Puffs of miracle and Wasatch Back year 2

I can't believe it's been a whole year since last year's Wasatch Back race. I can remember the sleepless induced nausea like it was yesterday. Other than the lack of sleep part, I'm actually looking forward to it. Did I just say that?? Don't worry, you won't be seeing me run any marathons, but my love (ok, love is much too strong of a word here) of running has increased ever so slightly. What might you asked has changed? THIS.....

Let's just call this miracle puffs in a tiny little can. Did you know I had asthma? Yea, I know...I didn't either. When I posted about my 1/2 marathon I did not fully convey how miserable that was for me. I didn't want to sound like a baby. I cried when I got home. It really sucked. After all my training, I was so disappointed with my performance and it felt really awful (just ask Alison). I thought the way I felt physically when I ran was due to a) I'm just not a natural runner and b) the air this winter was really, really bad. Both are true, but there was more to it. In the weeks following the race, I expected to feel better when I was indoors at the gym. Nothing improved. After talking with the doctor, we concluded I had developed EIA (exercise induced asthma). I didn't know there was such a thing, I didn't know it was so common and I certainly didn't know I had it. From the first time I used the inhaler, I couldn't believe the difference. I can still remember my first run using this...I actually had a smile (a smile!!!) on my face. Who knew how good air in your lungs could feel. Go figure. Would you believe my pace has improved well over a minute from my 1/2 marathon pace?? Believe me, I am still considered a slow runner, but can I tell you how good it feels to see some improvement. It was so frustrating last year to be working so hard with no improvement...and even decline. Now, I can feel so much better about my (slow) pace....because it feels better and it is better than it was before. So, if you ask me if I am excited for the Ragnar, Wasatch Back this weekend I'd have to say yes. I'm looking forward to the crazy misery that comes with this type of race...all while breathing a little easier.