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.