Wind and rain

I got up this morning to hear the wind howling and the rain battering off the window. I had breakfast and got ready for my long run in the vest. I was amazed to find my Camelbak tons more comfortable than the hydration belt... I didn't even have to loosen off the straps as it fit perfectly by fastening it under my XL vest. I thought it might have been too bulky at the back alongside the sand in the vest, but it was really really comfortable.

Graeme insisted I took an inhaler with me, as he has it in his head I have exercise induced asthma (he reckons I have all the symptoms), however I think he's worrying over nowt and it's purely a lack of fitness after my lay off.

8 minutes into the run my chest tightened and I chose to ignore it. By 15 minutes I decided to blow the theory out of the water and use the inhaler. Within seconds of using it my chest opened up to the point I felt like my lung capacity doubled. But surely if anyone else used an inhaler it would do the same thing... I wasn't convinced. Apparently a puff on an inhaler can last 2 hours.... we shall see!

I ran for about 30 minutes into a strong headwind when I had to walk because I literally felt like I couldn't breathe at all. So, that's the asthma thing blown out of the water then... the inhaler didn't help for 2 hours! I used it again and instantly felt better although had become so tired that it took me nearly 8 minutes to recover. I ran/walked the rest of the way, and although fairly slow (because of the 8 minute walk), I finished the run at a 10.47mm pace overall and am pretty pleased to have doubled the time of last weeks long run; and apart from the little incident at 5.5 miles, it was no more difficult than last week.

I explained everything to Graeme about the run, and now he's even more convinced I have asthma... he said an inhaler won't always help for a full 2 hours! I dunno... but I have an appointment with the Doctor on Monday evening to get his opinion. I have been to the doctors 3 times in the last 2 years about pains in my chest when running and having big coughing fits after long runs... the verdict? I wasn't fit enough! No doubt he will say the same thing again, and I have to say I will probably agree with him! I'm getting the "don't take any shit and ask for tests" routine from my mam (who has asthma so bad it has almost killed her 3 times).
Don't get me wrong.... I'm not in denial... I just don't have it! ;-)