Running Underground!

My registration is in for the TLC Groundhog Run in January! What makes this run so unique? It takes place in an underground mine that has been converted to commercial storage. What makes this so challenging to me? I have claustrophobia.

TLC Groundhog Run

After looking at pictures of the place and reading all I could about it I made the decision to go for it. I'm going to run the 10K this time because there is a finisher medal involved. I'm all about the bling! Several other ladies are signed up so it's looking like a group road trip is in order.

Since the race is inside the weather won't be a factor, but it will affect my training. The RA medication is supposed to knock my immune system to the ground so I can't afford to get sick. Plus I don't think my feet will take much more than one day of running a week. So I'll be swimming and riding the bike on the trainer as much as I can. I'll try to get in a long run once a week but it most likely will be on my treadmill. I LOVE doing long miles on that thing. (I wish there was a sarcasm font.)

If I can keep this up through the winter I should be in good shape next spring when the real training starts. I've been looking at the Tri schedule for next year and I can hardly wait!

Run Anyway

I’m not posting this for sympathy. I’m not posting this to make myself seem special. I’m posting this to remind myself to Run Anyway. Yesterday I was officially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, commonly referred to as RA. I choose to think of it as Run Anyway because that is what I intend to do.  

A few months ago my fingers started swelling and would get “stuck” in the bent position if I moved them too far. The stinging and aching was beyond the control of standard over the counter meds and only getting worse. Soon the pain spread to my entire hands and my feet. Once it hit that stage I knew something had to be done. Running was becoming very painful so I didn’t do much of that at all. That doesn’t make for a good triathlete!

We live in an area without a rheumotogist so off I went to the big city for an evaluation even though my local doctor and I had already pretty much narrowed the diagnoses down to RA. The specialist confirmed it and we are now working on a plan of attack. There is no cure for RA but the treatment can slow the progression significantly. My joints are only slightly damaged and although it isn’t reversible I should retain most of my function. I’m really looking forward to a reduction in the pain. The treatment isn’t without side effects and I’ll have to be monitored closely.

So instead of feeling sorry for myself and picking out a nice comfy rocking chair and cane, I’m going to run. And swim. And bike. Heck, I wasn’t fast to begin with so slowing down doesn’t bother me. I’ll just have to be a little more careful about how I structure my training and I’ll be fine.

From now on, RA = Run Anyway. I’m not giving up. This is more reason than ever to stay active and as fit as possible. I plan on doing triathlons for many years to come. I’ll do the best I can with what I’ve got. No excuses and no expectations. Just RUN ANYWAY!