From 5K to 10K and the Case of the Fat Fingers

Last May, we signed up for Run United 2 for the 10K category. I must admit that it was an impulsive decision but there is that confidence that I still have ample time to prepare for my first 10K run.  Of course, being faithful to the training and preparation proved to be a bit of a problem on my part.  I got sidetracked with swimming lessons.  I thought that is also cardio exercise, sort of like a cross training thing.  But who was I kidding?  I also had various activities some weeks before the run that was slated last June 2.  

I ran my first 10K without enough preparation.  Don't ever do that.  It's a bad thing to come unprepared for a longer run.  But since I signed up for it, I don't think skipping out would be a good option.  I got to at least give it a shot.  I just kept thinking I can always walk the rest of the way if I cannot run anymore.  

At the starting line, all runners were fired up and can't wait for the gun start...I guess except me.  I have some doubts running in my mind, all because I didn't invest enough on practice and conditioning to sustain me on this run.  Thankfully, the first 2K went like a breeze...soon I was progressing to 4K without tiring so much.  I think I missed seeing the 6th K mark but I remember as I was nearing the 7th K mark, and having been running for an hour, I looked down on my hands and got a big scare. 

The first thing I saw was my right hand, all fingers red and swollen.  My fingers looked like they would spurt out blood if you happen to prick them with something pointed.  They are so fat I thought they are not mine! Whoa!  What the...and then I looked at my left hand and it was the same.  I had a moment of panic as I try to get my bearings.  I did a series of quick checks.

• I tried to feel my hands and there was sensation so my hands were not numb.  Check  
• Is my breathing labored?  No.  Check.  
• Is my heart pumping too much?  Just the normal beating for a good aerobic exercise.  Check.
• Do I feel woozy or about to pass out?  No.  Check.

My vitals seem okay except for the swollen hands that looked very alien to me.  Still, I am not taking any chances so from the 7th to the 8th K mark, I just walked briskly all the while massaging my fingers, shaking them till the swelling subsided.  It took time for them to look a bit more normal.  I also prayed hard, saying "Lord, stay with me."  And as I say that silent prayer, I squeezed my right hand as if I am holding someone's hand tightly.  I ran-walked-ran the rest of the remaining 2K, even managed to pose for photographers hehehe.  

At the finish line, I was just so thrilled that I survived my first 10K run, still alive and finishing strong.  It was a run of faith as well.  I will never forget that moment when all I was holding on to is His hand.  I was never really on my own.  It was a scary experience, but I also got that assurance that I will be alright.   

I'll probably be running in the 10K category of Milo Marathon this coming July.  This time though, I'll take the preparation to heart...no more distractions.  

As for the swelling, well, I later researched about that and found out that it is a common occurrence, particularly if you've ran for an hour or so.  You can read about that here, here, and here or do further research.  I didn't know that so I panicked a bit.  So if ever you try to run longer distances, you got nothing to be afraid of if it's just swollen hands.  Of course, if you have other underlying health conditions, you got to put that in the equation before starting out any rigorous activity. 

Here I am, and that sign above couldn't be more right....10 K and I'm still okay.