RunningAHEAD - Topic: Scary occurrence while running

Scary occurrence while running (Read 940 times)

sabend

posted: 8/22/2008 at 12:12 AM

I usually go running 4-5 times a week, but recently, life's gotten in the way. So I hadn't gone running in about four days. Today, I finally had time to go running, and so I went for a run this evening.

After I finished my first mile, I decided do a second instead of just going right home. I was feeling fine, although a bit tired, since I hadn't been running in so long. But as I hit 1.5 miles, my calves started to seize up, and my left foot began to fall asleep. Those things have happened before, and I've been fine, but since I'd had so much time between runs, I figured I'd walk the rest of the way home so my legs could get some blood.

And that's where everything got horrible.

I started to feel incredibly woozy and light-headed as soon as I stopped running. I stopped for a bit to lean against a wall and rest, but as soon as I started walking again, my vision started to get really dark. I sat on someone's step for a bit (I almost fainted while in the process of sitting) and laid back, but I just couldn't shake the feeling. I started freaking out a bit because I knew that my options were limited: either I would walk home, or someone would find me passed out and take me to the (crappy) local hospital. So I got up and walked home.

By the time I reached my street, I felt fine, but still very freaked out. I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow, and I won't go running again till she gives me the go-ahead. I'll also bring my cell phone next time.

What could have happened though? I'm having my period, and I didn't eat much today, but I've gone running under those circumstances before and been fine. It wasn't hot out (warm, but with cool breezes), and I didn't feel as if I was really pushing myself until about the point where I stopped. I also don't feel dehydrated (I've been dehydrated before).

havanarnr view log	posted: 8/22/2008 at 1:58 AM
	I have no idea what those symptoms mean - could be several things, maybe nothing much. But I'm glad to see that you're going to the doctor soon! I hope it's easily resolved and you're back to running soon!
	Goal HM under 2:00:00

pitrunner view log	posted: 8/22/2008 at 11:30 AM
	Quote from sabend on 8/22/2008 at 12:12 AM: I didn't eat much today How much is not much? I used to have problems similar to what you're describing when I had trouble eating enough in HS and college( >800 cals a day).
	veggies on the run

jayheavner	posted: 8/22/2008 at 2:43 PM
	There are a variety of things it could or couldn't be. You should see you doctor. Anything we tell you is nothing but speculation and that's a dangerous game.
	2008 Goals Don't attack the guy that passes me like I'm standing still when I think I'm running fast...I can't catch him anyway and I'd just look silly

scubagrrl view log	posted: 8/22/2008 at 3:26 PM
	I would say combination of not eating and being on your period. Definitely talk to your doctor, and make sure you eat next time.
	Ginny 'Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there' Will Rogers

Maplefly view log Hoping to Run Again :-(	posted: 8/22/2008 at 4:37 PM
	That does sound scary. Maybe iron deficiency? I would think that if you were anemic you wouldn't feel like running though. I'm glad you're seeing the doc. Take care!
	~ Fly ~ Only as much as I dream can I be. veggies on the run

Run To Win view log Blaine Moore	posted: 8/22/2008 at 5:40 PM
	I had something similar happen to me in a half marathon once in the first couple miles, but I started feeling better and decided to just play it by ear and stop if it got bad again. I assumed it was dehydration. At the end of the race, it happened again in the same place that it happened before, so it must have been something in the air that I was allergic to or had some sort of reaction to. It didn't seem like other people were having trouble. Definitely go see your doc, get some blood work done. Are you prone to migraines?
	Run to Win I just started using Twitter - anybody else on there? http://twitter.com/RunToWin

sabend	posted: 8/23/2008 at 3:19 AM
	Never had migraines, no. I think it might have been anemia, since I definitely don't eat a lot of red meat or anything else famous for having iron. I forgot to call my doctor today, so I have to wait till Monday. No running till I get the green light from her!

piper0110 view log	posted: 8/27/2008 at 12:33 PM
	I agree with everyone else. The food and your period probably combined to cause it. I'd also suggest talking to your doc because it's better to be safe than to be sorry, but you might also want to think about carrying a small snack with you when you run. Maybe a gel or a granola bar or even some candy. Not that you should keep running when that happens, but it might help you get home.

runner92 Just Be	posted: 8/27/2008 at 12:51 PM
	Did you notice any heart palpitation sensations? You could have had some sort of temporary dysrhythmia such as ventricular tachycardia or flutter. The blurry vision symptom is a sign of a circulation problem, usually manifested in the form of low or high blood pressure, more commonly low. Let us know the results of your physical! Best of luck to you!
	My Running Log \| Blog of Running Lore

Anya_ view log Opps, I married a Vulcan	posted: 8/27/2008 at 1:48 PM
	It's happened to me. But, I was going for a "long" run. I never figured it out, but think I had some type of food deficency. When I made it back to my neighborhood, my neighbor was starting to talk to me, and I was slurring my words.. It did totally freak me out. I started to bring that "goo" stuff with me, for future runs. but, I never needed it. Just be careful.
	- Anya

Large Richard view log LSD King	posted: 8/27/2008 at 4:17 PM
	Quote from pitrunner on 8/22/2008 at 11:30 AM: How much is not much? I used to have problems similar to what you're describing when I had trouble eating enough in HS and college( >800 cals a day). I had the same experience when I was putting in miles (about 50/week), but not eating much. I would have these symptoms and also was cold even on hot days. Be careful and see a doctor. Good Luck!!

sabend

posted: 8/31/2008 at 5:19 AM

I called my doctor, and I was a bit alarmed because she didn't seem all that concerned. Even though I explained to her that I had run under similar circumstances and been fine before, but that this time I had nearly passed out, she said that since I didn't actually pass out, then she didn't think there should be any cause for concern.

I mean, I find that a little confusing. I would have totally passed out had I not been smart enough to stop running when I did, and if I hadn't sat down when I did (a minute later, and I'd have blacked out). She also didn't seem to realize how SCARED I am over this! She said that if it happens again, she'll have me come in for tests.

I do think it's a circulation issue. Recently, when I've been running, my feet have been falling asleep, or my calves have been seizing up. The weird thing is that these things didn't start happening until after I'd been running regularly for two months. Is it normal for my body's circulation to actually get worse because of running? Again, I do think it's a circulation problem.

I haven't been running since that scary day, partially out of fear, but mostly because I've been working an orientation program all week. Today, I was slightly hung-over (shhh), and my current med situation is leaving me fatigued. I'm going to try to go tomorrow, either on campus with a cell phone, in the morning, or with my mom near her apartment in the afternoon. I'm either going with a cell/ID or with my mom, for safety purposes

Sockoni view log Feel the Heat	posted: 8/31/2008 at 12:25 PM
	Quote from sabend on 8/31/2008 at 5:19 AM: She said that if it happens again, she'll have me come in for tests. Get a different doctor!
	Lemme put your name on my shirt!

Wingz	posted: 8/31/2008 at 1:35 PM
	Quote from Sockoni on 8/31/2008 at 12:25 PM: Get a different doctor! +1.