The tree pollen count kicked into the HIGH zone last weekend and I've been sucking air like a fish out of water. I count myself lucky that I don't have chronic asthma and my heart goes out to those that suffer daily. I do have exercise induced asthma (EIA) and I've learned how to manage it by tracking my heart rate and exercise intensity levels. Then there's the factors I can't control that often trigger attacks. Depending on the time of year, If my heart rate stays below 170, I'm OK. Bitter cold winter days, below 160 I'm OK. Yesterday I went for an easy run and when I hit 152, BAM! When an attack hits me it really does hit me. Like getting my chest wrapped in the coils of a giant anaconda, my usual natural breathing reflex switches to all out survival.
STOP!,
DEEP BREATH IN!
FORCE THE AIR IN!
SUCK IT IN! AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN,
DO NOT PASS OUT, IGNORE THE WHEEZING NOISE, JUST BREATH IN,
AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN!
God help me through this one.
Usually not an issue during swimming or on the bike but it's the run, my nemesis, when the Kodiak bear suckers me from behind and hugs me so hard my ribs feel like they'll crush under the pressure. Oh sure, I have an inhaler but I use it very sparingly and usually only on race days. This week I've coughed up enough mucus to fill a kiddy pool and my running speed has hit the basement. So, what to do? Hope for a nice 24 hour rain storm to come through and clear the air. I'm all about mother nature taking her own time and natural course when it comes to changing seasons but the timing right now for me is just wrong. I have some huge miles to log in the next 3 weeks before my taper and I just can't have this now.
Dear Mother Nature,
I love, love, love you so much. You have giving me life. You have given me the world. Your seas, land, and air are so beautiful that if you were in human form, you would grace me with such stunning grace, poise, and beauty, that I would cast my eyes down and kneel before you as the humble servant that I am. As you know, I have chosen a career that affords me many opportunities to protect you from harm and care for you and help you heal when you are assaulted and scarred by selfish acts from my fellow human beings. I have been educated many years and have trained many months to become strong and powerful. I am your jealous worrier that will not hesitate to draw my sword to protect you and your exquisite gift of this earth you have put me on.
Recently, I have been stricken by a foe that causes my breath to fail me when I need it most. My desire to fight and my determination to win have not wained. I will fight for you and protect you until my death comes many years from now. You are all powerful and can do with me as you see fit to my destiny. Please find it in your heart to grant me relief from my ailment so that I may continue to be the best that I can be for you and not grow weak from lack of breath. I need your pure air now more than ever. Please rain down on me.
Your worrier servant,
Benson
2 comments:
allergies are no fun...this time of year can be killer!!
I too suffer from seasonal allergies. For the past two years I've been eating locally produced wildflower honey and I think it is helping. The thought is eating local honey (that has the pollens in it) builds a tolerance to them. Supposedly it's best to eat it year-round. I haven't read any literature or scientific studies, I can only give you my personal testimony.
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