Lately I have been saying how I never want summer to end, but I think this week the weather has led me to possibly change my mind. It feels like we are having some of the worst weather of the season lately. I’ve felt thirsty all day long (which may also have to do with still getting over this cold…more on that later) and I have found that drinking Nuun All Day in the afternoon has helped with this alot more than just water. I don’t like it as much as Nuun Active, but it is definitely helpful with staying hydrated throughout the day even when not exercising.
I worked up a sweat just cutting these sweet potatoes.
And you know its hot when your take a shower and then your hair dries in less than 5 minutes.
Anyway, let’s talk about how I was reminded this week that runners are definitely a little crazy different.
I finally made an appointment to see a doctor as I reached week 4 of still being sick. (I had gone to an urgent care clinic when i was on vacation, but at the time I only had a sore throat and tested negative for strep.)
So I go in there and tell the doctor how I have had this lingering cough and congestion for weeks. Of course, during my appointment my nose was clear and I didn’t cough at all. (This wasn’t my regular doctor- she was on vacation.)
When I was asked more about my symptoms, I explained how I can run at an easy pace but when I try to run hard that’s when my chest hurts and I start coughing. His response? “Oh, so you are able to run? You don’t feel too bad then”.
I went on to explain how I run all the time, but have had to modify my activities due to this prolonged illness. He definitely didn’t understand and went on to tell me about another 70-something year old patient who runs and wins races all the time.
So I walked out of there feeling silly for even going to the appointment, but I did at least get a prescription and an inhaler. I guess that mean’s he didn’t completely think I was just whining about a tough run.
I’m back to coughing again today, so hopefully these meds will help before Saturday’s race!
What are some things have you told a non-runner and they look at you like you’re crazy?
Any similar stories about not being taken as seriously because you are a runner?
Non-runners: What do you think makes runners “different”?
Is it super hot where you live?
So, this past spring my running partner had the same lingering type cough, let it go on for a few weeks before checking with the doc because she was coughing on runs. Turns out it was a mild form of pertussis! So yes, I get that runners are a little wacky with the things we put up with! I had my own bad experience running through a sinus infection a couple of years ago. I can only hope I’ve learned not to do it again?
I was wondering if I would have even gone to the doctor again if it weren’t for my running suffering. I was happy to know he didn’t think it was anything serious, but I also feel like he minimized everything, so hopefully I really am on the mend:)
People think I am nuts when they ask how many miles I ran in the morning and I say, only 5, just 8 or shock them with oh, 15. lol. I hope you start to feel 100% already! I don’t get colds often but I will say, the times I have, i am now remembering that I think running brought out more of the congestion and it lasted a little longer but did I stop running? No. I felt okay, it was just the constant and relentless nose blowing that I would occur during and after that was annoying….And yes, it’s very hot and humid, I have had enough.
I couldn’t imagine not running this whole time. I generally feel ok when I am running, and I don’t think it makes is worse but maybe it did cause it to last longer? I usually run when I have a cold, so I think this time around I didn’t see why I couldn’t do the same thing.
Idiot doctor. My husband totally would have understood and taken you more seriously. My hair doesn’t dry because it is too humid outside! The water has nowhere to go! We have a half this weekend, and it is going to be brutal. I wish I could start running it at the time that I usually start my training runs!
I wish I could have see Alex instead! And I also have that problem with my hair, or I just immediately start sweating again after I get out of the shower.
I loathe docs that don’t get it, which is most of them. OMG it is a blazing, swampy mess here. I’m thinking of pool running today instead of attempting a terrestrial 10 miler.
That sounds like a good plan! This morning felt a little better here, but all week the heat and humidity has been gross.
I hate when doctors don’t take me seriously. Over a month ago, I went to the doctor because I had diarrhea for 2 weeks. Because I felt totally fine otherwise, she told me to start taking probiotics and she was sure it would clear up. That was July. It is not September and nothing has changed! She said she wasn’t concerned because I feel fine otherwise, but such a SIGNIFICANT prolonged change in bathroom habits was worrisome to me, yet she didn’t think it was a big deal. I want my co pay back.
Ugh that is so annoying! I think you have a worse track record with doctors than me:)
My previous doctor actually told me I run too much for a woman (and this is when 30 mpw was my max!) – something about it was too much stress on the female heart and reproductive system. Needless to say, I found a new doctor!
What?! I’m glad you didn’t listen. He was probably just jealous:)
I am not a big fan of doctors. In fact, we moved here 6 years ago and I still don’t have a primary care dr (I do have an ob/gym & chiropractor).
Most of my friends are runners . . .
It took me awhile to find a primary care dr in Baltimore (and I have been here for 10 years). I was disappointed that she was on vacation this week because I think she would have been a bit more understanding.
I swear it takes a special kind of doctor to understand us runners! My PCP seemed utterly unconcerned about my foot too! Also I think there’s something going around this summer with the cough. A couple of people at my work have had lingering coughs and chest congestion! Hope you feel better soon! There’s nothing worse than a summer cold!
I have finally found good drs. to go to when I have injuries, but I didn’t realize I needed a primary care dr to “get” runners too!
I don’t know what this is that’s been going around but it’s no fun at all!
When I went to the doctor about a month ago and was talking about my leg pain, my doctor (acutally, a PA) said “Maybe you’re just not meant to run”. I was so mad! Running keeps me healthy, even if my leg was hurting. She gave me the XRay to keep me happy but didn’t want to do anything else with helping me finding out the cause to my pain, probably because it was from recreational use.
I’m glad they gave you an inhaler, hopefully that helps you breathe better. I can’t believe you’re still sick! Maybe you’ll sweat it out during the race this weekend. 😛
That is so annoying! I can’t stand when they say to just stop running. That never actually solves the problem!
Feel better soon. It’s definitely hot here, which is kind of a bummer because the forecast at the beginning of the week said it was going to cool off a little.
Thanks! I think with it being September I expected cooler temps, but it’s at hot as ever this week.
Oh, I HATE it when symptoms disappear the second we go to the doctor! What a pain. I got referred to this dermatologist who is known as a complete jerk. His Rate Your MD reports are horrific, and they were right. He was a jerk. BUT as soon we started talking and he found out I was a runner, he started being super nice to me! Because he’s a triathlete. It’s discriminatory but at least it worked in my favour.
That did work out well for you!
I couldn’t believe that my cough went away during my appointment. And of course it came right back a few hours later!
I know you’re suffering from the heat, but I kind of wish we could have one day of that over here in Scotland. People say it’s “roasting” here when it’s 71 with a breeze. It’s ridiculous. Your doctor experience, unfortunately, sounds really common. I’ve been told that before, “oh if you’re doing things as usual, you must not be too sick” like, yeah I just came here to pay you to make me feel crazy. Hope you feel better soon!
Haha exactly, I didn’t need anyone to tell me that I am crazy!
I know I will miss the heat this winter, but right now I am ready for some cooler temps.
I couldn’t seem to get enough water the other week. I kept chugging water all weekend and it only got better when the humidity dried out a little bit.
Same for me- I wake up every morning super thirsty!
When a doctor isn’t a runner, they definitely don’t get it! Hope you feel better soon… it’s the worst when something hangs on for weeks like that!
Thanks! I didn’t realize I needed a PCP who could relate to runners when I was just being seen about a cold:)
When I say I get up at the 4o’clock hour to get a run in. But usually people just look at me funny when I’m getting a pedicure… sorry ’bout it 🙂
Yea pretty much whenever I talk about my running habits people think I am a little crazy!
It’s hard to have an Doctor’s opinion, especially if they are not a runner. They just don’t understand. I have had people on my run say to me why are you running you do not need to run. I’m thinking I run to stay in shape. Maybe you should try it…ha.
Haha yes, I never understand the question when people ask me why I run.
Cutting up sweet potatoes are no joke! That is some serious cardio!
It’s super hot where I live too. It made packing up the car today a hot one!
I think runners are different simply because we have different priorities and are really head-strong about reaching our goals. I remember my friend and I both had a similar cold last winter and she could just not understand how on earth I was heading to the gym for a run while she was heading home for a nap. Just different mindsets I guess!
That is such a great example! I also think one of the ways I knew I was really sick when I was on vacation was that my body was telling me not to run. Sometimes it can help us gauge our health, I think!
Not sure if this really counts, but I did have a PCP flat-out tell me that people shouldn’t run marathons because “they’re just bad for your body.” She went on to tell me that I could get just as good a workout if I spent a half hour on the elliptical a few times a week…
Ugh see statements like just drive me crazy! Yes, the elliptical will get your heart pumping and its a good way to get in some cardio, but its certainly not the only workout anyone should be doing! Although it is better than nothing, I suppose.
I hate it when doctors don’t take symptoms seriously. It’s like, if you’re not flat on your back and unable to move, then you must be okay. Not cool, doctors, not cool.
I’m glad they gave you some medicine; fingers crossed that it knocks it out fast!
And it is in the 90’s here this week with like 50% humidity! If I were running right now, I would only be able to do it early in the morning (or on a treadmill…) because I am a wimp when it comes to the heat.
It has been quite a struggle to run this week, even in the morning! I’m surprised it’s so bad in September.
OMG, I feel your pain. I am in my forties, If I go to the doctor because something must be wrong, good luck. The doctor looks at me and says it is because I am getting older. WTF seriously. So it is usually a wasted trip. At least they gave you something..
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
That sounds very frustrating! I have been very picky about my doctors over the years and was pretty disappointed with this one.
I’m so sorry you’re still feeling icky! I hope the new meds work and your system clears up soon.
I had a cut-back week this week and was so excited because I *ONLY* had to run 11 miles hahaha. I don’t think my non-runner friends appreciated how happy I was about that 😀 Also, the heat is definitely killing my motivation to run. It’s a 90+ degree week here :/
Yep! “Only” 11 miles is definitely something a distance runner would say and no one else would understand:)
I feel like I avoid the doctor until I absolutely have to go because I never think they take me seriously. I’m totally a self diagnoser. Sorry that this thing is lingering for you!!! And the weather…ugh. It’s back up to the high 80s low 90s again. Whyyyyyyyyy!!!
I try to avoid doctors too and rarely go when I get sick! This is just crazy how long its lingering which is why I figured it was worth a trip.
Aww girl. I hope you feel better soon <3 And that your weather starts being good to you. It's finally starting to cool down around these parts, which I'm kind of over the moon about. Definitely ready for ALL things fall 😀
Thanks! I know over the past few weeks I have been saying that I am not ready for fall, but I think this heat wave has led me to change my mind!
Runners are different because we talk in miles vs time which most non-runners don’t get. While staying with my parents recently I would tell my mom that I’m going for a 6 mile run and she gave me a confused look…so I started telling her how long I expected to be gone.
Very good point! I don think most non-runners understand mileage- all they know is it sounds like alot of running!
I feel like people never believe me when I say that I am ill but can still work out. It’s like as if it doesn’t give any credit to the illness. “Oh, well if you can workout, then you must not be sick”. Sometimes it feels good to “sweat” out an illness!
Agreed! I think people have a hard time understanding that I actually enjoy exercising and it feels good:)
I hope the meds will help you too feel better very soon! I need the extra electrolytes throughout the day as well. Water just doesn’t cut it right now.
I think when its as hot as its been we need a little something besides water to help us stay hydrated!
I bet the inhaler will help tremendously. That’s what helped me when I was sick for so long over the holidays last year!
I think it is helping! My cough is almost gone!