[Rindaroo]

Today I ran a 5K. Something I didn't think was possible a month ago. You see, I've had a big struggle with uncontrolled asthma for the last year & a half. I have always tried to run, & tried is the key word. But giving up doesn't seem to ever enter my mind. So, Johnny (the sweetheart) told me he'd run with me, whether it was walking, run/walking or running at whatever speed I needed to do for the breathing. Then some dust allergy problems in Sept & Oct stopped me cold. I started running again about 3 weeks ago after a pep talk from Johnny. So, why do I tell you all this? Its kinda background for those who don't know me, well to explain what a victory my 5K was for me today.<br><br>
I showed up early, signed up, and yakked with Tammy & John for a little while. Tammy & John went for a warmup run, and I went for a warmup walk. See I have to walk about 15-20 minutes before the bronchials are warmed up enough to run (at all). I met John right before the start, and told him the first 1/2 mile would be slow because of the bronchials, then I'd probably go faster along the way.. So off we went, the first mile and half was slightly uphill, so I tried to stay slow, so I could breathe. So, I alternated between letting the body run, and slowing myself down when the breathing was rough. John kept me entertained joking around... which was a really nice way to go for a run. Mile 1 was 12:21, which was exactly what I wanted to do. John took off to run with Tammy when we saw her (as planned) & came back to find me. I was just about at the turnaround when he caught me & he said wow you sped up some <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"> Mile 2 was 11:26 Then we were catching up to the lady in front of me. John said, I know you can pass her! lol now I'm thinking about trying to catch her. In a little bit, I actually sped up & passed her <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/headbang.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="headbang"> Then I could feel myself going faster, getting into a stride & I just felt good! Then John says to me, wow you're going 9:50 pace.. I actually starting thinking about breaking 35 for a bit, but the breathing was getting rough.. darn bronchials.. the legs really just wanted to go for it. So I slowed a little. Mile 3 : 10:22 . I missed turning the Garmin off right away, but it says 11:20 avg/mile<br><br>
Official time : 35:16 & its not a PW!!!! lol I was really expecting 36 or 37, but hoping to beat my PW time of 35:28. And I did it!<br><br>
Fashion Report: Gray Capris running pants, One short sleeve tech shirt & one long sleeve tech shirt. & was it really 50? it felt colder to me, lol the weather wimp that I am.<br><br>
I was 8/9 in my class (same class as Tammy) & beat about 8 people overall , so seems like Johnny didn't need to run in behind me after all.. but hey it was sure fun running with him<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
Oh & props for this running club, they are so supportive! lots of people encouraging me along the way.. that was really, really nice.

 

[Tamster]

Awesome run today Linda! I know it's so encouraging for you to have been able to run this whole race without a walk break and to get progressively faster each mile is a huge step in your return to running. It really wouldn't matter the time today - the fact that you got out there and ran the whole thing is great, but then being able to beat your PW time is icing! I hope your asthma and conditioning continue to improve over the winter.

 

[gin79]

What an acomplishment! And you did way better than you thought! Way to push through! Congratulations!

 

[Johnny]

Great job Rinda. You are so inspiring, never giving up and throwing in the towel when the asthma issues kept returning.<br><br>
It was my pleasure to be able to run with you today. You just kept plugging away, getting faster and faster, and then running down that other runner in the last 1/2 mile.<br><br>
So, what's next??

 

[runinbehind]

Rinda, I'm delighted to read what a success your race was. I know you've struggled particularly badly with the asthma in the past couple months. It's a great sign that you did so well today. Relish in this success...and congratulations on a race well run.

 

[JJJessee]

Great run Rinda! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/headbang.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="headbang"><br>
It's good to see you on the recovery road. I can tell your heart is into this running thing and <b>that</b> means alot more than and a clock's opinion.<br>
Great report,<br>
jjj

 

[Labduck]

Yay Linda! I'm glad your race was such a positive experience. Your determination to run always amazes me. You're really an inspiration.<br><br>
And John is a nice guy, just don't let him know I said that. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/cool.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Cool">

 

[Sans Souci]

Rinda the Victorious!!!<br><br>
Each mile faster than the last, passing that woman, adjusting pace where you needed to. That's racing, girl!<br><br>
Very upbeat RR. And that Johnny ... well, he's just the sweetest and seems to bring out the best in his Oregirls. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

 

[Hippo]

Congratulations!<br><br>
I'm an asthma sufferer too, though mine is pure EIA so I understand a little of what you went through. Is this the worst season for you? or does it get to you this much all the time?

 

[millbot]

Way to go, Rinda! It's so cool to see you having this kind of success. Yes, you are inspiring!<br><br>
^5 to Coach Johnny<span style="font-size:smaller;">™!<br></span>

 

[Rindaroo]

Thanks guys!!<br><br>
John - I'm trying to decide whether to do the Turkey Trot 2 miler or not.. talked to DH & no complaints from him. Other than that, my goal is not getting sick over the winter this year. So, that I'm ready to continue on, in the the spring (maybe the St. Patty's race?)<br><br>
Hippo - Its pretty much all the time & here's the story: I started running 3 years ago. I was diagnosed with EIA w/ bronchiospasms (which are really bad 2-3 hours after running) a little over 2 years ago. At the time, I was being told that there was not an allergic component. I responded well to the pulmonologists treatment at first, running was improving & I went from running 3 miles to 6 at at a time in that time period, and my PR 5K of 31:59. I was feeling better, but not back to normal. Then, there was a brush fire (I lived in So. Calif), my bronchials basically shut down & the docs (2 different pulmonologists, one in CA, one in OR) spent the next year & 1/2 trying to treat me with no luck. In fact, at times I was so bad I could barely walk at a snails pace, & felt pretty much 1/2 dead. So, I FINALLY decided to go for some allergy testing, which I did in July. Now the allergist is my asthma doc... I have minor allergies to dust mites, and weeds which are the reason the bronchials stayed irritated so long. Allergy doc prescribed a new med for hard to treat asthmatics (Symbicort) & its a freaking miracle drug!! That & dealing with the allergies, I'm finally feeling good in the last month.<br><br>
But the way I ran this 5K, is the way I trained myself to run with the help of the most awesome mentor in the world, Tom White, basically it helps me run faster as the bronchials warmup, be nice to them when they're not ready, and not push them past a point of no return. (which believe me, I have done LOTS of times in the last 2 years). This is why my handle on CR was Live and Learn for awhile. Typically, as I get healthier, I'm able to run faster, longer & warmups aren't as important & the running helps the breathing too.. one big cycle.

 

[Pie Jones]

Way to go Rindaroo. That was a fun report and you did a great job. Your "coach" is doing an exceptional job. Keep up the good work and the next one will be just as big a success. Outstanding.