I met with 4 other runners today to knock out a last pre season 5 mile run. It was the first time I ran with anyone else since I started running again. I went into it with little trepidation, but maybe I have gotten a little cocky. We started of at a good pace I felt like we were running a little slow. I guess my judgment of pace is not so great.
We ran about a mile when we first hit a bit of an up hill climb. By about 1 1/2 miles I started to feel that tickle in my chest. My normal course has some hills, but no long grades like this. My nose was a bit congested and I was mouth breathing which did not help that chest issue. I struggled on and at about 3 miles, that chest issue was a full blown wheeze. This was the first asthma attack since I have been running. A couple of hits on that performance enhancing steroid, Albuterol, an my breathing returned to normal however, as expected, heart rate increased.
At about 3 1/2 miles I had to walk due t my heart rate monitor alarm. Every time we went up hill for any significant time, I had to walk a spell. My teammates graciously slowed a bit so I could catch back.
With all of my little struggles, I still finished with the group and we finished at a better pace than I have yet, 10:20 min/mile.
I want to thank the team for the encouragement and patience.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
Thanks guys!