I need to run like an addict needs their fix

I have not run all week. I have severe environmental allergies AND exercise induced asthma. It is spring in Atlanta. If you’ve never been to the ATL in the spring, then you don’t get it. Everything is covered in pollen, EVERYTHING. The city has been coated with the thick, yellow essence aka death to Carrie! I know this happens every year. For two weeks of every year, I do not leave the house unless I have to. I desperately need to pick up a SARS mask (maybe even write “SARS” on the mask!) just to run the boys to school. Pollen sucks.

Last night we had some rain! My car no longer has a yellow tint to it. The pollen count hit just under 10,000 on Tuesday. Today’s count is just over 1,000. I may or may not be able to run tomorrow. I can’t risk it. I need to run.

Since I have been stuck in the house under house arrest (without the blinking anklet), I have been working my strength training. This week I ordered and received (very quickly I might add) The Original Buns of Steel. I did this in junior high and can sing the praises of this video. I still get sciatica issues from time to time and know that strengthening my hammys as well as glutes will help this. I will have buns of steel by the end of next month! It is the cheesiest workout of all time, but it works like a charm! If you feel your glutes need a workout, stop what you are doing, do not pass go until you order this video. I urge you, drop what you are doing right now and go order it!

That’s it for now. Here’s to hoping my buns turn into steel before the pollen count drops back down to the teens!

Happy running y’all!! (please get some mileage in for me!!!)

Plo Koon

Yesterday I ran 3.14 in 30:48.6. I can honestly say that I gave it my best effort. Most runs, I don't push myself. I'm a solo runner with exercise-induced asthma and severe environmental allergies. I don't want to risk it. Have you ever been to Atlanta this time of year? The trees are releasing their "essence". In a few days-weeks, the pine trees will be releasing a thick coat of greenish-yellow pollen that will blow in the wind and make it look like we are being gassed. It's disgusting. It's horrible for my allergies and asthma. It is the time of year I want/need to strap on my Plo Koon mask and keep running.

I digress. Yesterday's run was epic. I pushed myself and ran when my lungs were begging me to stop and catch my breath. (Yes, I have to stop a lot due to my asthma, and walk it off so I don't start wheezing.) My lungs, for the most part, handled it and I'm proud of my run yesterday. I look forward to the day that my lungs won't make me stop and "walk it off", but I am happy with the effort I put out yesterday.

Here are my splits:

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Split Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Best Pace Calories Summary 30:48.6 3.14 60 64 9:49 6:10 326 1 9:22.1 1.00 21 0 9:22 7:25 106 2 9:57.0 1.00 27 30 9:57 6:10 102 3 10:09.1 1.00 12 16 10:09 6:29 102 4 1:20.3 0.14 0 17 9:34 7:10 16

The third mile was mostly uphill, or so it seemed! It was definitely my slowest mile. I didn't stop at all for the first mile which is a big deal for me. I could kick some serious butt if I could keep my first mile pace for the full distance. I ask you all: how do I strengthen my lungs while running during allergy season? Any of you run with exercise-induced asthma? Yes, I do use my inhaler before running. How can I wean myself from these "walk it off" breaks? Especially at shorter distances. I know I need to build my base and take it one mile at a time, but any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

***My apologies, I do not know how to make the split chart smaller. I am obviously web/blogger challenged!***

Five Things Friday

1. Allergies and insomnia have been getting the best of me. I thrive when I sleep well and run hard. Right now I'm not getting either done. Yesterday was 78 degrees here in the ATL and the trees are in full bloom. I had to run the AC just to cool the house down. The wind has kicked up and is blowing the pollen everywhere, including my sinuses.
2. Yesterday I was supposed to run 4 miles. I wasn't feeling it (see #1). I felt fatigued and weak, so I decided to walk 5 miles. Granted I didn't fall over from my dizziness, but it probably wasn't the best idea due to my allergies.
3. Coffee makes everything better, 'nuff said!
4. Go check out TMB's awesome post "Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 5".
5. Have a great weekend and happy running y'all!