Boot Camp Baby!

I am soo excited because . .

I have decided to try out a boot camp fitness program at the local rec center. I think it will be a good compliment to the running and cycling I have been doing.

It is super cheap - only $5 for each drop-in class. I will start next Saturday. What could be better than that you ask? I convinced my mother to go with me! I love the feeling I get when I get others to join me and start their own fitness journey!!

Anyone have any tips for boot camp that I should know before this adventure begins?

Momma said there would be days like this . . .

Today was not the best run. My head was in the right place, but my body didn't cooperate. It was still pretty warm out when I headed out - around 89 degrees. Cooler than it has been. But 10 degrees warmer than my run last Friday (which rocked)!!

At 1.8 miles, my legs just pooped out. I literally had nothing left. So, I called it a day and walked on home.

I am pretty sure I didn't drink enough water before this run. I also had the weirdest thing happen. When I got home, my throat started burning on the left side and sort of feel like it was closing up on me. Hopefully, it is just a fluke and nothing to worry about. I tend to worry, when anything funky starts happening with my throat! I'll keep ya posted!

What did I learn from this run?

• Wait until it is a tiny bit cooler out to run
• Drink more water
• I CAN run fast (just not for very long)! I ran my fastest pace ever (8:25)
• I may have not made my goal of 3 miles, but I ran the hill (again), I will never walk a hill again. I have proven I can do it!!
• I will not give up and I WILL be back running the road again tomorrow!

 

Unexpected discovery!

In order to figure out how to overcome the shortness of breath I experience upon exertion, I thought it would be a good idea to understand what exactly it is about having a paralyzed vocal cord that causes me to feel this way when I run.

Truth be told, I did NOT expect to discover what I did. According to an article on medscape.com, unilateral vocal cord (fold) paralysis (UVFP) does not have the physiological impact on pulmonary function that I thought (or feel like) it does.

Consider this:
Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) often report shortness of breath or a feeling of running out of air. Very little negative physiological impact upon pulmonary function actually occurs in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP); however, because of the glottal incompetence, they experience significant air wasting and, thus, experience the sensation of shortness of breath and running out of air during speech. In addition, glottal closure is required for individuals to create positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP).
http://misc.medscape.com/pi/android/medscapeapp/html/A863779-business.html

Now I know this is just one article, but wowzer! Who knew?? For some odd reason, it makes me feel better to know it may not be a physiological limit after all. I feel like it gives me a whole new direction to explore.
 
Sometimes answers bring to light more questions. And this answer brings to mind a few more questions to seek as I continue on my journey:  

• How do I compensate for the "significant air wasting" to reduce the sensation of shortness of breath? (This is first for a reason!)
• Right now, how is this "significant air wasting" adversely affecting my running performance?
• I know I have poor glottal closure and glottal closure is required for individuals to create positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP).
• What, if any, affect does PEEP have in running situations?
• Can I improve or find compensation techniques to create PEEP? 
• Do I even NEED to create PEEP to run well?

For now, the only PEEP I am certain I understand are these little guys!

I feel like the yellow PEEP in the middle, similar but oh, so unique in my own way!

As always if you have any suggestions or thoughts I would LOVE to hear them!!

Feeling a little blue . . .

And wondering "Am I the only one out there?" I have posted in several running forums looking for other runners who have a paralyzed vocal cord.

Results - big, fat, goose egg!!

I am hopeful that I am NOT alone on this journey!! It would be a blessing to learn from others who are dealing with the same things I am.

That being said, I know that I am never completely alone because I have a supportive hubby and daughter who see me through thick and thin. I love them both more than words can say!!

Me and my girl!

Training recap

Had a great week of training last week! I am hoping to do it again this week. I am fighting a little GI bug. . .so will have to see how it goes!!

"A positive attitude brings strength, energy and initiative!"

Running is 90% mental . . .

Lately, I have been reading up on the idea of what part your mind and thoughts play in the sport of running.

So, I decided to test out the theory that running is 90% mental. Do my thoughts REALLY effect my performance? This test was far from scientific, but validated the theory (at least in my own mind)!

I concentrated on positive thoughts

- I can do this
- I feel great
- My legs feel light
- My breathing is steady

. . . And it worked!! I ran hills without stopping (first time EVER), my breathing was less sporadic than normal and the kicker is . . . I ran it 1 minute faster than my first 5k race!!!

While, this may seem like no big deal, to me it was huge!! Talk about "runners high" . . . Yeah I felt it baby!!

I can't wait to get out there and do it all again!!