A couple of weeks ago in my post on taking a break from CrossFit, I mentioned briefly that I’ve been working toward a new goal.
This summer, I’m working on training for a half marathon. But, the “why” behind it goes a little bit deeper than just checking off the box of fitness accomplishments. Here’s why I decided to take it on.
My struggles with running
Almost every memory I have of running is pure misery.
The very first CrossFit workout I ever tried involved three 800-meter runs with bodyweight movements in between. It was cold outside and the air felt like knives in my lungs. By the time I finished the workout, I was lying on the floor, nauseated, light-headed, chest burning, feeling like I was going to puke, pass out, or die. I had to lay there for a solid 20 minutes before I had the wherewithal to drive home.
The next time I tried a CrossFit workout that involved running, I insisted on using the rower instead. The coach was skeptical at first, but I said, no really, I can’t run. After a couple of weeks, I sheepishly mustered the courage to run the 400-meter and 800-meter runs in the workouts instead of slog away on the rowing machine, and found a way to finish them without feeling like I was knocking on death’s door.
Despite being an active person for nearly my whole life, running has always seemed just out of reach to me. I’ve often felt that regardless of how fit I am in other areas, running (and most other forms of hardcore cardio) never gets easier. It’s always felt like running beats me.
In search of a full breath
Although I’m sure a lot of my “I can’t run” feeling is a mental block, it has a physical component, too.
When I was about 12 years old, I developed trouble breathing. For some mysterious reason, I regularly found that I couldn’t take a full breath anymore. I’d start to breathe, only to get “stuck” with about 3/4 of a breath. I’d sit there trying and trying to get that last bit of air, only managing a full breath that felt right once out of every 5 or 10 times. The phenomenon seemed to come and go, sometimes appearing at rest but virtually always becoming a problem with exertion.
In the intervening 15+ years, it’s faded at times, but never quite gone away. I still experience that tight-chest feeling at unexplained intervals, sometimes while sitting at my desk and other times while I’m doing something active. I’ve seen numerous doctors and tried all kinds of strategies, from food exclusion diets to chiropractic care to fish oil to an inhaler. I’ve had pulmonary function tests, blood work, x-rays, and even visited a specialist at a prestigious pulmonology clinic, all turning up nothing.
The unsolved mystery that is my breathing issue is one of my major struggles as an athlete, both mentally and physically. I’ve learned a lot about my limits and the warning signs that I shouldn’t ignore. But no matter how hard I train, no matter how strong I get, I always feel limited by the fact that I can’t seem to breathe normally.
On being mediocre
With that in mind, being even a casual endurance athlete has always felt decidedly off-limits. When I talk to people about things as simple as enjoying running or as grand as completing an Ironman triathlon, I feel a twinge of jealousy and sadness. I think to myself, “I wish I could do that, but I could never.” “I wish I could take up [fitness hobby] and enjoy it, but I can’t.” “I wish I was ‘normal’ and not such a mediocre athlete.”
There’s all manner of quotes, memes, and people out there to tell you that you have no limits, there are no excuses, and so on. But truthfully, that’s a very hard thing to internalize. The trouble is, sometimes delving into that territory also means confronting the brutal truth that yes, maybe you really do kind of suck at something. Maybe it really is 10x harder for you to do it because of some physical limitation you have. Maybe you have to adapt and accept that you’re doing your best, even if it doesn’t look like going to the Olympics or winning your age group in every race. Inspirational quotes aside, that can be a hard pill to swallow.
Questioning old beliefs
My 3+ years of CrossFit training included a modest amount of short-distance running, and over time, I started to notice that I gradually became more comfortable with my runs. I learned to find a pace where I could complete my short runs and still feel ok for the next movement. Once, when the workout of the day was simply “run a 5k”, I stunned myself when I actually managed to complete the course at an appropriate pace with no walk breaks.
Another time, I experimented with running a mile at altitude (I live at 7000′) versus sea level and comparing my times. I chose running because it was the one thing I could do while on my vacation at sea level, and I wanted to quantify the effects of altitude training. On my final run at sea level, I pulled off a mind-blowing 7:44 mile. For the first time in my life, I actually felt good while running.
The idea started to creep into my head that maybe I could learn to run.
I first got the idea to run a half a year or two ago. The stubborn athlete in me wanted to do it just to prove to myself that I could. There’s something very powerful in that notion that drives many of us as athletes: doing it just for the knowledge that you can.
Up to this point, the idea never quite came to fruition, because the timing was off or I had other things going on. I knew if I wanted to tackle this goal, I’d need to set myself up for success as much as possible: nice weather, time to commit to it, etc. So, this spring, when I was looking for a new workout routine right as the weather was getting nice, I knew what I had to do.
How I’m training
I’m currently working with a running coach who wrote me a personalized training plan based on my abilities and goals. Working with a running coach goes back to setting myself up for success. Having someone know exactly what I need, someone to run with me and provide encouragement, and someone to help me adapt my routine instead of using a generic plan from the internet gives me more confidence.
I started training at the beginning of May, so I’ve been running on the regular for about a month now. I typically run 4x a week, with other workouts sprinkled in like strength training and aerial silks practice. So far, I’ve worked my way up to nearly 6 miles without walk breaks. I mostly do road running, but with the extensive trail systems where I live, I usually end up on a trail for at least one of my weekend runs.
My first race is a 5k toward the end of this month. After that, I’m planning to do more races throughout July and August, including another 5k, 10k, and tentatively a 15k.
As far as the actual half is concerned, I haven’t chosen a race yet, but I’m planning to do one sometime in September or October. These are the events on my short list, but if you have one in the southwest that you’d recommend (or NOT recommend), feel free to let me know.
River City Half Marathon – San Antonio, TX – Sep 3
The Other Half – Moab, UT – Oct 15
GUSTO Half – San Antonio, TX – Oct 15
Craft Classic Half Marathon – Fountain Hills, AZ – Oct 15
Despite my troubled history with running, training has been going very well so far. My runs have largely been very therapeutic for my stress levels and satisfyingly challenging. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of my summer training holds, and of course, crossing that finish line.
P.S. Current warm-weather training uniform
Still working on finding all the right gear, especially as my runs get longer, but these are my standbys so far.
Lululemon speed shorts
Lululemon run: stuff your bra or energy bra
Lululemon cool racerback
Lululemon race to win run hat (old)
Brooks Pure Cadence 6
I’ e had the same breathing issues since I was a little kid. I’m slim like you and could always run fast for short distances but long runs seemed out of the question. The most Inever worked myself up to was a 5k and I couldn’t complete it at anywhere near a competitive time. I’be totally psyched myself out about running, but maybe working with a trainer is an answer-at least to find out for once and for all if distance running will be available to me. Thanks for your story and your honesty.
Wendy
Sorry to hear you’ve had similar issues, it’s definitely not fun! Having a coach to work with is definitely helpful. There are also group classes here through a local run club that I also thought about doing. If there’s one in your area, that could be another good place to get some extra encouragement and support. :)
Hi,
Very inspiring information. Thanks for sharing with us.
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Running is my favorite exercise and I am always happy to hear about people picking it up!
When I first started I would run too fast and be miserable. I learned to slow down and it made running far more enjoyable!
Yes, slowing down has been a major key for me too. When I first started to learn to run more than 400M in CrossFit, going slower than I wanted to (and slower than I felt like I needed to!) was totally game-changing!
I similarly had a physical component blocking me from running: short tendons. I didn’t realize that was the problem until those tendons started to slowly (oh god so slowly) stretch out as I took barre classes. After ~7 months of barre, I now find myself able to run a mile. Something I have never been able to do. Ever. I’ve only done it twice so far, but I’m hoping to be able to make it something I do regularly enough to build up endurance.
It seems like no matter what else you do, running is the one thing all athletes are expected to be good at. I’m glad you’re finally enjoying yourself out on those runs, and we’re all here supporting you in your goal!
Wow, that’s crazy! I’ve never heard of that being a problem but it totally makes sense. I’m glad you’ve been able to start getting the best of it. :)
I also agree with your last comment. I think people (myself included!) just expect athletes to automatically be able to run well, because on the surface, it seems deceptively simple. And thank you for the kind words. :)
I have issues with taking full breaths. I will catch myself sitting and realizing I am not breathing at all. I am actually seeing a Chi Net Sang massage therapist to help loosen things up in by belly and gut. We also work on a lot of deep breathing exercises during the sessions. Google chi net sang- it’s very interesting and I am learning new things about my body all the time!
Spelled it wrong- it’s Chi Nei Sang
That sounds really intriguing! I’ve thought about trying to see a respiratory therapist, but this sounds like an interesting thing to try as well. Thanks for the idea!
Tuscon Half marathon (December)
Mammoth Mountain Half (June – maybe next year?)
RunDisney: Star Wars (January) Tinkerbell (May) Avengers (November I think) Disney Half (August – seriously so hot here every year though I skip this one).
OC Marathon/Half (May)
Glad you are working with a coach! Many people say “I’m gonna run a half” and just go out with zero plan in mind and end up injured. Also, and kind of my pet peeve, walking isn’t taboo when running. It’s not failing if you stop and walk a bit. There’s an entire training program based on the run/walk method that has been successful and gives many people PR’s in races vs straight running without walking.
Good luck and enjoy the journey!
Thanks for the tip on walking–I’ve been trying to keep that in mind the last few days, especially when I ended up walking a good ways up a particularly nasty hill (tried out a new trail that I THOUGHT was gonna be flat, haha). For me, walking has always meant I was feeling awful and totally bonking. So it’s become synonymous with “having a bad time running”, and likewise, being able to run further without stopping is a measure of me NOT having a bad time.
And the Mammoth and Tuscon races sound intriguing! They probably wouldn’t be my first but if I’m still enjoying running/racing I’ll have to revisit those. :)
Good for you! It’s always great to read about people taking risks and challenging themselves. Of course, running is my thing, so I’m biased….
I had my own stint with breathing issues, after years of running. The air quality where I lived was not good and I developed exercise induced asthma. It took many tests and research on my part to figure it out. I manage it with minimal medication now (and moving to a location with better air quality helped).
Trail running will make you a better runner overall and lessen the pounding on your joints.
Looking forward to hearing more about your running journey!
Yeah, I’m trying to find a good balance between trail/road, because if I train all on trails but race on the road, that probably wouldn’t go well! Also, on a similar note to you, moving to high elevation has seemed to make my breathing symptoms less dramatic, which is ironic given the whisper-thin air up here (~22% less oxygen availability). I have no data to prove that it’s improved, it just seems to have gotten better the past 2-3 years since living here. Go figure.
Happy for you, Suzanne. Great inspiring post!
I began running 10-15 years ago when I was in grad school. I hated the stabbing knives in my lungs feeling so much that I actually did super hard elliptical workouts for about 2 months first so that I would be in full “cardio shape” – it actually totally worked (who knew?) and on my first run of about 3 miles, I had none of the lung issues I was so scared of. I was so sore I couldn’t move, but at least I overcame the hurdle that had made me hate running for the first 20 years of my life.
Now I love it. I never “train” because I do it mostly for mental health and anxiety management and training makes me anxious; however, I do races occasionally and run faster or slower or longer or shorter depending on my mood and what my mental state requires. My favorite thing about running is that my sister and I do it together. She is my best friend in the world and lives far away, so we try to run “together” (on the phone) a couple times a week and it allows us time to chat mindlessly for 45-60 minutes at a time (something that would never ever fit into our schedules so often otherwise). I NEVER would have thought that my lungs would be so in shape that I could have full conversations while running for an hour.
Regarding your wardrobe: I have run exclusively in the brooks purecadence for years. They are awesome. When they go on sale in the spring/summer, make sure to stock up – Nordstrom Rack almost always has them for half price each year. My only other comment is that while I know a lot of people love running in shorts, if you run long enough, you will eventually fall. Falling in shorts once was enough to make me never run in shorts again. Open wounds on knees taking months to heal = no bueno. Anyways, call me paranoid, but I always run in crops or tights. Knees covered! Try your rebel runners (if you still have them). They have good pockets :)
I’ve fallen in shorts. I still wear shorts. and skirts on trail. A week of bandaids and neosporin on the knees and it was healed up. It was pretty good too because I did a nice slide.
Running in crops in summer I would die. Way. Too. Hot. Sometimes it hits 90 before 8:00am and sometimes the temps never go below 70 degrees the whole night so crops = no bueno :P
ha! agreed. hot running in general is totally no bueno. it was 90 degrees for my run today (in crops!) blaaaaaah.
i think i am a super clumsy person… i never get hurt in ways that heal in a week. my scrapes are always awful… like through all layers of skin (i wasn’t exaggerating when i said months)… so yeah, point taken. as i admitted willingly in my original post, many people love running in shorts. it’s just something to think about if you are clumsy, fall hard, are doing a lot of trail running, etc.
So far so good with the falls! But yeah, it’s probably bound to happen at some point. D: We’ll hope for either intact knees or intact clothes if it does, haha.
It’s awesome to hear you’ve made so much progress, despite thinking it was out of reach. I should try calling my mom on my long runs, hehe.
I’ll have to keep an eye on Nords Rack. I tried both the 5th gen and 6th gen pure cadence and only liked the 6th. I think that generation is pretty new, but hopefully I can catch a pair or two on sale. I’m ~100 miles into my current shoes but already thinking of getting another pair to keep mine alive longer.
Yay! The “I hate running/can’t run” thought process is very common for most runners (who weren’t track stars in high school). I know it was for me. It’s an unfortunate truth that running usually isn’t too enjoyable when you first start out but becomes so when you stick with it. Sounds like that’s already happening with you!
Glad it’s not just me. :) I do feel like I’ve mostly gotten past that first hump of “omg this sucks”, haha. It engages a totally different part of my brain than other workouts in a way that has been really good for me at the moment. Who knows if I’ll always feel that way but I’m enjoying it while I can!
I didn’t start running seriously until I hit a big birthday and realized I had to do something or else I would never get in shape. . . thus began a love/hate affair with running. I hope you get the same sense of love/hate and eventually the love outweighs the hate. It’s always a challenge to get out the door in the mornings, but the way I feel the rest of the day is what makes me do it. My only comment on the races you have potentially selected is that San Antonio on Labor Day Weekend will more than likely be HOT. I’m from Houston and I can’t remember an early September weekend where running a half would not be hot. If you are okay with hot and humid, San Antonio is generally a fun place to run. The October one would probably be more my pick.
Yes, some days it’s definitely hard to get out the door, though much easier now since the weather is pretty perfect. But like you said, I always feel better when I go!
And to your point, I was def a bit worried it would be a bit toasty on LDW. I’m a pretty cold-natured person so I’m not sure it’s a total dealbreaker, but I do kinda wish it was a couple weeks later in the year! Thanks for the tip. :)
Speed shorts are the best for summer running! I usually wear swiftly tops when it’s really hot, as I find they are better at keeping me cool.
As for where to run – it doesn’t fit your criteria but I have to mention this one: http://queenstown-marathon.co.nz/ ;)
Others have already mentioned the weather – this is such an important consideration for choosing a half as it’s such a long time. If it’s perfect weather it’s great fun. If it’s stinking hot it’s awful, and heat slows you down so it will take even longer.
Eep–definitely gotta sign up for that one! ;)
I’ve only had one swiftly tank (which I’ve since sold) and while I agree the material is great for heat, I found it rode up on me. It was a size up though, so maybe I should try again. There are some really lovely colors out right now!
That Gusto Half in October looks shaky. San Antonio is a fun place for races, but the organizer was on sabbatical for 2016 and there’s not much info for the October race. Maybe for your 1st race, you might want a race that’s more established so that there is adequate race support, organization, etc.
Yeah, I was worried about that. :\ The weather is likely more tolerable in that time frame, but the organization sketches me out a little. I wanted to find something in San Antonio because my grandmother lives there and I’d like to go visit, but I may have to make that a separate trip sans running.
While not in your timeframe, the Alamo Half is very fun. it is in March and starts and finishes at the Alamo. http://alamo131.com. Ok, I just looked — it did the last couple of years. They are adding a full so I’m not sure for 2018. The race organizers are great though so you may want to consider one of their events if you want to tag on a race to visit your grandmother. Good luck!
Oh cool! That sounds fun. If I’m up for more races after my first and I keep running through winter, that one might be perfect. Thanks for the idea. :)
Thanks for your honest account of your training and previous struggles with running. I only started even getting into a a fitness routine the past 3 years after realizing how much I needed a way to cope with stress and mental health issues post grad school and I’ve had a pretty sedentary life pretty much all my life previously. I finally started running outdoors a year ago, spent a long time covering pretty short distances. I am finally running 5k regularly but still struggle to maintain that or increase mileage due to knee troubles. I will one day make it to 10k! But till then I just feel accomplished knowing where I was just 3 years ago so there’s no reason why I wouldn’t reach that goal but its a love hate thing for me too. Also I have long given up hopes of being an olympic athlete! ha!
Good luck on your training! Hope you’ll be updating more of your posts with your progress and race day reports from your upcoming events :)
That’s awesome! Fitness was vital to me during/after grad school as well, and running in particular has been a fantastic stress reliever. Hopefully your knee starts to work with you a little better so you can hit that 10k mark! :)
That’s amazing that you’re up to 6 miles with just over a month of training! Super inspiring!
I used to be a distance runner. I ran for nearly 7 years — 3 years of high school cross country & track and then ~3.5 years of college cross country & track (I didn’t think I would do track, but then joined my sophomore year of college). I used to really love running, but dreaded competing. After a while, I burned out on it though. I ran for another year or so after college, but then I stopped for a number of reasons (injury, having a job with lots of hiking, “depression”).
I’ve flirted with getting back into it off and on, but would always stop after a month or 2. I mostly do vinyasa and interval yoga as well as BBG-type HIIT and bootcamp-style workouts, but as it’s getting nice out, it’d be nice to be able to enjoy running outside again. Also, I’ve been majorly slacking on fitness and even my yoga practice these past few months due to current life stresses and job hunting post-grad, so I’m trying not to go too hard to fast, ya know?
I think burnout is pretty normal no matter what sport/activity you do. Maybe since you’ve gotten a bit of a break you can come back and enjoy it more. But even if not, there’s nothing wrong with that! You gotta do what makes you happy. :)
My main reason for not being able to run long distances (anything more than 3 miles at a time) is because my bone thin feet can’t take all the pounding. Is there anyway to avoid the calluses on feet when running? My feet are all skin and bone and the calluses hurt. Any advice?
That sounds miserable. :( I haven’t experienced this personally, but they do make socks with some nice cushioning designed to help with impact. Perhaps that would help? No idea if that’s a legitimate solution, but thought I’d throw it out there!
Leslie – It sounds like you need different shoes! Try a specialised running store (not a general sporting store). Changing shoes and socks can make all the difference :)
i enjoy cardio but running intimidates the heck out of me. once im over my foot issues, i would like to start running. hopefully in the next few months. im sure i wont ever do a half or what-not but id love to just run.
Running has definitely been intimidating for me too. If you think you might enjoy it, it’s worth giving it a shot when you can, just take it nice and slow!
Shorts all the way! Tights of any length are likely to be too hot for summer running. And falls are inevitable–would hate for you to rip any of your nice collection of tights.
#1 recommendation: Go to your local running store to be fitted for shoes. And know that you’ll likely wear one size larger than your normal, non athletic shoe size.
I’d recommend sticking as close to home as possible to run your half. While traveling for a race can be a huge amount of fun, it’s so much less stressful to run close to home especially for the first big event you do.
Yes, the local running store is who hooked me up with my Brooks shoes. :) I need to pay them a visit again soon–I’m getting to enough volume that I probably need proper trail shoes in addition to my road shoes.
Re: distance from home, that’s a tricky one. There’s only ONE half in my hometown and it’s considered a *very* difficult course, to the tune of 1100 ft of climbing (all trail), never dipping below 8000 ft elevation. :\ I haven’t totally ruled it out yet, but for my first race I’d kind of rather go with a more casual course to hedge my bets that I’ll have a good time. The trouble is, that means I have to drive a minimum of 2-3 hours, which means pretty much no matter where I go, I’d have to spend the night in a hotel the night before. Small town problems. :(
You should come up to Page! We have a half on oct 21, that ends with pretty views. I have never done more than a 10k and am starting to train for this in the hopes I can do it! (Every time I’ve tried to go above 10k range, I get injured in past. Trying to be sensible and take it slow.) A lot of folks here I know have done the race the past few years and say its well supported with water/bananas/bars/etc. Does seem like an early start time but that’s okay in case its warm then!
http://thelakepowellhalf.com/the-course/
I was actually looking at the Lake Powell Half, it looks fun! That said, it’s the one weekend my husband is most likely going to be out of town. That doesn’t mean I can’t do it, but it might make it more difficult. :\ So, I’m playing that one by ear as the date gets closer. Fingers crossed you stay injury free and can participate too! :)
Thanks! That’s too bad but if you decide to come up anyway, there’s lots of nice folks up here (a lot of us park service) even though Page itself is kinda odd (much prefer Flag or West Sedona, where my Mom lives). Give a shout-out if you need logistical help or cheering squad!!
i used to run in brooks pure line. but if you want a truly great running shoe try newtons. they are lightweight, fit the foot good, no black toes, long lasting, cushiony. made by runners for runners. i have used the fate, aha, and gravity. i like them all!
Well, I at least love how the Newtons look so that’s a good start! :) I’m looking for trail shoes and I like the look of theirs. I’ll have to see if I can find them in a local store to try them out. Thanks for the recommendation!
I have an amazing destination race for you. It’s set in a quaint Bavarian village called Leavenworth Washington during Oktoberfest!!! So if you love to run , love fall foliage ,mountain scenery, love beer , love to travel, love a race that supports cancer research from a deeply rooted foundation , and you chose a race that speaks to you based on all the above,this is your race ! My good friend Lynda is race director who continued her husband Ted ‘s vision for this race after he died from cancer !! Check it out and hope to see you there !!!
http://www.teddriven.com/leavenworth-marathon/
Ahhh that looks gorgeous!!! It’s a bit of a downside that I’d have to fly instead of drive, but I’m not ruling it out because I’d looove to visit the PNW for the weekend. :) Thanks for the recommendation!
I’m sure you’ve been down this road but I have been prescribed multiple inhalers and found an answer after one of those tube breathing test things. I can’t remember what it’s called but the short version is that normal fast acting inhalers (ventalin) didn’t do anything but longer term steroid inhalers (symbicort) you take each day would do the trick. Anyways, on the off chance you haven’t tried those, give it a short.
Yeah, I’ve had a few tests like that, but they didn’t give me any answers. :\ On the plus side, at least they were normal. :) I’ve asked about long-term inhalers, but the doctors I’ve been to so far didn’t recommend them for me. If I go again, I might bring it up again and see what they say.
I love running and reading your post was a blessing! You are so motivational!
Thank you so much Agness!! :)
I always had something in my head that said I couldn’t run – bad knees, asthma worsened by allergies that was diagnosed only a few years ago. I started running almost to prove to myself that I could after I lost a bunch of weight and was down to a size 6. Once I started it, I was addicted. Sure the gear is fun, and the clothes and shoes – and with getting my allergies under control (Mucinex D was the only thing that worked for me, plus asthma meds) and good headphones and a great running hat – I couldn’t stop.
The key for me was the same secret that got me through grad school – twice. I am not going to care about my grades. I don’t care that I’m 40 (now 46). I’m going to run my pace my way. I’m going to compare myself against… myself. I made a playlist of sexy sometimes raunchy songs that I titled MILF and hit the road, and if I walked, I walked. I had nothing to prove except to myself, and in reality run/walk is more effective than run.
In a short time, I found I could go farther, so I did. 20 minute runs became 45 minute runs, and I was doing 5ks without a stretch, and then 7ks, and 10ks. I treated myself with a garmin (now I have an apple watch). I run without my phone now with just my apple watch and cordless earbuds (and my inhaler) and it’s amazingly free.
Run while you can. Enjoy your runs for what they are, not what they aren’t. I was seriously injured in a car accident last fall and haven’t run in 11 months and it kills me but I know that after surgery I will be back on the road. I live in New England and run from March/April through November/December skipping the height of summer in August because the humidity makes it too hard, and the cold air hurts my lungs. Again – nothing to prove!
My mantra when I race (and thus can’t have music) is this: My pace, my race, my time. I do triathlons now, and I get passed sometimes by 72 year old women, and I don’t care – I cheer them on! – because it’s my time, literally and figuratively. I think hitting middle age I realized that this is my life and no one is going to look at my time and laugh at me. Sure, I have friends that can run me into the dust, but when I’m on the road, I’m not thinking about them.
Enjoy, keep it up, you’ll love how you feel, and even more so, investing the time into yourself outdoors. I just came upon your blog and love it – keep going!
Love all of this!! As someone who knew right from the start that I’m not destined to be a very impressive runner, that has made it a little easier to not care so much and just focus on enjoying it for what it is, not worrying about numbers and ranks. And of course, then if those numbers do improve, that’s just icing on the already great cake. :)
I’m sorry to hear injury has been keeping you on the proverbial bench. I can imagine how hard that would be. I hope you’re healed and well soon!! Thanks so much for the thoughtful and kind comment, I’m glad you found me. :)
Sorry to butt into this conversation now as it’s been a while since it started. I stumbled across your blog but as soon as I read about your breathing problems I immediately thought ‘chronic hyperventilation syndrome’, when I saw that you find it improved by high altitude it made even more sense. Put simply, if your breathing is fast and shallow ( and you probably will have no idea you are doing it ) your carbon dioxide levels drop and your body won’t allow you to take a deep breath. Lower oxygen levels at high altitude will compensate somewhat for this problem. It might originally have been caused by stress, you might not know the cause but I think it becomes habit. Good news is that breathing exercises will cure it, running will help as will any cardio endurance type activity as it forces you to regulate your breathing (swimming would be great as you really do have to set a breathing pattern). Best link I could find online to explain the process was this one http://www.normalbreathing.com/CO2-breath-control.php.
Hope you’re enjoying the running now and maybe you’ve completed your first marathon.
How interesting! I’ve never heard of that condition but it makes a lot of sense. I’ve noticed that, paradoxically, endurance cardio like a long run seems to be much better for me (in terms of breathing) than short, max-effort cardio. That also seems to line up with the hyperventilation theory. It would also explain why my pulse ox and pulmonary function tests come back normal.
I’ve considered going to a respiratory therapist to get their take.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment! :)
Oh and P.S. yes I did run my half marathon! It was a *very* challenging course and actually went great–as good as I hoped for!