Yesterday, Thanksgiving Day 2012, I was able to mark something off my bucket list. I participated in the Springfield Turkey Trot. It was so much fun. It was exactly what I needed this week to help me get motivated again... well, that and some wise council and encouragement.
According to the Springfield News Leader, there were over 8,500 people who participated in the Springfield Turkey Trot this year, making it one of the largest in its history. I wasn't sure if I would be able to run the whole way, so I signed up for walking in hopes I could jog/run some of it. Me and my dear friend, Sue, who coached me through the whole way. She is truly a gem and so encouraging. The first little bit, I was doing well. I was jogging and feeling great. However, I soon felt the cold air hit my lungs and it made it difficult to breathe. I kept pushing through and telling myself that even if I walked to the finish line, I was going to finish. Before long, we passed the 1 mile sign, and then we reached the half way mark. Before I knew it we had reached the final stretch. I decided as I saw the Finish Line approaching that I was going to run from the last stop light to the finish line. I would cross it running. And I did. I can never describe the joy I felt crossing that line. The awesomeness that was finishing something. It was amazing and slightly addicting. I wanna do it again. Since it was my first official race, I didn't really set any goals other than to finish and not be last. Here are my results. I thought I did very well for my first time and not really being able to breathe too well throughout the race.
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After we finished, we went into the event center for some water and a banana. At this point, I thought that all the difficulty breathing would be going away soon, so I wasn't that concerned, besides, I was on a high of crossing the finish line. As the day went on, I could feel my lungs weren't getting any better. Since I didn't have insurance, I was trying to put off going to the ER as long as possible. But as I lay on the couch in a house, alone, I was nervous. What if I couldn't catch my breath enough to go to the ER? So I decided to go. It was a hard decision to make. I wanted to get better but I knew the consequences of going... it was going to cost. Then again, what is money if you die because you can't breathe.
The decision to go alone wasn't as hard as I thought. Yes, I was nervous and scared but I knew that I needed to face this fear. I needed to do this on my own. Once I was back in a room, hooked up to machines, watching my pulse on the screen, I felt scared and alone. The room, while small, felt enormous. My pulse started racing and it got harder to breathe. I kept saying "I will fear not, for the Lord is with me," over and over again. After about five minutes, I finally felt peace.
The nurse came in and then the doctor, both of which were super excited for me that I participated in the Turkey Trot. It was cool having people who don't even know me rejoice with me. The doctor ordered an inhaler and a breathing treatment, so they sent in a respiratory specialist. Long story short, I had a treatment and was sent home with an inhaler and spacer (tube that hooks to the inhaler).I am very thankful for the kindness I was shown by the doctor, nurses, and specialists. I am also thankful for my friends who have shown me sooo much encouragement. I love you all and could not have done this with out you. So when's the next 5k??? :)
