Hay fever and Asthma Hell

[Bloomsbury22]

So far have really been fighting a good fight, but do feel there are external forces who don’t agree with me running...Took an extra rest day after my last run to wake up to this pollen count...🤯

UPDATE: Did it! W7R2 done! Did have to use my inhaler half way through, and during the Toxic Ten it was actually my breathing that was the bigger worry for once (due to the pollen), but it did actually become easier as got in to the second half. My legs are definitely becoming stronger, and knowing that I can do this (this being my third 25 minute run now...!!!), really does take the pressure off and just allow me to concentrate on nice deep and steady breathing. Also now that I have figured out how to skip ahead on tracks on my playlist too...ha!

Did have my first running calamity though, by running in to a brick post trying to avoid a rather bountiful tree branch, making my arm now look like have been mauled by a wild cat. 🐯 My first running accident! I actually feel like a proper runner now! 💪🤕

[RunnerKeenBean]

Oh my goodness, that's crazy to see it like that.

I started taking an antihistamine most mornings recently, not noticing hayfever symptoms before but now I'm out in parks and the council seem to be cutting everything in sight, I thought I would give them a try. Too early to tell if they are working, still got a runny nose, occasional sneezing fits, watery eyes on occasion.

Do you take them, any good for you?

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to RunnerKeenBean]

It is crazy how bad my hayfever, sinuses, and hence my asthma have been the past few months. Do think it is the worst season in years. This delightful warm weather, at least down south here in London, has really not helped. Yes, I take all the works when it comes to medication: a daily antihistamine, an antihistamine nasal spray, do a sinus rinse (I thought my Dr was daft in the noggin when first suggested this, and still feel stupid, but it really works), use my asthma inhalers, and have an olbas oil inhaler that am surgically attached to, eye drops and an eye mist. I always take my inhaler, the olbas oil inhaler, and hankies with me on every run. I run a route around the streets near where I live, and am constantly crossing over to avoid the more bountiful gardens, as pretty as they are.

[RunnerKeenBean in reply to Bloomsbury22]

Oh god, that sounds horrendous. Hope it calms down sooner than later for your sake!

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to RunnerKeenBean]

Thank you! It does help to run as early in the day as possible. So off I go!

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

You do have it bad. I hope the run went okay.

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to HappyNoodle]

Thanks, I did. The first couple of minutes were tough but I got through it, thanks to my legs must be getting stronger, and going early in the day. Can’t remember my hay fever being this bad!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It is a bad year for pollen.

Running earlier in the day is generally better as the pollen count does increase with sunshine and wind as the day progresses.

It will pass..........

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I've indeed found that! Am trying to run earlier and earlier to outfox the pollen.

[JaxO Graduate]

You are one determined person which will get you through it! Well done to you!! 👏

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to JaxO]

Thank you! I think it is a bit more basic than that. Now that understand what the Toxic Ten is, and that I can get through it, I know I can do it, and it has sort of imprinted on my brain. Plus I am stubborn as hell!

[Spartacus22 Graduate]

I feel your pain im a lifelong asthma sufferer and I'm also allergic to just about everything. I haven't found a cure for triggers to hay-fever sadly the eyes still burn.

And the itchy inner ears roof of mouth devil combo still reigns, im sure you know what I mean ?

But asthma wise I was taking my blue ventolin about 3 - 4 times a day awsell as preventers but since the end of the last year I started doing the wim hof breathing method every day and its completely changed my breathing. I take my blue less than 5 times a month now. Intact I haven't renewed my prescription since Jan for that. I've also found doing it pre run makes it so much easier to do a run.

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Spartacus22]

That's really interesting, thank you. I have heard of that before but really do need to check it out. My Mum is in medicine, and taught me some very good breathing and coping mechanisms since I was little, to help me try to regulate as much as possible without medication. Ie to only then have to use my blue inhaler when I absolutely have to. I really, really concentrate on my breathing when I am out, and therefore, bar the hayfever situation, which I cannot control, my breathing has actually been very measured. Its just what it is right now, and it will get better. In the meantime am being kind to myself, getting up earlier in the morning to give a run a go, when I can, taking more rest days. Taking all my medication etc. Right, off to google that method! Thank you!

[Bracken2018 Graduate]

I have to give it to you for your determination. I’m sure there’s nothing that’s going to get in your way from now on as you progress towards W8 and W9.

*You are proving how ones mind-set has the power to push through barriers . 🌟

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Bracken2018]

Thanks! With me it is 90% mindset, and has been since the beginning. That said, asthma is very real, as is hayfever and sinus problems, so I don't want to minimise that if anyone else out there is reading this and feels they need to push through when they can't, or be reckless with their health. I have grown up with asthma, and was taught some very good coping/management strategies by my Mum, who is in medicine, and take my medicine religiously, and always set off with an inhaler on me, as well as my phone in case of emergencies. I also never run far from home or where I can get help. But as adults we have to listen to our bodies, and hopefully by now know the difference between being out of puff because we have pushed ourselves through exercise and when we are struggling due to asthma. I have found that going for a run as early as possible in the morning helps, when it is cooler, staying away from the most lush gardens (admiring from a distance), and taking it as slow as possible, really concentrating on my breathing, helps me. I always check the pollen forecast, and if I need to take an extra rest day I do. Its not this bad every day, so it will pass.