Say goodbye to migraines

I mentioned in my original post that I started running again in an attempt to do something about my frequent migraines. I was getting migraines more often than not and they often lasted for a week or two - sometimes even longer. I was desperate for help, but I'd never have thought of exercise as something that could help. After all, when I suffered from a migraine, light and movement made me nauseous and the pain unbearable. How could I possibly get relief from something that required a great deal of movement out in the sunshine?! But, like I said, I was desperate, so I tried it. A year later and I rarely get migraines. When I do, it's nearly always related to drastic changes in weather. The only other times I get a migraine are when I've been sidelined by flu or such and can't get out for a run. I'm sure there are other dietary changes I could make to further improve my migraine issues, but running alone has made a tremendous difference to my overall quality of life. I highly encourage anyone who suffers from migraines (and doesn't have some other health issues preventing them from doing so) to find a way to incorporate more exercise into their lives. I think you'll be glad you did.

I'm allergic to running (well sort of)

Several months ago while out for a long run, at about the halfway point I noticed what felt like I'd been bitten by an insect on my abdomen. There was just this tiny little spot that itched like mad. I didn't really pay much attention to it. Then the next time I went for a long run, again, the itching, but a slightly larger circular area on my abdomen. This time I figured there was some hair or string that had gotten tangled in the weave of my running shirt ("Was I wearing the same running shirt last week? Hmmm"). Each week this continued. And each week the area that itched got larger and larger until often even my thighs and shoulders were itching. The itching also began earlier within my run each time. So I'd slow down. Take a break. All the while trying to figure out if I'd switched laundry detergents, bath soaps....something. Surely it was some sort of allergic reaction to a soap or cream. Surely.

About two months ago I had such a bad reaction that it really scared me. The itching became so unbearable I literally wanted to crawl out of my own skin. This time the itching started just 2K into what was supposed to have been a 15K run. This just couldn't continue, so I decided to go to my family doctor to see if she could brainstorm with me to try to figure out what was causing the blasted itching.

When I described the symptoms to my doctor, she took it seriously but had never heard of such a situation. So, like the amazing doctor she is, she admitted she didn't know and started looking up my symptoms in her medical books. Very quickly she diagnosed me tentatively with what is called Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis. Boiled down, this means that during exercise such as running, the increased heart rate releases a certain chemical. This chemical in conjunction with an otherwise untriggered allergen causes an anaphylactic reaction. So she referred me to an allergist. From what she'd told me and what I'd later read online, I knew not to get my hopes up though. Apparently, more often than not, the allergen triggering the EIA is never found. Later the allergist confirmed this. So although I'm still in the midst of ongoing tests, there's no guarantee that I'll ever know what sets off my particular EIA.

There are however actions one can take in order to alleviate the symptoms even if the allergen is never discovered. First, running first thing in the morning before eating anything can prevent much of the reaction since it is thought that the allergen is some type of food. Secondly, taking an epi-pen along on my run gives me peace of mind that I can take care of myself should a severe reaction occur while I'm out. Finally, at the first sign of symptoms, I stop running and allow my heartrate to slow down. This doesn't mean I have to head for home, but I take a longer walk break than I otherwise would. I see it as a modified and extended run/walk method. Most importantly, it keeps me running...and it keeps me safe.

Figure out which side of the street to run on

When you run in a residential neighborhood, there are those houses you dread running past. You know it's coming. You're anticipating it. But then, you get to the gate and WHAM! a giant snarling, growling beast made up of mostly long, slobbering teeth tries to lunge over the fence to rip your throat out. Sure, the family that lives there claims the beast is actually a gentle family pet. But as a runner, you know better. Their soul purpose in life...the only reason they get up off of the living room carpet at all each day...is to lay in wait and make any passing runner lose control of their bladder. I'm sure there is the canine equivalent of an evil snicker. And I'm equally as certain that each time I pass a house with such a beast, after I've had the bejazuz scared out of me, the beast covers it's fangs with it's paws and snickers. An evil snicker. So I suggest this: Once you've encountered a savage monster such as this on your run, mark it down on your mental map and run on the other side of the street for that particular stretch of your route the next time around. And hope that the original beast doesn't have a friend living across from him.

Start out slow and easy

I started running a year ago - again. The first time I started running was 16 years ago. I did it more to prove to someone I could do it than any deep seeded desire to become a great athlete. So when I started, I pushed hard and within 5 months I had finished my first 10K in 52 minutes. I finished in a great time for a beginner. I was beat, felt like I was going to puke, but I did it! Hooray for me! But pushing so hard and training without any guidance led me to injuries that sidelined my running for several months. By the time I was allowed by the physical therapist to start running again, I no longer had any fire to do so. And I didn't.

Fast forward to last January when my brother encouraged me to start running again in order to get my frequent migraines under control. It was worth a shot I figured. And he sent me a book by Jeff Galloway that emphasized starting out slowly and never overdoing any training session. The run/walk method allowed me to mentally feel guilt-free about not leaping into a crazy run-til-I-drop regimen. And this time around, I was able to finish my first 10K in 1 hour and 4 minutes after just 3 months of training. Sure, it took longer than it had 16 years ago, but this time I finished the run feeling good. I didn't collapse on the ground in a broken heap like I had all those years ago. I spent the rest of that day touring Jerusalem with my visiting brother. Now a year later, even after getting way-laid by the swine flu for a few months, I'm fitter than I really ever have been and sitting out even for a few weeks doesn't mean an automatic end to running. The run/walk method allows me to take any run at a pace my body can handle for that particular day. And the run/walk method keeps me running. Look it up. Give it a try. And get running.