dizzy...

[ultraslacker]

my lungs have always been a weak spot for me and while running has strengthened them a lot, I still feel it as a weakness when I'm climbing.

As I mentioned in my race report the other day, I was having breathing and heartrate issues throughout the day. It was bad enough that during the steepest climb I got dizzy several times and had to stop to let my heart and lungs slow down.

Last night I was out just for a 5 mile run, and we did one climb... slowly, and not a huge climb. But by the top I was dizzy again and had to sit down for a minute before continuing. After that I was fine, and I felt fine otherwise (legs are still tired, but nothing concerning). It's a route that I do regularly without issue.

Should I be concerned about this? On saturday I thought I might be getting sick but now it's Wednesday and nothing has developed. I feel fine... but for some reason climbing is making me dizzy. Yet a week ago I did a big switchback and it was fine/normal. So was it just the race and recovery? Should I wait and see how the next one goes? Has anyone else experienced this?

[Jwolf]

Do you have any low blood pressure issues?

That sounds like what I was going through during my pregnancies...prescription was more salt.

Isnt it possible that you get it more when climbing simply because you are exerting more?

[ultraslacker]

Do you know if you have any low blood pressure issues?

Not that I know of. When I donate blood they say my blood pressure is great, and when I get other checkups and stuff they say I'm fine.

The only time I remember being told it was low was that day I fainted from running the day after giving blood.

[ultraslacker]

That sounds like what I was going through during my pregnancies...prescription was more salt.

Isnt it possible that you get it more when climbing simply because you are exerting more?

My diet is high in sodium already (too high, most days). And yes I'm exerting more on climbs but my concern is that the dizziness is a NEW thing. The route I did last night I've done a hundred times and it's never made me dizzy until last night... so is that just because I'm recovering from Saturday, or might there be something else at play?

[Miss*Smiles]

Do you feel pressure in your ears (when running, or when at rest)? Could it be a vertigo thing?

I would be concerned, especially since your running has strengthened your lungs ...

[Jwolf]

You were quite depleted after that race, so it's not surprising that you'd need more recovery. If the dizziness persists or comes back at other times, it might be worth getting checked out.

[jamix]

Maybe you could try practicing some incline on the treadmill and see at what inclination or exertion you start to feel the effect.

btw I think its true for everyone that when it comes to incline running, the limiter is by far ones heart and lungs. It does sound a little strange that you appear to get dizzy more easily. Though this could happen to anyone, I suspect most would have to be redlining they're efforts before this symptom became noticeable.

[ultraslacker]

I don't have a treadmill. :(

I think I will just run easy this week and then see if it recurs next week. If it does, then I'll maybe go get some blood tests or something done to see if I'm missing something.

[ultraslacker]

felt SO much better on tonight's run... so I guess it must have been a passing thing (either race related or health related!).

[Annelizabeth]

The thing is you are alone alot running. Would hate something to happen while you are alone. I would feel better if you saw your FD- cause it is a new thing.

[Spirit Unleashed]

I usually feel sick for awhile after a hard race or ultra. I think its cause the racing throws my body out of whack and it takes a few days to re-gain equilibrium. imo (means totally unscientific): being out of whack could mean various chemicals which normally have quiet corners got released as 8 hours of running uses up resources not normally accessed.

If I feel dizzy, its usually low blood pressure. Liquids and solid food (like bread) fix it.

[ultraslacker]

I usually feel sick for awhile after a hard race or ultra. I think its cause the racing throws my body out of whack and it takes a few days to re-gain equilibrium. imo (means totally unscientific): being out of whack could mean various chemicals which normally have quiet corners got released as 8 hours of running uses up resources not normally accessed.

If I feel dizzy, its usually low blood pressure. Liquids and solid food (like bread) fix it.

but this started during the race (and near the beginning), not after.

In any case, it was fine last night so I think it's gone.