Runner's Itch
Posted by Joy M at 9/16/2009 10:45 PM 
Categories: Working Out, Mental Health
Tags: Fitness Health Exercise
Categories: Working Out, Mental Health
Tags: Fitness Health Exercise
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
This morning I went running and at about the 1.5 mile mark, my legs started itching. It was a small spot at first and then it started to spread. I tried not to scratch and forced myself to continue. I've had this problem before. When I scratch it only gets worse. I tried to focus on finishing. At this point in my running route, the quickest way back home was to continue my run. I really wanted to scream my Nancy Kerrigan yell, "Why? Why? Why?" This really makes no sense. Last week, I ran 7 miles and had a little itching for a portion of my run. I wasn't expecting any problem on this 3.5 mile run. The itching was worse today. I've always assumed that this was a lactic acid problem, but I'm not sure.
Some sources say that it is connected to fitness level. I don't agree. This is just not true. I get this problem only when running and running outside. I can take spin class, advance step, kick boxing, swim and even run on the treadmill and the moment I step outside to run, I start to itch. I really think this sensation could lead to mental illness. At least, it can stop people from exercising. Unlike many of the people who found sites on the internet for the first time, I've always known I wasn't along. My parents and sisters all have this issue.
The only thing I have found to work is to really warm up and stretch. If the pain gets so bad while running, I have stopped to stretch. Generally, it has been helpful. However, stretching out the backs of my knees is virtually impossible. Some commentors on blogs have said that taking an antihistamine has worked. Some have found that running in good sneakers or on sand or grass helps because somehow feet hitting the hard ground starts the allergy.
I plan to continue my running. I'll do some more stretching. If it gets really bad, I may event take some allergy medicine. I'm working toward the prize and this hurdle will be jumped. Hopefully, it will become itch-free very soon.
This morning I went running and at about the 1.5 mile mark, my legs started itching. It was a small spot at first and then it started to spread. I tried not to scratch and forced myself to continue. I've had this problem before. When I scratch it only gets worse. I tried to focus on finishing. At this point in my running route, the quickest way back home was to continue my run. I really wanted to scream my Nancy Kerrigan yell, "Why? Why? Why?" This really makes no sense. Last week, I ran 7 miles and had a little itching for a portion of my run. I wasn't expecting any problem on this 3.5 mile run. The itching was worse today. I've always assumed that this was a lactic acid problem, but I'm not sure. Some sources say that it is connected to fitness level. I don't agree. This is just not true. I get this problem only when running and running outside. I can take spin class, advance step, kick boxing, swim and even run on the treadmill and the moment I step outside to run, I start to itch. I really think this sensation could lead to mental illness. At least, it can stop people from exercising. Unlike many of the people who found sites on the internet for the first time, I've always known I wasn't along. My parents and sisters all have this issue.
The only thing I have found to work is to really warm up and stretch. If the pain gets so bad while running, I have stopped to stretch. Generally, it has been helpful. However, stretching out the backs of my knees is virtually impossible. Some commentors on blogs have said that taking an antihistamine has worked. Some have found that running in good sneakers or on sand or grass helps because somehow feet hitting the hard ground starts the allergy.
I plan to continue my running. I'll do some more stretching. If it gets really bad, I may event take some allergy medicine. I'm working toward the prize and this hurdle will be jumped. Hopefully, it will become itch-free very soon.
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