I used to be a runner

[Rambler1982]

I used to be a long distance runner, not too long ago actually. I was running 50-60 miles a week, and it felt amazing. I would wake up at 4:30am and crank out a 15 miler before work. And it was nothing, completely effortless. On the weekends I would do a 20 miler with ease. I loved running with all my heart. Is was my biggest passion and the most important thing in the world to me.

In September of 2008, I started feeling tired during my runs. I noticed that I lacked the strength and energy that normally carried me. I was getting out of breath easily, and could feel my heart rate climb right at the beginning of the run. Over the next 3-4 weeks, this weakness while running got worse and worse until I was forced to stop running completely. I was completely miserable (and still am). Something that was the source of such immense joy was now gone. I was upset, frustrated, confused, scared, disappointed and angry.

I knew something must be wrong with me, but I was too scared to find out what it was. I was certain that it was cancer, or AIDS, or heart disease, or diabetes, etc. I thought maybe if I just ignored it, it would go away. But it didn't.

So for the past 6 months, I've been trying to cope with what's going. But eventually I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't stand the uncertainty, nor could I bare to not have running in my life. I went to the doctor, explained my symptoms, and he ordered some tests. This afternoon I had a CT scan, an EKG, and some blood work done.

Perhaps it's something simple that can be dealt with easily, but I await the results in utter fear. I just want to be able to run again....

[CowboyBeebop]

I used to be a long distance runner, not too long ago actually. I was running 50-60 miles a week, and it felt amazing. I would wake up at 4:30am and crank out a 15 miler before work. And it was nothing, completely effortless. On the weekends I would do a 20 miler with ease. I loved running with all my heart. Is was my biggest passion and the most important thing in the world to me.

In September of 2008, I started feeling tired during my runs. I noticed that I lacked the strength and energy that normally carried me. I was getting out of breath easily, and could feel my heart rate climb right at the beginning of the run. Over the next 3-4 weeks, this weakness while running got worse and worse until I was forced to stop running completely. I was completely miserable (and still am). Something that was the source of such immense joy was now gone. I was upset, frustrated, confused, scared, disappointed and angry.

I knew something must be wrong with me, but I was too scared to find out what it was. I was certain that it was cancer, or AIDS, or heart disease, or diabetes, etc. I thought maybe if I just ignored it, it would go away. But it didn't.

So for the past 6 months, I've been trying to cope with what's going. But eventually I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't stand the uncertainty, nor could I bare to not have running in my life. I went to the doctor, explained my symptoms, and he ordered some tests. This afternoon I had a CT scan, an EKG, and some blood work done.

Perhaps it's something simple that can be dealt with easily, but I await the results in utter fear. I just want to be able to run again....

Good luck.  It could be a number of things that aren't terribly serious.  Have you ever had asthma?

[Rambler1982]

Good luck.  It could be a number of things that aren't terribly serious.  Have you ever had asthma?

I have not, but that's one of the things my doctor suggested it might be.

[CowboyBeebop]

I have not, but that's one of the things my doctor suggested it might be.

Exercise-induced asthma is not uncommon among athletes.  It can occur later in life and in people who had no prior history of asthma.  Did you have an echocardiograph done?  Why did your doctor suggest a CT?  Are you seeing a cardiologist, or a GP?  Have you only been having this difficulty during activity, or are you suffering from a general lethargy?  Has there been a change in your resting heart rate?  What is your age?  I assume you don't smoke? 

[Nitewaif]

Congratulations on getting the balls to get checked out.  Knowing is better than the uncertainty.  Asthma was the first thing that came to mind for me, too.  It can be controlled with meds.  I've got my fingers crossed for you as you await your test results.

[ducpainter]

The waiting is the killer...

I told a doc once that the disease won't kill me...

but the suspense might.

Good luck.

[LA]

Hey, wish we was there .......to get you a beer out of the fridge ........and look right at ya and say .........it'll be all right.

LA

[He Man]

Wow, there are a few things in the world that are similar to the addiction of running. There was an article about how natural running is and how its such a basic instinct to have, that some of us can not live without it.
Though at 50-60miles a week, you are really pounding your body. Maybe its nature telling you to tone it down a bit?

Eitherway, i hope all checks out well and your good to go!

[mitt]

best wishes sent

mitt

[Statler]

no idea if it helps...but here's how I look at this type of thing...viewing it this way helped a friend waiting results for a brain tumor we were hoping had shrunk post-treatment...she was terrified at the waiting part.



It is what it is.     All you're doing now is seeking knowlege.   Whether you know what it is or not, your condition is the same.     Better to know.    Then we can make a plan, whereas now we're paralyzed with a lack of information which both isn't helping fix the initial problem, and is making us unhappy on a bigger level than the initial problem.   


 You know you're strong enough to tackle it no matter what the info is.


good wishes sent

[Howie]

Hang in there, my thoughts are with you.

[Oldfisti]

More good wishes sent.

Hope it's something minor and like Statler said...

You know you're strong enough to tackle it no matter what the info is

 

[DRKWNG]

Really sorry to hear that you are going through this; both the symptoms and the dread of the (for now) unknown.  As everyone else has already said, you have my best of wishes and I hope this comes to a speedy (and positive) conclusion for you.

[Big Troubled Bear]

Well wishes sent your way, hope it`s nothing that can`t be controlled

[ducpenguin]

It could be something very simple...
I was a competitive cyclist and learned a good bit about longer physical efforts.  Your Red Blood Cells (RBCs) are one of the most important counts that you should pay attention to during extended efforts.  Have your doc test your RBC levels and see about having an iron supplement.  I have attached a link that gives a little information about it...check it out, I am sure there are many others.
Best wishes and good luck...whatever it is, you can beat it with your will.
Chuck

http://www.vrp.com/articles.aspx?ProdID=art2214&zTYPE=2