It’s been a really, really… really long time since I’ve posted anything here. I do check the emails and respond to people, but I just haven’t had the time (or much interest) to keep the blog going. I’m not “well”, but like I’ve said previously in other posts, I’m getting on with things and just not focusing so much on Lyme Disease.
Anyway… I know that people are inspired by my running so I thought I’d mention that I did a marathon 2 weeks ago — the 2011 Brooklyn Marathon. Surprisingly, it was my first. I’ve previously done many, many half marathons (both pre and post Lyme), but never a full. You can read a complete race report on my coaching blog here, but I ran it in 03:22:38; about a 7:43 pace. This put me in 24th overall and 2nd in my age.
On my other blog I don’t really mention my Lyme. It’s not a secret, but I just kinda keep the two things separate. In training for the race, Lyme was a moderate challenge. My fatigue is minimal, but the muscle stiffness I have and the overall speed of my recovery from hard or long runs makes things difficult. I’m constantly stiff and sore from the knees down. Not in the joints, but in the muscles, like I’m always on he verge of pulling something. I battle with foot pain too, which I think is a Bart symptom.
But all of that stuff is manageable with stretching and a good warm up. The part that I really can’t do anything about are the neurological issues. My right side is “slower” than my left and it often feels that it ran twice as far. It doesn’t effect my stride, but I can feel it as I run.
Also, two weeks post race, I’m still a little sore on my right side. I took most of the week after the race off completely, but have been running moderately this week both alone and with clients. At first I was stiff and sore all over, but now it’s just my right side that’s lagging behind everything else. It’s weird and concerning and frustrating all at the same time.
What else? Oh yeah… brain fog. I have it 24/7, but it’s manageable (I guess). When I run it gets a lot better – I think it’s the increased blood flow to my brain. In the race I was mentally fine until about mile 18 or so and the brain fog came back with a vengeance. I had a really hard time concentrating and maintaining my cool. I kept wanting to panic. One minute I wanted to run faster and the next I wanted to quit. I think everyone gets this at some point in a marathon, but I kinda went a little crazy for about 6 miles. Finishing was like being freed from prison in a way.
So… that’s the story. I’m very happy I did it and I’ll probably do it again next year. I had serious reservations about whether or not doing a marathon with Lyme was a good idea. I’m sure for many people it’s not, but I would say that you shouldn’t let the disease limit your dreams. It might put up some roadblocks, but if you commit yourself and focus, you can get around them.
Congratulations! I ran a New Year’s Day 5K and didn’t die. It FELT like a marathon, though! I continue to have challenges getting a normal response to exercise and running. I’ve been trying for over 2 years (since my PICC came out) to resume a regular running regimen, but not making much progress.
However, I was recently part of the Atlanta launch of a BACK ON MY FEET chapter and have been running/walking with a group of guys in transitional housing. BACK ON MY FEET is a comprehensive program that helps the homeless through running, and also aids in vocational training, job placement, and permanent housing arrangements. I wasn’t sure if I could do it physically, but they start out running one mile, and even I can do that! All I have to do is show up at the Salvation Army at 5:45 am a couple of days a week and run/walk a couple of miles with a group of guys committed to changing their life around.
BACK ON MY FEET is scheduling a NYC launch this spring and I’m guessing it will be their biggest one yet. Sounds like you have a full plate, but it’s an impressive program if you or any runner friends are looking for outreach opportunities. The website is backonmyfeet.org and there’s also a ton of press if you google it. They’re on FB and our ATL chapter has a FB page, as well.
Happy New Year! I’m always encouraged by your posts, and though I miss your Lyme related ones, I’m glad it’s not such a big part of your life these days!
Beth
Glad to hear you’re still “pushing the envelope” so to speak. I totally agree with the philosophy that you can’t let the Lyme affliction take over your life. The disease is there, no doubt about it. But you have to push past it and just move on with your life. It’s sad that the medical community hasn’t come up with a cure or at least a valid, approved-by-all, explanation for what is ailing so many people, but that’s the way it is. No silver bullet – no cure, so got to deal with it. Your blog has taught me that exercise is one of the better ways to do just that – deal with it. Antibiotics certainly didn’t help (did 18 months worth). And most of the supplements don’t seem to be doing much either. But exercise, and plenty of it, has kept me in descent shape throughout and even better yet – given me hope that eventually I will conquer this disease. Thanks again for your inspirational blog! It was instrumental in me moving forward with my life. Always interested in your progress towards the “finish line”.
Mike
I appreciate your finishing the race. It gives me hope. I’m three months into treatment and feeling a ton of fatigue. I can’t imagine exercising now! But did you? Do you think it would help or contribute more to the fatigue and muscle and joint aches that I currently feel?
Thanks for posting,
John
Well… I find that it’s a balance. If I don’t exercise, I tend to feel worse. However, if I do too much… then I feel even worse than if I didn’t. It’s all about finding that balance.
I know a few other runners and cyclists who’d say the same thing. I’d say, talk to your LLMD, but give it a go.