Bump on the head

Well, I have a good excuse for not posting in a while...

I scored myself a free entry into a half marathon on February 19th. I was excited.. it is 2 miles from my house.. so run to the start, run the race as a long run and 2 cool down, got a nice 17 miler! Well, worked until 3:30 and got a call at 4:15, by the time my alarm clock went off, I was shaking I was so tired. I took an elderly lady to lunch later that day and was sooo tired, so I was not using common sense.. never stand in the door of the car until the person turns around and reaches for your hand to help get in. UH-OH!! She didn't turn around, she put all the weight on the car door and it slammed on my head. Yes, a tall SUV that lined up perfectly with my noggin! I thought I was going to hit the ground. She has no idea and it was not her fault, I was in the wrong spot.

Well, I ran 12 miles the next day helping coach one of the half marathon classes. It was 9:30 pace, so a bit slower than I normally do my long runs, so no problem at all. Then on Tuesday I went to the track for my workout. 1 mile, 2 mile, 2x800. The first mile was strangely difficult. It was supposed to be around 7:10 which I was right under 7, but still, I always go faster than target on the track days - my speed came back, but at the slower level as I build the endurance. The 2 mile started really being weird - I just couldn't move right. Water was coming out of my eyes like when you are standing in strong wind. My head felt stuffy, everything was off. I stoped at 1 mile, also under goal, right around 7. I took a break and did one more mile - no problem, just making it 3x1 mile and 2x800, I'll still benefit from this. Mile 3 was more of the same. Time was good but something was off. I called it. I needed to head over to coach and I decided I could do the 800's after when I felt better. Yes, that is not the way the workout is, but I wanted to be smart. I called my husband as I was leaving the track. He said it was the most messed up voice mail he has ever heard. As I hung up, my ears popped like I was in a plane reaching altitude. This is not good. I called my old coach for advice.. he has run for many years, I'm sure he has bumped his head and then run - any thoughts? He said I was right to bag the workout - just don't hit my head again. Good advice.

As the days went by, the headaches got worse and my scalp became sensitive beyond belief. If I accidentally scratched my head while at my desk, I was done - unable to work for hours, throbbing pain and I would get stupid. I didn't think the ER was the right spot, I looked for neurologists in my insurance network and found one close by with a 5 star rating (and he was rated correctly!). The nurse found me a slot the following Wednesday and I proceeded to give her my address... well, the house number.. took four tries to figure out what street I lived on. I would just have stupid moments where my brain refused to work. The nurse advised to cut out all hard workouts and that I could do long runs up to 13 miles. The doc was GREAT! He lived in Mass. and gets the whole Boston thing. He ruled out a brain bleed and a blood clot. He asked if I wanted a brain scan. I thought this was for me to not worry. I told him, "whatever you think is best to do - I am fine with - your call". I figured he would say it wasn't needed. He responded with, "well, then let's get one booked". crap - that is not a good sign. He ended up changing his mind and wanted to postpone it - From what he said, it sounds like he wants to see my brain later more than now (and mentioned how many thousands of dollars it costs - glad I just got my bonus). He gave me the green light to run 75% and for me to determine however that is best.

I paced one of my runners in a 5K and felt good, so now I know tempo runs are OK to attempt (although strict rules to bag it if there are any issues in any workout). I have done track work with my runners who have slower paces than me - so it is about a 75% effort. I helped with the marathon class last weekend for a 15 mile run (75% of my 20 miler). They were at 9:30 pace (although they kept creeping up faster) for 9 miles and they had 6 at 8:30 (which ended up being 8:15). I felt great and it is so safe with a group of people and a sag wagon!

Today I paced another runner to a HUGE PR!! YAY!! So proud of her! We ran a 5K at 25:15. It was rather humid out today, which gives me trouble on a regular day, and I started getting a headache during mile 3 and vision was bad after the race. I'm a bit nervous about coaching 17 miles tomorrow, but I already told the other coach about today and he isn't worried. Cross your fingers it rains - the minute it rains, the humidity is a non-issue.. so a light mist would be perfect!

So bottom line - my running continues with yet another hiccup, but I'm still on track for Boston!! I see the neurologist on Tuesday for a follow up. :)