I have my number for the Melbourne Half on 10 October, but I won't be running. I'm sick. The doctor says it's a viral condition. If so, it's one tough virus! I started to feel a cold coming on four weeks ago, 21 August. Had 5 days off work, then started running again but wasn't 100% cured. Ran two weeks of 64 and 40 kilometres then started to feel crook again last Saturday. I've had the last four days off work — it looks like being a few more days (hopefully that's all) before I'm well enough to return to work.
This setback means I won't be racing the Melbourne Half. My preparation hadn't been great anyway, but I was looking forward to the run and mini holiday with my friends. Separately to the virus problem I've also had a couple of blood tests. I was curious to see if iron deficiency (rather than slogging through too many 10-hour work days) was a reason for my lethargy and lack of enthusiasm for training. Turns out my iron levels are okay, but I have Hypothyroidism — not all the symptoms mind you. The ones I have experienced are: fatigue and low energy levels, intolerance to cold temperatures, and fatigued and aching muscles. I'm on a daily 50ug dose of Thyroxine which will be monitored with future blood tests.
In the grand scheme of life, the universe and running, missing Melbourne is no big deal. It has made me think though, that we shouldn't take our health for granted. Running usually brings one good health, but one needs to be healthy to run! Stay healthy friends, and have a great week.
This setback means I won't be racing the Melbourne Half. My preparation hadn't been great anyway, but I was looking forward to the run and mini holiday with my friends. Separately to the virus problem I've also had a couple of blood tests. I was curious to see if iron deficiency (rather than slogging through too many 10-hour work days) was a reason for my lethargy and lack of enthusiasm for training. Turns out my iron levels are okay, but I have Hypothyroidism — not all the symptoms mind you. The ones I have experienced are: fatigue and low energy levels, intolerance to cold temperatures, and fatigued and aching muscles. I'm on a daily 50ug dose of Thyroxine which will be monitored with future blood tests.
In the grand scheme of life, the universe and running, missing Melbourne is no big deal. It has made me think though, that we shouldn't take our health for granted. Running usually brings one good health, but one needs to be healthy to run! Stay healthy friends, and have a great week.
My Melbourne number. There's always next year!
28 comments:
Hey Ewen, that is no good. The thyroid problem is pretty common - I have the same thing, including hypersensitivity to the damned cold! But it can be managed, and you can still run! Look forward to seeing you on the trails soon. [miranda]
Come to Melb anyway - for the coffee and the shopping!
A shame about Melbourne Ewen! You are in good company, both Heidi and I withdrew when we realised our injuries were just a bit worse than we originally thought. I'm sure you know, but just in case not, you can get a partial refund if you withdraw before Sept 23.
P.S Get well soon!
Too bad, but at least you know now just what it is you've got. Hope you'll be back out blazing through the bush soon.
No good Ewen. Hope you get over the virus soon. Looks like I will be heading down to run Melbourne Marathon after the cold forced me out today.
I agree with 'Jog' - come for the coffee, shopping and the excellent company (lol)- IF you can get a cheap flight. Your running buddies are really missing your company out there. Now that the sun finally has some warmth in it you may start to feel better very soon. Fingers crossed!
Yes Ewen we certainly shouldn't take our health for granted.
You have a chance now to put things right and I fully expect that this time next year you'll running the best you have in years and be saying something like....
"That trouble I had prior to the Melbourne marathon really was a turning point for me and Scott you were able to call it as such I'll be forever indebted to you for your encouragement and insight."
And I'll say.. You're welcome.
And by the way Ewen. Do you think you could post a less depressing photo.
Some of us are trying to stay positive here ;)
Melbourne will come again. Certainly fitness doesn't guarantee good health. My brother had problems with his thyroid and had very similar symptoms, but once diagnosed and medicated he recovered normal health fairly quickly. All the best and take it easy.
Well, damn it. Sorry you're feeling crook. I keep forgetting that it's the cold and flu season down under. And, double bummer about missing the race. I know all too well how disappointing it can be to register and train for something that you don't get to run.
You're a smart one for seeing the doc and getting the tests. Hopefully the meds will kick in soon and you'll be as fit as a Mallee bull!
Sorry to hear about your health problems but it's good news that you have finally got to the bottom of why you have not been performing well.
I had a feeling that with all your training you should have been running a lot faster and now with the medication you should start to feel like a 'New Ewen' again :]
All the best and good health :]
I agree that is a rather sad looking picture and wonder why such a big number. How many entrants are there? It's great you're getting to the bottom of it and definitely yes, you can never take the gift of running for granted.
bummer :( but at least now you're on track to getting over the illness
Sorry to hear about the news but no doubt that you will bounce baack stronger than before. Hope you recover soon.
Thanks Miranda. Same here re catching up on the trails.
Jog, I'd like too, but you lot will all be running and I'll have to shop alone ;)
Janene, next year for you both then! I didn't know that about the refund - thanks!
Bob, thanks. It'll be a while before I'm blazing. Hope you can get that 3 hour +/- a bit marathon.
Paul, you should enjoy Melbourne. Hope you break 3 when you run into the G!
Strewth, sorry you'll be missing my excellent company. Hope you enjoyed your run today - the weather looked perfect.
Scott, hope I'm not depressing you because my good looks put yours in the shade. Thanks for the encouragement - I'll use that quote this time next year.
Grellan thanks. I didn't know it was that common. I'm encouraged by the "after" stories.
Jaymee, love that one! Mallee bulls are fitter than upover buffaloes ;)
Rick, thanks. Here's to the "new Ewen" and a few M50 PBs!
Mike, I think it was 9,000 for the half. There are four races, all except the marathon are sold out.
Jojo, glad you didn't say it was so I didn't have to buy you that hot chocolate I owe you ;)
Sling, thanks. Hope you're over your injury in time to crack the 3 hours in Melbourne.
Hmmmmm ..... you can't dismiss Strewth and me that easily! We could even start nagging ...... Come on .... we are power shoppers from way back. This is the challenge .... Ruth and I get to shop before and after running. You get to shop before, after and while Ruth and I are running. We are just giving you a chance to catch up!
I am sorry to hear that the viral illness is continuing and that you will miss Melbourne, but it is almost a relief to hear that you have hypothyroidism as well. Doctors are not much good at treating most viruses, but fortunately many viral illnesses get better anyway. However, of those illnesses that doctors can honestly claim that they can treat well, hypothyroidism is among the ones that respond to treatment best. It may take a little while to get the dose right, but once the dose is right you should be back to your former energetic self.
Duh!!!! :-( sure is a sad photo. what no 10/10/10!!! Canutes comment is excellent as usual. what about the shopping at the race expo. at least you have something definite to treat instead of a mystery virus... all the best in ramping things up for 2011.
So sorry you have to miss Melbourne and are actually sick! On the bright side, the fact that the hypothyroidism was caught is great, means you haven't been at your full potential for a while and you'll be getting some speed points when it's all figured out. Be well, sweet Ewen!
I agree a very sad photo.
Hope you are feeling better soon, you made the right decision. Heal and get healthy. There will be other races.
Hey Ewen
I want to ask you if it's OK?
I was thinking and
I want to make a copy of your photo on this post, the one with you looking like you've lost your puppy, blank out the race number, and asked my students, Japanese Uni students, to guess what is written on it in English!
Should be interesting. And I'll post the results if you don't mind ;)
That's one hell of a virus. And missing the race is probably particularly tough as you're just getting into Spring, while we're seeing shorter days and cooler temps.
I'll have to give the kids an example of what could be on your card....
EG
"I'm tired and need $ for a lawn mower"
Jog, I checked flights. Could have got there for $70, but coming back was $290. After accommodation there wouldn't have been much left for power shopping.
Canute, thanks. That's encouraging.
Jonathon, I would have loved to have been there for the weekend as a spectator/shopper but left it too late. Good luck in your PB quest!
Flo, thanks. I like "be well" - I remember that greeting from Demolition Man!
Ali, thanks. There are always other races :)
Scott, no worries mate. Love it! Anything to advance the education of the Japanese. I want motorcycle manuals that make sense ;)
Joe, yes, it was bad. We've been enjoying temps of 18-20C, so Spring has definitely arrived. Perfect for running.
Scott has my permission to post the funniest answers here.
Ewen I hope you feel better, what an annoying condition. It's like being injured, the forced layoff you must take from running. There is a treatment, it sounds like, so that's a hope.
Thanks Geoff (I think).
Thanks TK. I'm confident the treatment for the Hypothyroidism will work well. I wish there were a simple treatment for viral conditions - they're no fun at all!
Post a Comment