Monday, May 11, 2009

Consistently Inconsistent

Training and blogging have been mediocre at best this past month. I've been as inconsistent as Kiwi's stool, well formed and solid one week, sloppy and unstructured the next. Please pardon the comparison to my dog's waste, but it really speaks to what I've been dealing with now for well over a month. As I've alluded to in previous posts, Kiwi's health has really been set back for the past two months. She's more or less fine, although she can't run with me at the moment. We still don't know what exactly is causing her GI issues and lethargy, but it is suspected that she has Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). Sounds really pleasant, huh? I've realized a couple things over the last month or so. First off, I must have lived a pretty stress free life up until now, because I never knew how much stress can screw things up. And second, I don't handle stress very well, especially when it is stress related to my dog-child. I've literally worried myself sick over Kiwi. I've definitely made her my top priority for these many weeks, at the expense of my running. That sucks, but it puts things into perspective a bit too. Obviously, Kiwi takes precedent over any race, yes even THE race.

Things aren't all bad though. Last week I hit my biggest mileage of the year, topping out over 100 miles for the first time. I even managed to get out for a hard 40 mile run with Jurek and some others. I realized that he's in better shape than me, but I don't feel like I'm that far off. There's still a handful of weeks to really hit it, so if Kiwi can continue to show small signs of improvement, I feel like I can get back on track to run my best at States.

So where do things stand with Kiwi? Well she underwent an endoscopy last Thursday, and we're awaiting the results from the biopsy. Theoretically they'll diagnose her with IBD and then we can began the proper treatment. IBD is a lifelong condition, but not a life shortening illness. Evidently it can be successfully managed with diet and medication, and she should even be able to start running again. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get a diagnosis and can begin treating something. So far, the vets have only told us what she does NOT have.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

brian-

you deserve some kind of award for creative use of analogy.

in all seriousness, good luck with remaining preparation for the big dance; let's hope kiwi's condition can be remedied through simple dietary regulation.

Trisha said...

Sorry you don't have a definitive answer regarding Kiwi yet, but I'm glad to hear it's forthcoming. Thanks for keeping us updated. Hope that it gives you the peace of mind you need to be able to re-focus your energy towards your running so you can have a great race at Western.

fBm said...

As someone who recently missed a race because of a sick dog, I'd like to wish Kiwi (and you of course) good luck. My dog has spent the last month with tick paralysis. He's hobbling again, but will miss the summer running season as he gets his strength back. It certainly puts all of life's priorities in their proper order, though. Anyways, good luck at States.

And A+ for the stool analogy.

-J

Michael Havrda said...

Hey Brian, I hope you find out what is affecting Kiwi so she can get better, and you both can put this behind you!

By the way, is the Alabama Hammer coming out of the woodwork to pace you at Western?

ALM said...

Brian-sounds positive about Kiwi, at least you have more information and hopefully more peace of mind. I would feel the same way if I were in your situation, my dog-child is top priority to me!