Note: Sadly, this is not a fun “playing doctor” story. I’ll just throw that out there now, so I don’t promote any false expectations. (That’s not to say there won’t ever be a fun story of that ilk, though, if I get my way…)
But this, this is a story about vomiting (so I guess it maybe counts as TMI?), and a request for advice.
You may not remember, but this past summer I had an unfortunate end-of-race incident, where I proceeded to puke just as I crossed the finish line. That was my ninth race, but it was the first time I’d ever been truly nauseous.
Sadly, it was not the last time.
My body seems to have made this a habit. It’s like a sick game of Duck, Duck, Goose: Run, Run, Vomit – but only during races.
About a month ago, I wrote about the Philly half-marathon, and how I had such a great time. And that was true. The part I left out was where, upon crossing the finish line, I promptly made it over to the medical tent and said, “Excuse me, I’m going to throw up – is there a trash can I could use?” But of course, when there was a receptacle at the ready, I managed to reel it in, and not need it.
Oh no, I managed to wait until we pulled into the restaurant where my parents were taking us for brunch.
And then I left my insides on the parking lot pavement, simultaneously holding my hair back and holding my medal away from my face to avoid splatter on the prize. (Priorities, you know.)
Most recently, at the Marine Corps 10k, I made it past the finish line only to book it to the sideline, squeeze myself between two people who were already there, and throw up over the barrier. (Note: to my knowledge, I did not get anything on them. They did, however, quickly leave.)
And that was the last straw. I finally made a doctor’s appointment. Then I had another with specialist. And now I have another lined up for tomorrow. The verdict so far?
“Just stop running races.“
Well, call it stubborn if you must, but I refuse to stop. There has to be another way.
And that’s where you guys come in: you’re all smart cookies – what in the hell could this possibly be? Anything you can think of: suggestions, questions that could trigger a revelation, personal experiences (though, I hope for your sakes those are few and far between), anything at all.
If you crack the case, I may even find you this hat:
And if that’s not incentive, I don’t know what is.
