The last couple of days has been a bit...problematic. Yesterday I could barely have a conversation that didn't involve me having to repeat a sentence two or three times because once again, I kept using the wrong word. When I told Mistress I was going to get my sweaty clothes from my car, I told her I was going to get my groceries out of the car. I told my dad I loved freezer, when I was telling him I loved the steak he made me. I called a good friend by someone else's name while we were talking.
I did a 15 mile desert run yesterday, basically 3x5 mile loop. I have run this route many times. Yet it seemed every time I looked down at the trail or around at the landscape, I was seeing something new. Ultimately I knew to just follow the road straight up to the trailhead and back and couldn't possibly get lost, but sometimes I didn't know where I was. I was glad to be running with Jeff, because I didn't have to worry about putting much thought into it. Run up, run down.
Last night while driving home from my parents with Mo after watching the Super Bowl, I got lost. Twice. They live ten miles west and one mile south of me. Not a lot of turns in that equations.
This morning at work, I have been looking at emails and on simple instructions seeing the exact opposite explanation. When one says, "The number is 10k to low", I read, I need to lower the number another ten grand. Not that I need to increase it that amount. Until the third or forth time I look at it and already made adjustments to other forms.
I am wondering, and this is completely speculative on my part, that increased volume in training above a base level negatively affects my mental routines from my head injuries. I put in almost 20 hours of training last week. When looking back at some of the worst patches of cognitive functioning over the last three years its also during some of the higher build portions of my Ironman training. I mean obviously anyone is going to be tired after a massive amount of training, but I am wondering out loud if my specific cognitive functions are short circuiting because of it. Its hard to express but I mentally feel sharp and alert, I just can't get my thinker and my speaker to hook up 60% of the time.
Thank God its a rest day.
I did a 15 mile desert run yesterday, basically 3x5 mile loop. I have run this route many times. Yet it seemed every time I looked down at the trail or around at the landscape, I was seeing something new. Ultimately I knew to just follow the road straight up to the trailhead and back and couldn't possibly get lost, but sometimes I didn't know where I was. I was glad to be running with Jeff, because I didn't have to worry about putting much thought into it. Run up, run down.
Last night while driving home from my parents with Mo after watching the Super Bowl, I got lost. Twice. They live ten miles west and one mile south of me. Not a lot of turns in that equations.
This morning at work, I have been looking at emails and on simple instructions seeing the exact opposite explanation. When one says, "The number is 10k to low", I read, I need to lower the number another ten grand. Not that I need to increase it that amount. Until the third or forth time I look at it and already made adjustments to other forms.
I am wondering, and this is completely speculative on my part, that increased volume in training above a base level negatively affects my mental routines from my head injuries. I put in almost 20 hours of training last week. When looking back at some of the worst patches of cognitive functioning over the last three years its also during some of the higher build portions of my Ironman training. I mean obviously anyone is going to be tired after a massive amount of training, but I am wondering out loud if my specific cognitive functions are short circuiting because of it. Its hard to express but I mentally feel sharp and alert, I just can't get my thinker and my speaker to hook up 60% of the time.
Thank God its a rest day.
12 comments:
For me it appears that fatigue exacerbates head injury sequelae. (Really I think what it does is impair my coping strategies.) A viral infection or lack of sleep will also do the trick. The other thing that really makes an impact is my B12 levels.
Since you're so speedy now, maybe after IM you can cut the distance and go for some short fast races...or send me 10k
The things that you describe happen to me during stress or lack of sleep. So there definitely can be a connection to the increase in training as it is a different type of stress of the body.
Hope the rest helps today!
Lisa
Whoa. You could be right. I have noticed that I become clumsy near the end of longer, harder training weeks. Sometimes I'll fall or trip when walking in/out of work, or drop things. And I don't focus as well. And I haven't had any major head injuries...so for someone who has - I would definitely say the fatigue could intensify the problem.
Get some rest!
BTW - I told all my friends while watching the Super Bowl about my Ironman friend who got paid to ride the trainer at the NFL Experience! They were impressed!
it sounds like you might be on to something but it's probably worth talking to a specialist about. I pray it clears up.
I have no explanation, but I'll be praying for you. Make sure you talk to a doctor if things don't clear up.
How strange... I don't nearly train like you do, but sometimes have days like those. Stress? Just a lot of other things on your mind?
I hope it'll all work itself out, but if you start putting the cereal in the fridge and the milk in the cupboard like I sometimes do... it might be time to seek further help ;)
Sounds like a reasonable correlation. As others have said we all lose cognitive function when we are tired but it sounds like you get hit hard. Rest up, my friend!
dude... you need to go see a doc about that... STAT.
seriously. don't make me come down there.
dude... you need to go see a doc about that... STAT.
seriously. don't make me come down there.
Hmmm.... I tend to do the same when I am stressed out or tired - say the wrong words and get myself lost. Maybe you just need a rest week. :-)
Nytro's right... ask about that.
I am glad you have your buddy to run with.
Take care friend.
Jenny
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