The small things matter

It’s the small things I’m looking to and relying on during this training block. This was planned to be the buildup to peak for a half-marathon this fall. Instead it’s been riddled by complications with my breathing, culminating last Thursday with a visit to my doctor and a diagnosis of asthma. It was certainly disappointing, but I was quickly assured it would be manageable.

As I wrote previously, the doctor I saw a few weeks ago (while my regular was on vacation) thought my breathing difficulties were the result of a sinus infection, which was the tail end of a flu dating back to July. She prescribed nasal spray to clear that up and an inhaler to keep my breathing under control. I was told me to return in a few weeks to test for asthma if there was no improvement.

As the sinus infection cleared up, my breathing didn’t get much better. I was able to run slower paces, but still with weighted breathing. This was quite obvious to coach Jason, who didn’t want me pushing to point of inducing wheezing. At last Wednesday’s practice we chatted and determined it was time to get back to the doctor.

This time around I was able to see my regular doctor. She’s wonderful and understands the intensity of my training. She immediately sent me to be tested. The result was blunt, but kind: “You have asthma.”

There’s a good chance I’ve always had it. I recall having an inhaler at Notre Dame where I played hockey and a handful of other sports but I don’t remember the process of getting the inhaler or why I stopped taking it. Both of my parents also have asthma, along with aunts and uncles. So, in hindsight it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

I’m now working with two inhalers. One “rescue” inhaler and another, more intense one I take twice a day. I also use the “rescue” inhaler prior to running. I’ll be on this regimen for two weeks and then back to the doctor to debrief.

As of Sunday morning, I was on day three with the more advanced inhaler. It takes four days before it begins to kick in. I’m trying not be too frustrated by breaking out into a heavy wheeze at Sunday morning’s practice. Instead, I’m choosing to focus on the positive things that have come over the past several weeks.

There have been some smaller successes I can look to and be happy with. My mileage has gone up significantly. I ran more than 100 km last week and it felt good. This is building my strength and endurance, readying my legs and my mind to go further and faster than I have before, once my lungs catch up.

For now, the asthma has slowed me down. Although I find this difficult, it has forced me to be disciplined in keeping my pace in check. I’ve also had to control my impulse to push too hard during intense training sessions. The positive result is not only a lesson in self-control, but my form is very solid. Largely because of the slower, controlled paces, in combination with the repetitive stride-over-stride that comes with higher mileage.

My nutrition has also improved. I knew getting into the higher mileage I was going to have to stay on top of what goes into my body. I need to be getting enough quality fuel. I’ve added a lot of variety to my diet. There are tons of fresh veggies coming in and being prepped into soups, lasagnas and a whole lot more.

All of these small things are going to serve me well once my asthma is under control and I’m able to return to intense training sessions. As I’ve written over the past weeks, and as I continue to learn, the road is long, patience is necessary and faith in the process must be abundant.