I took it easy today. My body is still working through this current episode of panic, but it's getting better. I'm down to some annoying cramping of the esophagus and a little shortness of breath. I walked a block or two near the end when I started feeling symptoms, but I picked it up and finished without a problem. I think if I'm going to be strong enough for a long run on Saturday I'd better move that number in the sleep column up to a 7 or 8. At least.
It's too bad that my first week of blogging runs has to deal with panic attacks. I really only get one or two a year any more. I've learned a lot over the last six years and this is the first time it's affected my running in quite some time. Come to think of it, my worst attacks have all been in August. School must really stress me out. Go figure. Anyway - for me, panic attacks normally start with an overwhelming fatigue (see Monday's post - might not have been the long run after all). Then I get a special headache that I call my panic headache. That was Tuesday; I knew I was in trouble then. That's usually followed by a couple days of shortness of breath, throat cramping, dizziness etc.. Some "attacks" are longer than others, but if I respond with extra sleep and good food I can get through it in a few days. One thing I've definitely learned is that, even if I have to back off for a few days, a little easy running helps me recover faster.
Now my kids are in school, the house is quiet. Maybe I'll go take that nap.
|