Last week I came down with what was probably just a cold. I felt stuffy, achy, and feverish. But after a couple of days, it ran its course…via its usual route…my lungs. I lost my voice but otherwise felt better. I felt well enough, in fact, to go for a run on Wednesday evening. So stupid. I had no business running with chest congestion because I have asthma! Funny how that little detail slipped my mind. Also, it was cold out, the sun was setting, and I was not dressed properly for the weather. (Sorry, Dad.)
Not exactly my best decision ever. But we traveled out of town on Thanksgiving morning, and I still felt well (and optimistic) enough to pack my running shoes and clothes.
Unfortunately, I went downhill fast, and 24 hours later wound up in Urgent Care where I was given IM Methylprednisolone (a shot of steroids in my butt). It helped relieve my shortness of breath, but the cough stuck around. I’ve now been on Prednisone (an oral steroid) for 4 days with no real improvement – if anything, I feel worse. I’m using my albuterol inhaler several times a day, and I’m up (and keeping my husband awake) half the night with this dry, unproductive cough. I admitted defeat last night and began taking the antibiotic that the Urgent Care doctor prescribed “just in case.”
I still feel lousy, which is why I’m up at 4:30 a.m. blogging about how lousy I feel.
So as far as running goes…well, it just ISN’T right now. I haven’t been able to run since last Wednesday (almost a week ago), which seems like kind of a big deal with a marathon coming up in just two months and another 20 mile run on the schedule for December 14th. Yesterday I didn’t even feel well enough to make it to yoga.
I’m terribly frustrated. As I shared a couple of weeks ago, I was starting to have doubts about whether my body could handle a February marathon. But then I had this incredibly successful 20 mile run (thank you KT Tape, you are a lifesaver!!!). I felt determined and capable…and now this. And so the doubts are back and looming larger than ever.
For the most part, this is out of my control. I can’t make my body not be sick. All I can do is take care of myself. Take my medications. Go back to the doctor if I’m not feeling any better in a few days. Rest. Don’t run. Above all, listen to my body.
And for goodness’ sake…if I go running in the cold again, at least wear a hat.
Natalie DiBlasio says
This happened to me recently. I ran the Shanghai Half Marathon and then was sidelined with bronchitis. 🙁 FINALLY on the mend.
sharon says
Wow, that must have been an amazing race!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com says
I am sending positive running vibes your way lady! I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be to want and physically be able to run, but get sidelined by something out of your control. Hopefully you’ll make it to the starting line healthy and ready to go 🙂
sharon says
Thank you! I’m trying to be realistic and optimistic at the same time. I’m going to see how I do on a 5 mile run tomorrow morning. It’s really warm here right now, so at least the weather (hopefully) won’t be an issue.
Chene Atkins- Whittington says
asthma is a monster! I’m glad you feel better and I hope that you will be up and running soon!
sharon says
Thanks! I ran today today for the first time in 8 days, and I felt okay. I was inside on a treadmill, although it’s almost 80 degrees here today so cold weather wouldn’t have been an issue. 🙂 Hopefully I’ll be back on track soon! 🙂
Melissa @ Melissa Running It says
Awww, I hate trying to figure out what works when it comes to running with asthma! I was out in Nevada for Thanksgiving and it was super chilly in the morning. Hello, coughing fits for hours after :/ Do you have a daily inhaler that you use outside of the rescue inhaler? That’s helped me a lot. It’s usually never that cold where I’m at, but I’ve also heard running with a balaclava to help warm the air a bit before you breathe in is supposed to help.
Otherwise I’m with you – learned the hard way to nip it in the bud at the first sign of sickness and welcome the drugs.
sharon says
I used to use a daily inhaler, but I stopped…I guess technically I took myself off it. I’ve had two recent flare-ups, but really I felt like I had it under control. 🙁 I’ve lived in Florida for most of my life and my body just isn’t accustomed to being outdoors in cold weather for long periods of time (i.e., I’m a wimp). Let’s both keep our fingers crossed for a healthy cold & flu season! xoxo
Michele C. says
(((HUGS))) mama. I know it totally sucks that the marathon may be slipping out of your reach, but you have been training, so what about a different, maybe shorter race around that same time? You’ve got enough training in for a half marathon, so you could always just maintain for now and let your body recover. I’ve been sidelined since last week for the same reason (can’t run if I can’t breathe), and it super sucks. I know I can still stay on track for my race but I have more time and less distance to cover. You need to take care of YOU. As much as the race means a lot, like you said, you can’t help it if you get sick. xoxoxo
sharon says
Yeah, the 26.2 with Donna also has a 13.1 at the same time. If I can’t do the full, I’ll at least do the half. But why can’t things just go MY WAY!?! *stomping foot*
Aleshea says
Hope you get to feelin’ better soon, lady. Stay warm out there
sharon says
Thanks! Florida girls like me get cold when it’s below 65 degrees. I don’t know what I was thinking!
Ami says
So sorry you are not feeling well! Well at least now you have a good hat to wear! 🙂 Feel better!!
sharon says
Thanks – and never fear, hat selfie coming soon. I know you’re waiting with bated breath. 🙂
Mike @ FitFriend says
Hats off you for blogging honestly and confronting the lows. At least you’re being sensible enough to hit the breaks on training.
I’ve never had asthma, but I’ve been in similar doubtful place with injuries, and have learnt that having a plan B race offsets the disappointment if I need to withdraw from the plan A race. You could still go ahead with training for the marathon, and run a 21k as a plan B? You would probably be so fit from marathon training anyway, you would dominate the half!
sharon says
Thanks, Mike. It’s frustrating, but I really have no choice but to be sensible – I have two little kids to take care of, and moms don’t get sick days. Putting my health at risk just isn’t an option. This particular marathon is a big deal locally and I’ve really had my heart set on it, but you’re right – it’s probably time to get a Plan B in order. I could do the half instead of the full marathon in February and maybe set my sights on a March or April marathon instead.
Jen says
Oh no, hope you feel better soon! Winter is the only time my asthma really gives me issues, last winter was tough, hoping this year is much better all around.
sharon says
Thanks. I tend to have issues during this time of year too. I’m typically only triggered by respiratory illness or allergies, so when cold & flu season rolls around, I tend to run into trouble…plus with two kids in elementary school bringing home every little sniffle…blech.
Amy says
Wow, asthma is serious business. So sorry you are feeling rough . . . hope it improves soon! My son has asthma and he prefers the Xopenex inhaler to the Albuterol inhaler . . . makes him feel less jittery . . . not sure if that’s an issue for you but you never know! Rest and recover . . . you’ll catch back up on those runs!
sharon says
Thanks, I appreciate it. I use Ventolin and that makes me less jittery than the others I’ve tried. I’m jittery enough on my own. 🙂 My asthma was adult-onset…if it stinks this much for me, it must be so scary for a little kid (and mama).
CherylCheryl says
Hope you feel better soon!
sharon says
Thanks, Cheryl. I’m bummed, but it could be worse. (I just have to keep reminding myself of that, haha.)
Brianne says
I’m sorry you’re still not feeling well. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve been blowing my nose & coughing up gross things. Misery loves company, right? Xoxo
sharon says
Nah, not when it was probably me who got you sick. 🙁 Hope you feel better soon. xoxo