Today, I am feeling physically fatigued. I was supposed to run 30K, but given my energy level, I will likely weight train at the gym and throw in some plyometric exercises to train my nervous system. I am growing suspicious that my body has unspecified physical limits, which if pushed beyond, will result in an arthritic flare and immediate symptoms of fatigue. It's just an assumption right now, but a recent email from a US physician describing his AS symptoms leads me to believe that this assumption may not be far from reality.
It honestly disappoints me to think that no matter how hard I push myself physically, I am servant to the limits imposed by my arthritis. Not knowing those limits is frustrating; worse yet, who knows if those limits vary daily or under certain conditions. I realize I should feel grateful that I am still physically able to engage in strenuous activity (remember my mental curse of invincibility); however, as a perfectionist who wants to challenge her performance beyond any comfort zone, I hate feeling defeated by intrinsic forces (which I foolishly tell myself I should be able to control). If this sounds like the afflictions of a Type A personality, you're correct; not an easy burden to bear in the least.
Hi Cassandra. I just stumbled on your blog. I am also a runner who is trying to deal with A.S., and it's nice to see some other AS-kickers out there putting in some miles. It saddens me as well that my day-to-day ability to train is largely controlled by A.S. (my 100-mile weeks may be behind me), but now I just try to enjoy every day of running I get.
ReplyDeleteHi Paul,
ReplyDeleteMy mileage has also been steadily decreasing. It's certainly frustrating. I could learn from your focus of enjoying the run. I think I've lost sight of the journey in my race to the finish line. Thanks for checking out my blog.