A few years back I had an issue with electrolyte imbalances in my body. I was told by my doctor that I was drinking too much water, and thus, diluting my essential electrolytes. During that time I was also instructed not to run until my body recovered fully (I had had a couple of episodes of fainting so my doctor wanted to prevent any potential accidents). I remember how furious I was by the diagnosis. At the time I used to take daily runs during my lunch hour at work, doing so gave me sanity. I could not imagine coping with my stressful job without my runs. I was devastated.
I began walking instead of running, not without much resentment of course, but I just didn't get the same benefit. Running is one of two activities I do where I'm actually able to shut the demons in my head. Yes, I can get some alone time with... moi! My brain runs 24/7 and I can't get it to stop, but running does. Running also releases unwanted tension in my body and endorphins that keep my mood up for the rest of the day. Running also allows me to check in with my body. When I run I can tell if I've been eating and resting enough and I can also identify areas of my body where I may have a dysfunction. I identify myself as a runner and I pray that I can continue to run for years to come.
I've been recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes. To be frank I was shocked by the diagnosis; I was certain I would pass the glucose tolerance test with flying colors because I tend towards hypoglycemia. When I got the news I was in denial. It couldn't be me. I probed the doctor trying to figure out how the diagnosis is done, hoping to get her to say, "Oh, I'm sure it was a mistake." No it wasn't. My fasting blood sugar was 4 points above the threshold and that puts me in the "at risk" category for developing diabetes post-partum with a 50% probability. As if this wasn't bad enough, my baby faces the same fate. I of course frieked out. How could this be? I watch my diet closely, I exercise, I take good care of myself. Impossible. And then I looked at other factors: genetics, family history, ethnicity all of which played against me. It took me almost two weeks to finally come to terms with the fact that I have not failed my baby. There is nothing I could have done to prevent this situation, but there is plenty I can do to avoid further damage.
I had a two hour consultation with a dietitian in which she reviewed every detail of my daily hours: eating, sleeping, and exercise patterns, family history, pregnancy history, etc. I was showered with information about my condition and sent home with a glucose monitor and a carbohydrate fixed diet to follow. I'm a disciplined individual and I know enough about food and nutrition to follow the diet without a problem. I also don't mind poking my finger 4 times a day to check my blood sugar. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't uncomfortable with the thought of not being able to run anymore, and of course there is the "change" factor. I resist change. I am a creature of habit. For as much change as I've had in my life I should be a lot more flexible but I'm not. I must think beyond the present and focus on the benefits of this change. I'm actually quite resilient to change and I adapt a lot easier than most folks I know but it's still a difficult pill to swallow.
First things first. I will not compromise my baby's health or mine for my stubbornness. I promise to do all in my power to assure a healthy delivery and prevent future complications to his child. I vow to take this challenge one day at a time and I ask for your support and prayers.
