[uchiha]

Greetings everyone!

I started feeling really anxious after deciding that I am going to train to run for a marathon. Whiles I was talking it over with my wife I started to notice anxiety building up within me. The more I describe how I am going to prepare for it the worst I was getting. At the same time, I was describing how I was feeling at the moment to her as well. So, we stopped talking about it and my anxiety went away. Later that evening I went to bed and after an hour i suddenly woke up feeling panicky. My mind was playing over and over the music I listened to earlier when I was running on the treadmill, a mild ear worm. This is usually a sign that I am severely worked up and bordering panicking. I got up and did my stretches and deep breathing and I manage to get some measure of control again. I haven't felt this way in months!!

History: I started having panick attacks 2-3 years ago. It all started after having heart palpitations after one of my runs. I did a full medical workup and the doctors cleared me. However, after experiencing what felt like having an heart attack on the verge of feeling like I am going to pass out, I was not able to shake it off. Now, whenever my body feels really tired, like after a long run, I start feeling panicky.

I have come a long way from 2 years ago. I am now able to workout at the gym for long periods of time and even run 6-7 miles without no issues, however thinking about a marathon is freaking me out. I am thinking of abandoning the idea all together.

Thanks everyone. I just need to get this off my chest. It is 1:30am perhaps I can get some sleep now.

[niceguy]

Maybe your over doing it a bit. A marathon is a big goal to achieve and kudos for the goal- but your health should come first. Train, but stay within your limits. The heart attack/pulpitations might have been your bodies way of saying Slow down, you know!

[Frankbtl]

Hi, I'd totally agree with niceguy. It does sound like you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Now great goal and I absolutely aren't saying throw it away, but maybe take it at a pace that feels more comfortable to you. Do you think maybe, aim for a half-marathon at some time in the future after you're building your fitness levels (?) up. That's NOT not achieving your goal it's just part of the preparation.
And if you haven't already pull on board a fitness instructor, or get a training plan from an instructor at the gym, but DO ask for a longer-term plan. No pressure remember!!!
And after a long run- which yes, slow down a little with.....palpitations......- routinely fit in something relaxing straight away e.g. relaxing/music, a bath????
But one step at a time, try to enjoy the exercise just for itself if nothing else right now, and your goal...no time limits.
Just as niceguy said your health comes first, go a little easy on your body JUST LIKE you SHOULD be doing on yourself!!
Best wishes
Alison

[Little Lulu]

Overcoming anxiety/panic does involve doing those things that make you anxious until you become more comfortable with them. That said, I agree with frankbtl and niceguy, you've come a long way (kudos for that!) and maybe running a marathon is something you don't need to do or as niceguy said, maybe it isn't in your best interest.

One thing that helps me is to examine my motives. For you this might be - Do you really want to run a marathon or do you feel you have to? Do you enjoy running marathons?

One of my fears about abandoning something due to anxiety is that I start thinking that 'if I don't do X, then next thing you know, I won't do Y' and my world will keep getting smaller. It is something to keep in mind but I try not to club myself with it.

Hugs - if you do cancel this race, there will be others.

[uchiha]

Thanks everyone for your responses!

In the past I have ran 5k, 10k, and half-marathons. I know what the physical stress is like and to be honest that is what scares me, that I might have a major panick attack. Since it seems physical stress is what does triggers my panick attacks. It's been two years since I have done any race. I have just been lifting weights and running on the treadmill; taking it easy. The most i do on the treadmill is 5-6 miles. My last outside run was a year ago, and it was 9 miles and I felt great afterwards, no panick attack. But I was too scared to do more or to continue running outside.

Yesterday, I stepped up my workout a bit and biked or 30mins and subsequently ran for 60mins. A very slow paste. Nothing too taxing. I believe my earlier physical exertion plus talking about preparing for a marathon was to much for my mind to handle, knowing the level of commitment and physical effort it would take....

Your right niceguy I do need to physically and mentally slowdown. I do think I am working myself up.

Frankbtl, your right just enjoying the excercise for itself and nothing else should be the goal. One of the reason I wanted to do a marathon was to honor my son and others who are battling cancer. My son is doing great now, but I know there are still kids out there who are still fighting and parents who are fighting right besides them. Now, when I think about it maybe it is still to early to get back on that horse or at least slow it down considerably.

Definitely agree Little Lulu. After my first panick attack I could not go to the gym without feeling sick to my stomach and having several palpitation in the pan of a few minutes. I would go into the gym and leave after 15 minutes, that was the most I could tolerate at that time. Eventually 15mins became 30mins, then 45mins and ultimately a 2 hour workout. Slowly adapting is the key! Long road I tell ya!

Little Lulu, I will definitely spend sometime examining my inner motives. That will eventually be the deciding factor that will propell me forward or choose to abandon this quest. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Thanks guys, you have given me a lot o think about.