A month or so ago, I thought I'd be able to train once the weather improved, but today was only the second time I've been able to run 3 miles this year without a major asthma attack, so there's not going to be any racing for me. I'm signed up for the Run for the Apples 5 Mile on October 18 and the Great Pumpkin Chase 10K on Oct. 25, but I probably won't do either.
I've tossed around the idea of one last run before retirement, but the general response has been, "Well, as long as it's what I've already planned, ends before 7 AM so I can spend the day with the kids and isn't more than 5 minutes away from my home." I still get friends asking me to join them to do 15-30 trail miles after months of my screaming at them that I can't do that any more. No one listens or cares, so I'm just not going to try any more.
The question for me has always been what to do in retirement, as I've never run for health or for social reasons, but to train to race (and when I've tried, I just don't bother after a few days). I think I can tolerate running for an hour five days per week - once I'm well enough to be able to run without an asthma attack - with two harder days including speed work.
Improved
1 day ago
6 comments:
can I ask a suuuuuper obvious question? (like, even more obvious than asking a smoker if they know cigarettes are bad for them...). ok, here goes - have you experimented with a wide variety of inhalers to treat your asthma? I ask because it took me a long time to find something that reliably controlled by asthma but when I did... it rocked my world. I tried about 6 different medications (over the course of about a decade) before I found my drug of choice... the effect was such that I went from running an 11:15 3 km one week-end to running a 10:19 two weeks later, simply because I could breathe. Maybe you just have not found the right drug? That and smoking = bad.
Speaking as someone with asthama, and an RN, I agree with PPC. Sounds as if you are not on the right medications.
Finding a doctor who will work with you to find the combination that best controls your symptoms can be tricky, but worth it. If not for running, just for general daily happiness and comfort.
I second what both comments above said. When it comes to your health and quality of life, being able to do what you love is key. If the doctor isn't willing to work with you to try things, then move on. The good docs are there, just gotta search for them.
I got nothing to add to this excellent advice, but just wanted to say I'm sorry you're having a hard time. Hope you can find a way to do the things that make you happy.
Yeah, I am officially retiring from races as well. My body shut down, and besides, I have other priorities I'd like to tend to while on this land.
Retiring from running is a difficult decision, as it has become your bread and butter. But in my opinion, it’s a good option for you to consider because of your asthma. Just be sure to make a good plan, so whatever happens after your retirement, you will no longer be surprised because you are prepared for it.
Greg Grimsley
Post a Comment