“You need to take this week off from running.” – never the words you want to hear from a doctor. But that’s exactly what I was told last week.
Let me back up a bit… a week ago Saturday I went out for a run with my hubs J. Despite the fact that it was a rare cool morning, with low humidity I struggled to get my breathing under control – something was clearly off. And, truthfully, I’ve been feeling off for a bit…really tired, low energy, laboring through my runs. This couldn’t all be about lack of running mojo, motivation or just the heat and humidity.
So I went to the doctor and insisted on a work up – and believe me I had to get pushy! But I got a full blood work-up and an EKG. The results – all is good except for iron deficiency anemia. My counts were very low thanks to my crazy irregular cycle and heavy periods – of the joys of perimenopause (not!) As my doctor explained, it looks like my body’s been “coping” for a while, but now has reach a point where it can’t cope any more. And, eating iron-rich foods alone are not going to do the trick – I need the boost from iron supplements. So I was told to start the iron pills and lay off the running to give my body a few days to start to bounce back. Not ideal, but at least I have an answer and a plan.
OK so here comes my public service announcement – if you’re feeling really “off,” don’t be quick to just chalking it up to a lack of motivation, the weather, etc. – listen to your body! If you do think you’re anemic, it’s best not to just start taking iron pills on your own – go see you doctor first! And, don’t take “well everybody’s tired”as an answer – Advocate for yourself!
After spending last week focusing only on planks and some low-key core and strength work, I’m itching to get back to running and hoping I get cleared to go this week.
Have you ever an iron deficiency?
I’m always deficient! I like Floradix – it’s food based iron and easy to absorb. Take care of yourself!
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Vegan Vietnamese Noodle Salad, Bun Bo Xao
I hadn’t heard of Floradix – I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
Oh wow, I’m glad you got an answer. I can just imagine how horrible you’ve been feeling. I hope the supps help you very quickly!
Marcia recently posted…Restore and Recharge with Zarbee’s Naturals/Giveaway
Thanks Marcia!
Interesting! I’ve been feeling all kinds of yuck lately too. I think it’s mental though 🙂 Glad you got yours figured out and hopefully you will be feeling better soon
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Zucchini Nachos-Score! Meatless Monday
Thanks Deborah – I hope your yuck passes soon 😉
I was told to decrease the intensity of my activities from no less than 3 alternative medicine professionals a couple of weeks ago when I was dealing with some neck spasms. A medicine that is so hard to swallow, but you’re right. You have to listen to your body!
Liz recently posted…5 things that make me #BOSUStrong!
Wow Liz hope the time off helped with the spasms.
Sometimes rest is the hardest pill to swallow! I hope you are feeling better soon.
Coco recently posted…How I Failed Math At The Track
Thanks Coco – it is a hard pill to swallow, but I’ve got to do it, right?
Glad you got a quick and easy answer! I’ve never been iron deficient, but I’ve definitely needed a good rest (even when I really just wanted to run). Hang in there!
AmyC recently posted…Motivation Monday! Who Dey!
Why is it that resting is sometimes the hardest thing for us runners?
Ive never had an iron deficiency, but a good friend has and it was awful for her! Glad you figured it out and is something that is a pretty easy fix!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Recap Week 10: Another great training week and a giveaway announcement!
Thanks Sue 🙂
So glad you stuck up for yourself and found out what was going on.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…The Run that Wasn’t
Thanks Abby – it really is necessary to get pushy with the doctors sometimes!
Great job advocating for yourself and making sure the docs took your concerns seriously. Hopefully you’re feeling better and will get back to running soon!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Bulu Box Review and Discount Code!
Thanks so much Janelle 🙂
Your commitment to sustainable living is admirable! The eco-friendly choices you make inspire others to make positive changes. Let’s all be mindful of our impact on the planet.