On Friday I marked 3 weeks of being on blood thinners to treat my DVT blood clots, and my doctor confirmed that I can get back to running. While I am partially cleared on that condition, I also learned that I have hyperthyroidism.
The good news is that explains my recent weight loss and struggles with running. The bad news is that until it gets corrected, I am still going to struggle.
Hyperthyroidism — Over-Active Thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that plays a prominent role in your health. It controls growth and development, regulates temperature, and controls your metabolism. When it gets out of whack, the symptoms can be far-ranging. The condition I have –hyperthyroidism–means that my thyroid is over-active, revving up my metabolism. Some of the symptoms I have been experiencing include unexplained weight loss, fatigue/muscle weakness, dry eyes, and feeling jittery. The Cleveland Clinic website warns against vigorous exercise when hyperthyroidism is untreated, because the hyperthyroidism already increases your hear rate.
Looking back over the summer, I remember not only my struggles with running, but also that it became easier to earn splat points at Orangetheory. My January data show my usual stats, where I was lucky to get 20 splat points. My September data show how recently I was getting well over 20 splat points. There seems to have been a transition sometime around June, when more than 20 splat points became the norm.
I am hoping to get in to see an endocrinologist this week so I can get started on the road to recovery, which I understand may be a long and windy one.
Weekly Run Down
This week I had a business trip to Dallas, but due to operator error in setting my alarm, did not make it to the hotel gym. After being cleared to start running, I began the C25K program on Saturday. Between four weeks of no cardio and my new diagnosis, I thought I should ease back into things.
Monday: 1 mile Scooby walk + strength workout
Tuesday: 1 mile Scooby walk + strength workout + 1 mile Scooby walk
Wednesday: 1 mile Scooby walk + strength workout + travel to Dallas
Thursday: 5,000 steps
I had turned on my 6:00 am alarm, but forgot that it is set for weekends only. I woke up at 7:30, with just enough time to get to my 8:30 meeting.
Friday: Rest/Travel Day
I had the best intentions of taking Scooby out when I got home, but instead I started watching season 2 of Big Little Lies, and he was happy to lie with me on the sofa.
After Saturday’s run/walk intervals
Saturday: C25K Week 1, Day 1
The 90 second walk intervals seems too long, but I will stick with the program.
Sunday: Cyclebar
I was hoping to do day 2 of the C25K program, but when the forecast called for rain, I signed up for Cyclebar. Good thing, because it was a really wet morning! 
It felt good to be back in the studio, but I used my heart rate monitor to make sure I didn’t push too hard. I sat out a few 30 second sprints and kept my resistance lower than usual.
Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up
–join in for motivation and encouragement!
Did you ever do a C25K program?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Oh. No. Not happy to hear about the latest.
I hope you get treatment and are able to stay active at the same time.
You are smart to start back to running slow.
Sorry to hear about this new diagnosis. Hopefully you’ll be able to connect with the endo so you can get a plan for treatment.
I think it’s so smart to use the C25K to get back to running!
I am glad you finally got a diagnosis on what is going on with you. Hope you get some good answers once you see the DR this week. Sometimes it’s good to start from the beginning again.
Oh wow. I’m sorry to hear about the new dx. I hope your Endocrinologist is able to help you get things balanced out asap. I’ve never done a C25k plan before but I just realized I signed up for a Turkey Trot so I might need to!
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but hopefully you can sort it out and get things balanced. That sounds tough 🙁
Love the Scooby pics, he’s such a good boy!
Ugh, you’re right, it’s always something! Sorry to hear about this. Very interesting on your diagnosis. I always wonder if there is something going on with me when I have problems achieving things. You just never know! I hope you get everything worked out soon.
Wow! What an appropriate title – if it’s not one thing, it’s another! So sorry to hear about the thyroid issue. You are smart to use heart rate to gauge your comeback. Sending good wishes your way, Coco!
Really sorry to hear about the Hyperthyroidism diagnosis but happy that you now have a reason to explain your running struggle this summer. I hope that the doctors will be able to sort it out for you.
Happy that you’re going to be able to return to running and OTF soon!
Oh, Coco…I’m so sorry to hear about the recent turmoil! How frustrating….at least you have some answers, so hopefully you can get the best treatment possible. ((hugs))
Sorry to hear about the new diagnosis, but that’s good news that they’ve figured it out! I hope the meeting with the endocrinologist goes well and that you have a treatment plan soon. I have hypothyroidism and it really is something that you have to keep monitoring. I was on the same dose medicine for years and then all of a sudden it changed, my meds were too high, and had swung me over to hyperthyroidism until we lowered the dose to the right amount. It’s definitely a trial and error to get it right, and you have to keep checking. Good luck!
Oh, I am so sorry about the dx! I know that both hypo & hyper are just not good for our bodies. Seriously, you’ve been through a lot lately! I hope they are able to get it under control quickly.
I think using C25K to get back into running is very smart. Yes, I’ve used the program — several times. I did it training for my first 5k (my problem is I STILL don’t run a 5k in 30 min, and I certainly didn’t back then!) & the challenge group I mentor in the spring uses it, too.
Yay on being cleared to run again! That’s great news.
Sorry to hear about your hyperthyroidism! It seems like you’ve been through alot lately. I’m glad you are able to still find ways to stay active through all of this.
Glad you got a diagnosis and hope the endo has you on the right track back.
I did a modified C25K – Runkeeper’s progressed more slowly than the official one, so it probably won’t work for you.
I thought I’d commented a couple of nights ago, but must have headed over to your link without coming back. I hope your health issues get corrected quickly (glad that your blood clot has improved enough that your doctor has released you for running). It’s frustrating not getting to do what we love, but it sounds like you’re being a good patient until you get your hyperthyroidism regulated. Take care!
Thanks for your blog! I’m sorry to hear about your struggles but I am impressed that you are getting on with it. Take care.