If you are anywhere close to northern Indiana and have lived here for more than two years, you know that the weather we're having this week is anything but typical. It is March 16, and I have the windows open, a fan on, and am wearing shorts and a tank top. Furthermore, when I went for my run this morning (in a t-shirt and capris), I got so hot, I had to take the shirt off. That's right, it was a sports bra run or passing out, so I chose the sports bra run. It was a good reminder to keep my form in check, though!
So, while this weather is beautiful (and it IS!), it is wreaking a bit of havoc on my body. As you may have read in earlier posts, the whole reason I wanted to run a half marathon was to do it honor of those who can't -- those who have debilitating diseases and are physically unable to run. Almost 12 years ago (wow, that seems long!), I was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. It took years to find the right medications, the right balance of sleep, the right level of physical activity... and now, I have days where I don't even remember I have it because I'm incredibly lucky to feel so good.
Enter extreme weather changes. Whether the weather changes for better or worse, it is TOUGH on the body when all of the sudden, the temperature is 30 degrees different. On Sunday when I ran, it was 37 degrees. On Tuesday when I ran, it was 68 degrees, and today mimicked that warm temperature. My knees aren't used to heat yet and they're certainly not used to humidity (humidity, in case you didn't know, is the devil). This might be the only time I'll ever say this, but I think I actually enjoyed running in the winter more than I do running in nice weather. Does that make me nuts?
Anyway, arthritis is weird. It's hard and it's tough. But, that's where you come in.
The South Bend Arthritis Walk is coming on Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at Potawatomi Park in South Bend. This is your chance to give back and make a difference, and you can help in a variety of ways. Visit my web site and sign up to walk with me, volunteer, or donate to the cause. Here, you can read stories of those with arthritis, link to the Arthritis Foundation web site, and spend some time learning about the cause.
Okay, that's it. My shameless plug is over. :)
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I hope your body adjusts quickly and the weather makes up it's mind if it' gonna be warm or cold.
ReplyDeleteGreat plug!
Those are drastic temperature changes. Sounds like you are ver intuned with your body.
ReplyDeleteToday was another hot one! I waited until too late to run -- I should've gone this morning when it was cool!
ReplyDeleteHope you both had a wonderful day!