What would you do if you had a severe asthma attack around mile 8.5 of an 11-mile training run or walk on a country road with no houses around?
If you answers, "lay on the road and cry" you are in good company.
This is exactly what happened to me today. I haven't been feeling the best, my allergies are getting the best of me with this very warm winter and spring. And although the last few weeks have been super fantastic, they have also been stressful and I haven't been getting enough sleep. Those two factors plus record high temperatures that we Wisconsinites (or at least me) are not used to all led to this episode.
I do not have asthma (as far as I know), however that is the closest I can come to describe what happened. I could not breathe. At all. I was wheezing and my lungs actually hurt. I was flat on the blacktop for at least a half hour before I was finally able to breathe, stopped wheezing, and was calm enough to stand up (FYI - watching bugs on the road is quite calming). It was very scary and I will definitely be finding a way to carry my phone with me on long walks from now on!
My first 6 miles of this training walk were amazing and I made great time. When I turned the corner for mile 7, I started walking into the wind for the rest of the walk and I think this is what started my downhill spiral (too much pollen coming in!). That being said, I ended up finishing my 11 miles in 2 hours, 26.5 mins (1/2 hour of attack taken out). For how much I wasn't feeling good through miles 7-8.5 and for how slow I had to walk for the last 2.5 miles, I am fine with this pace for today.
Tomorrow, I'm thinking a nice relaxing walk and extra strength training is on the menu. It might take me a while to not be freaked out to go that long again when I'm not feeling up to par. For now, even though it's only 9:30pm on a Saturday night (and St. Patrick's Day no less), I am heading to bed. Today took a lot out of me!
Have a safe and happy St. Patty's Day!
2 comments:
That is so scary! I'm glad you're okay! Allergies + wind can definitely be responsible for this. Yesterday I did a 50 minute run/walk and my nose was running the whole time, the wind blowing, and I managed to pick a hilly route. I felt like crap! It's crazy how some things are just out of your control. Again, glad you're okay. Maybe you could get a little arm strap + phone holder? Also, a doctor could probably provide you with an emergency inhaler? Take it easy today!
Thanks! I am feeling better and did fine on a 4.5 mile walk, though I did still have a hard time walking into the wind and breathing. I walked considerably slower today, so I am assuming that helped. I cannot wait until spring allergy season is over! I had pneumonia + sinus infection last spring so I hope to avoid that this year! I will ask about an inhaler the next time I'm in to see my doc (or before then if I continue to have these issues!).
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