Take care of yourself

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Here is an excerpt from a Medscape article on migraines in athletes:


Exertion or effort headache is a benign headache precipitated by any form of exercise. The headache typically occurs de novo in an otherwise healthy person who has not been prone to headaches. According to IHS (International Headache society) criteria, the headache is bilateral, throbbing at onset, and may develop migrainous features in those predisposed to migraine. Duration is 5 minutes to 24 hours. The headache may be prevented by avoiding excessive exertion, particularly in hot weather.

Evaluation of exertion headache includes a thorough patient history. The physician should inquire: What effort or activity triggers headache? Does the headache increase in intensity along with the effort? How quickly does the headache peak? How long does the headache last after effort stops? Is the headache associated with other symptoms? Are migraine features present? Is there anything unusual or concerning in presentation? Was there recent trauma or illness? Is there a history of altitudinal headache? Does coughing, sneezing, Valsalva (like bearing down t ohave a bowel movement), or sex trigger headache?

Effort migraine has been reported in various settings. Several cases were reported during the 1976 Olympic Games in Mexico City. Young, well-conditioned athletes developed scotoma (visual disturbances), severe retroorbital (behind the eye) pain, nausea, and vomiting. The rather unusually high incidence of this condition during the Mexico City games suggested that high altitude may have been a contributing factor.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Idaho, Cyclingwriter, anyone else? Steve Larsen, 2001 Ironman Lake Placid champ, former Lance Armstrong teammate, former NORBA and cyclocross champion, dies of a heart attack during a track workout. He was 38 and leaves behind a wife and five kids. God, this is scary...

http://www.velonews.com/article/92239/pro-racer-steve-larsen-dies-of-heart-attack-during-running

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

While polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count) caused by EPO injections might be the reason, there are more likely potential causes and speculation seems unfair.
http://www.medicinenet.com/sudden_cardiac_death/article.htm

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

This dude has been in semi-retirement, though, devoted to his real estate and online triathlon businesses, as well as his family, in recent years. So even if he did dope, it would have been years ago, before he got into multisport. Plus, he's been racing age-group since "retiring," and this was one guy who knows there's no reason to put yourself at risk like that if there's no money on the line. There could be family history (like I have), and even if you're a physiological beast like Larsen, it still comes back to bite you.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Well, I officially signed up for my first triathlon. It's going to be an Olympic-sized one (1500m swim, 40K bike and a 10K run) so we'll see how it goes. The race date is September 7.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

The true joy of any race is found in the daily training adventures. Have fun and enjoy the journey.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Times two. Any form of training, really.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Agreed on all counts. I began training yesterday (with my swimming) and today I get back into regular running for the first time since my half marathon.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Moved recently to a more running friendly part of town. Lots of sidewalks, small side streets, trails, etc. Just got back from a 40-minute run/walk. Felt great. So much better than the treadmill.