Really, I guess it's asking a lot since a 5k isn't the greatest human feat imaginable. While driving past this race, I spotted an old man who could not have been younger than 85. His skin was hanging off his bones and his head hunched almost below his shoulders. He was running right along with the pack. Most all of the other runners were just normal people. Only a few looked incredibly fit. I should be able to pull something like that off, right?
You can decide for yourself but history suggests that statement is wrong. Take for example, the last time I ran a mile. I would say it was my senior year in high school and I was required to run a mile around the school track. I got around twice and began to feel nauseous. I couldn't run the entire thing.
I have countless examples of almost passing out while exercising. It even happened a few times after walking up my hill to my old home from the park or metro with my kids in the stroller. Lately, I have been getting up on Monday mornings and exercising with my friend Ali. Ali is eight months pregnant, but a pilates instructor and avid exercisor so she knows what she is doing and is quite fit. Every time we run on the treadmill, I have gotten to the point of almost passing out. And this isn't just that nauseous feeling. When I am about to pass out my ears start to ring, then I almost lose my hearing altogether. Everything sounds like it is coming from inside a deep tunnel. I don't usually stop until my vision starts to blacken. At this point, I stumble off the treadmill and find the nearest chair, where I promptly sit and drop my head between my knees. It takes a minute or two and then I regain my composure. The rest of the day I have a headache.
The second or third time this happened, Ali suggested I am missing key nutrients like iron or other vitamins...I have always been anemic. I like to think this is the problem because the alternative would be that I am seriously out of shape. Truthfully, I am not in shape, but I hate to think that I can't handle a treadmill for a few minutes without falling apart.
I am weak and, more than owning some deliriously amazing shoes or a camera so I can finally stop using my phone, I would like to be strong and resilient. I want stamina and endurance. And I wouldn't mind a bikini body either.
Maybe I shouldn't be blogging about this since my track record of going through with things that require a lot of motivation isn't great, but I think I want to run a 5k? Anyone want to join me?
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12 comments:
You can do it Megan!
I will! My track record isn't much better.
Maybe you just need this good motivation! And you already have a bikini body.
What you describe doesn't seem normal to me. (No offence intended) I would go to a doctor and tell them what you have told us. I think you need a check-up. Getting nauseous and seeing black while just running on a treadmill should not happen.
Hey Meggy Bear. I'm proud of you, and I'm also sniggering that you want a nice camera ;). I just recommend listening to your body. If you start feeling that terrible, slow down to a walk for crying out loud! The last thing I need is to lose a friend to a freak treadmill accident.
I will run with you Megan!
i will run with you!
First I love that you and Ali work out together! Second, I'm with you. Running is not my thing. I learned that from the Wellsville mile myself.
I googled your problem and this is what I read:
"The most concerning cause of syncope (passing out) during exertion is a heart problem. If your runner has had an adequate evaluation of her heart, in addition to her normal blood sugar, other causes must be considered. Vocal cord dysfunction is a syndrome in which the vocal cords close when they should be open during inspiration; this shortness of breath may cause the victim to pass out. This problem is often misdiagnosed as exercise induced asthma, but does not respond to inhalers. Emotional stress plays a major role in this problem."
My take away: 1. Make sure you eat enough (take vitamins) so your blood sugar level is good 2. Remember to BREATH when you run (remember how you told me you forget to do this). I totally believe in you! You can do it!
Meg- first I have to tell ya I just LOVE your blog. Your inspiring me. Also, until about 3 years ago I don't think I had run a mile since the wellsville mile! You can totally do a 5k. Wish we leaved near cause I always love a running buddy! And yes, start with speed walking until it bores you.
I think last time I had a conversation with you about running you said you couldn't run because you are lazy. I really don't think this is the problem. I agree with Ali that there is more to it. I don't enjoy running, but I don't pass out or get nausea. To Ali's recommendations I would add drinking 8 64 oz of water a day. For a long time I thought drinking that much water was ridiculous, but then I did it for 9 weeks with my wellness challenge and have noticed so many ways it affects me since then. Tho I still hesitate due to my small bladder. I think I should coordinate a wellness challenge around here. The fruits and vegs really helped, too.
Tho you do have those Judy shoes now. I'll consider a 5k if my doctor says its a good idea. I have some IT band issues I'm trying to address. Need to schedule that appt.
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