it, this stuff showed me who was boss...not me! I'd get better for a few days, then down, really down, for 4; worked back up for a week, then down again. It was just a horrible see-saw of back and forth. I felt like I was in an eternal Twilight Zone episode. Finally, a visit to my allergist [the best in the world] was the only choice I could see. Last Friday with no more left in me to fight, I went back to him and with a Cortisone shot and oral medication I can honestly say I feel like I'm on the mend again. He has me on strong antibiotics for 20 days and I certainly hope by then that I will be up and going strong again.

There were days I should have made myself do something in the exercise realm but was just so tired from lack of sleep that I didn't push it and stayed on the couch. With all the sinus issues I was experiencing, there has been very little sleep. As a matter of fact, I'd had so little sleep and difficulty taking in deep breaths without gut-wrenching coughs, I was totally miserable and wore out...totally.

But...I will say, that "generally" I've been hanging on exercise wise. On my "up" days, I'd try to get in a walk or slow run on the treadmill. I know most do not like tms, but I am thankful that we own one. After getting some relief from the meds, I'm starting to work my way back up. It's slow but I'm determined.

Yesterday, I ran outside for the first time in a while. My run was just to see if I could run 1.5 miles without having to stop and cough my head off. I felt good when we got to the Sportsplex. So with no time or pace in mind, I felt free to run as much as I could as long as I wasn't having problems. After all, I did not want to relapse and cause me to take 3 steps back...again! When it was finished, I actually had a better pace than I have in over a month and without any effort. Guess those tm runs and walks have been helping.

After my run, I got in a short swim. It was the hardest. Trying to keep a breath deep enough in my lungs was quite a challenge. But I slowly worked through it and am glad I did. Needless to say, I was totally wore out afterward. When I got home, that wonderful, soft couch called my name and I succombed to one of the most restful sleep times I've had in a while. So for now, I'm working slowly but truly on my running and stamina again. I'm thankful that I am healthy regardless of the little pitfalls I encounter along the way. And, am thankful that these little times do not present themselves but every few years.

Keep up the good work, my summer friends!! It is tough out there. These 100 degree days are nothing to turn your nose up at. Stay hydrated, run slow and build your strength. I will see you in the late summer and fall races hopefully strong again. So carefully,

Run 4 It