Last night was my first running class . The group was meeting at PS 6 (Public School #6), an elementary school near Central Park. I was instructed to have a seat in the auditorium. Wow. Talk about a trip down memory lane. This wasn't my elementary school, but it wasn't much different than any other, I assume. Certainly no different than the one I went to. The very uncomfortable, wooden seats, the stage, the heavy curtains, remember?
At about 6:30 they rounded up my group (intermediate (10:00) and advanced intermediate (9:00, me!)-I like the sound of that) and took us up to the gym to stretch. More memories. I think the gym was my favorite place in school, I loved P.E., but I was a big-time tomboy, so no surprise there. We stretched and then they took us outside on an easy run to the park. They separated us into two groups with the 9:00 pace runners in front (that is where I put myself) and we were off on an 8:00 mile interval. Not too bad, I came in at 8:11. I definitely had to push a little, but that's the point, right? Then we rested, did a recovery run and right into a second 8:00 mile interval (more hilly, especially at the end). I was right up front, just behind the coach and stayed there until about .25 left to go. I totally bonked. I entered the barf zone. I am not ready to puke for my sport yet. I also got that tightness in my chest that I've been complaining about in races. Suddenly I couldn't breathe and my chest felt really tight and heavy. I had to stop and walk. I came in with the front runners of the group behind that she promoted to our group (so I am still in the same group...phew!)
I was disappointed. However, I reminded myself that that is why I was here. If this was easy, then what's the point in taking the class. It means there is only room to improve, right? When I got home I told Tom about what happened and he was concerned. He brought up exercise induced asthma being a possible cause for my breathing issues (some of you bloggy peeps had mentioned it as well). He, also an athlete his whole life, said he had never experienced that feeling and thought it wasn't normal. I argued that maybe I just haven't been training hard enough and only put in that extra effort in a race which is why it usually happens then. Last night I also was working hard. So it begs the question, has this ever happened to you? Do you get the feeling like you can't catch your breath, can't take a deep enough breath, a tightness in your chest, like an elephant is sitting on it? I'm trying to evaluate my situation and decide whether or not this is worth investigating in the doctor's office. I'm still feeling a bit of a sensation in my chest today, like I want to cough, but don't really need to (it was quite cool last night too). Any and all input and opinions welcome, thanks!
In any case, I am happy about the class and that I am being challenged. I'm hoping to come out the other end a faster, better runner (and not a turd). How could I not?
In triathlon news, very small triathlon news, our local sporting good store, Jack Rabbit Sports is doing an indoor triathlon series this winter at the YMCA and JCC (Jewish Community Center, which is in my 'hood and has an awesome pool and is way expensive). I am so fired up to do at least one of these. They are very small, as in mini sprint: 10 minute swim, 30 minute (spin) bike, 20 minute (treadmill) run. They are offering $100-300 gift certificates to the winners of the championships in March. Not that I expect to win anything, just another reason to keep motivated and training (I have thoughts on that which I will expound upon in an upcoming post).
I was disappointed. However, I reminded myself that that is why I was here. If this was easy, then what's the point in taking the class. It means there is only room to improve, right? When I got home I told Tom about what happened and he was concerned. He brought up exercise induced asthma being a possible cause for my breathing issues (some of you bloggy peeps had mentioned it as well). He, also an athlete his whole life, said he had never experienced that feeling and thought it wasn't normal. I argued that maybe I just haven't been training hard enough and only put in that extra effort in a race which is why it usually happens then. Last night I also was working hard. So it begs the question, has this ever happened to you? Do you get the feeling like you can't catch your breath, can't take a deep enough breath, a tightness in your chest, like an elephant is sitting on it? I'm trying to evaluate my situation and decide whether or not this is worth investigating in the doctor's office. I'm still feeling a bit of a sensation in my chest today, like I want to cough, but don't really need to (it was quite cool last night too). Any and all input and opinions welcome, thanks!
In any case, I am happy about the class and that I am being challenged. I'm hoping to come out the other end a faster, better runner (and not a turd). How could I not?
In triathlon news, very small triathlon news, our local sporting good store, Jack Rabbit Sports is doing an indoor triathlon series this winter at the YMCA and JCC (Jewish Community Center, which is in my 'hood and has an awesome pool and is way expensive). I am so fired up to do at least one of these. They are very small, as in mini sprint: 10 minute swim, 30 minute (spin) bike, 20 minute (treadmill) run. They are offering $100-300 gift certificates to the winners of the championships in March. Not that I expect to win anything, just another reason to keep motivated and training (I have thoughts on that which I will expound upon in an upcoming post).
7 comments:
I have a squeezing feeling on the run before, esp when I really, really push it, not quite like yours, but I do not get that feeling on the bike or swim. It wouldnt hurt to ask your doc about it.
i get an out of breath feeling but it is clearly related to me pushing hard and trying to catch my breath. i never feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest...i really think it would be wise to go to an allergist and get tested and explain. you might just need one of those air thingys and be fine......
just reading your describ made me miss that class. i loved it so. you find out the folks who you are int he same pace and you want to beat them on all the runs. really pushes you to your limits.
I'm so jealous you get to take a running class. That is so neat!! Please share some of your new found wisdom with us :-)
As for the breathing issues - I haven't been diagnosed with EIA however do have an inhaler for allergy season and have found myself with the tightness in the chest - almost like hyperventilating. For me it is a mental hurdle I have to get over and as soon as I relax my running and stop pushing so hard (and thinking I can't make it) I am able to recover and continue. My 2 cents. It may also just be the beginning of a cold if you are still feeling the tightness today. Hope it goes away quickly!
I had asthma as a child, tehn it left. Last season I had exercise induced asthma during a race...prompted by an allergy attack. Hit me HARD during teh swim..talk about freaking out. I got on allergy meds, a daily inhaler, and an emergency inhaler.
Be careful..get tested/looked over as soon as you can.
Cuz you're not gonna stop training and racing, right?
"I am not ready to puke for my sport yet" - me either
"Suddenly I couldn't breathe and my chest felt really tight and heavy." - sounds like allergies or asthma to me, either of which warrant a second look and can be treated. pls consider seeing a doctor. :-)
That's awesome you're pushing yourself. You'll definitely notice the difference down the road!
And a good way to tell if the chest tightness is asthma? Next time you feel it, take a puff off an inhaler. If your lungs instantly open up, then it's a good bet it's EIA. If not, then not. ;)
That chest tightness you describe does not sound like what I get when I push myself really hard, like in a race or in a group training session. I have no idea whether you can get an OTC inhaler or not but investigating whether it might be EIA sounds prudent. I've actually been surprised to hear how many people carry around inhalers.
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