My journey with hypothyroidism and running

 Schools is OUT, and this teacher is recharging, relaxing, and having FUN!!! :D

I would like to begin with how much I love the Huntsville running community. The "We Run Huntsville" group on facebook has kept me motivated with group runs along with meeting new runners that I have learned so much from in every group run that I join through the week. It keeps me motivated and held accountable (you know, when you tell someone you will be there, you feel bad about hitting that 5:00 a.m. alarm!). When Katrina invited me to that group a year or so ago, never would I have thought I would have learned so much from so many people! 

The past few weeks, I somehow got on the topic of thyroid disease (which I have hypothyroidism) during these said group runs, and I feel that my story is encouraging and hopeful for most. If you look up "thyroid disease and running" on google, you will find some negative but mostly positive on thyroid disease and exercise and how it can benefit you. However, the journey in the beginning is difficult. Here is a wonderful article about it here, or just look it up on WebMD. 

Thyroid Disease and Running

Livestrong: Thyroid Problems and Running

 

I will say this: after going through what I had to go through with training for a 5k two years ago along with my unbalanced thyroid (I was still trying to figure out what level of synthroid medication would work for me), it isn't a walk in the park. I have huge respect for anyone, especially people with health issues, who pushes through those obstacles to be a runner.

That's why I give very little attention for people that use excuses like "it would hurt my knees (ummm, google and see the research on how it actually can HELP your knees and prevent you from having bad knees when you age...) or "I don't have time." (I know people that work one or two jobs AND have kids and they STILL allow time for themselves to work out 2-4 times a week!)  What really bothered me last week is when a lady told me "You're scrawny (which of course, I know I am NOT)...I bet you can eat WHATEVER you want..." My response? "Ummm, no ma'am, I have hypothyroid, which means it is actually more difficult for me to lose weight than it is for you to lose weight. I have to really watch what I eat because I know my thyroid doesn't produce enough hormone on its own for daily function so I have to take pills and vitamins to feel and think normally."

WebMD Link

Hypothyroidism and Weight Gain

I had to go to the doctor for thyroid level test (blood work) multiple times during the beginning of my running journey in 2012 before I was able to find out what synthroid level worked for me. I even had to see another doctor to get a second opinion (a more holistic one) that opened my eyes up to not only take my synthroid pills, but to also take vegetable supplements to get more Vitamin A, B, C, Iodine, and Zinc to help with my low immunity. People with thyroid issues know that when a doctor tells you "Oh, your thyroid is level and normal" that it might not necessarily be the case. If you are on the low end, you can still feel bad (tired, hungry, depressed, groggy, forgetful, etc).

Struggling through my Couch to 5k plan along with the doctor's visits was totally worth it. I didn't feel as sluggish and tired anymore. It blew my mind that running, yes, being active, can actually make you LESS tired and MORE awake! After I ran my first 5k race and then continued to run, I have not had ANY fluctuation in my thyroid levels...and I had had that issue of my thyroid fluctuating since I was 12!!!

 So, I take my Synthyroid in the morning along with my immunity pills since I am a schoolteacher and kids will make you SICK! I also take my daily vitamin, my Pure Thyroid Support Complex pills, and fish oil for lunch. At dinner, I take magnesium and flaxseed oil.

Also, after having serious stomach/digestive issues in 2013 (which would be TMI and GROSS to talk about on here, and a little embarrassing...), I took a majority of milk out of my diet along with white breads (replacing with double fiber alternatives, veggie pasta, and gluten free options) in my diet.

Thyroid Disease and Celiac Disease: The Connection

I used to drink 2-3 cokes a day during my teaching internship in 2011, so that is something that I changed before I even started running because I knew that I had to be hydrated ALL the time, not just during exercise, for it to be successful. Water is my bff, but I do enjoy my Sunday Coca-Cola in a glass bottle and the occasional sweet tea:-P I like to put a 1/4 of cranberry juice or V8 Fusion juice in my water too when I need a little something extra!

I constantly thank God for my ability to run and the ability to be active, because I remember a time in my life when I didn't want to be active. I also remember a time when my thyroid was so low, I slept most of the time so I didn't even have the energy to be active and/or stay active. When I wasn't working, I was asleep. To be honest, my goal when I first started walking/running was a insecure/physical one: I was tired of my thighs rubbing together and giving me blisters. I couldn't STAND it. I told myself I would walk/run until it went away. Now, I realize my goal was not a great one. At that point in 2012, I was being vain and self conscious, but at least it got me moving and caring not only about my weight ( I lost 20 lbs), but my daily thyroid health and functioning. I just thought that being tired all the time was just how life had to be...but I found out that it was definitely not the case! :) I am so thankful that my walking and running journey has changed me mentally and physically, and I wouldn't take it back for anything! I hope this blog helped, educated, and encouraged some of you! We all have struggles, but what I love about my running friends and running community is that we don't have to struggle alone!  Have a great weekend! :D 

-Holly