I was warned. Friends who have also had chronic fatigue told
me that as I recovered there would be a general upwards path but I would have
some downs on the way. That is exactly what has happened.
I competed in the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon – formally
known as the KIMM) at the end of October, where I was dragged round the elite
class by Neil Talbott. 13 hours of hard running through some of the UK toughest
terrain, was tough and considering my lack of training I was very happy that we
finished 5th. I felt physically tired afterwards but the symptoms of
my chronic fatigue did not reappear. Within a few days I was back running
again. Throughout November I started to feel better and better. I was running
longer distances and did about 8 hour training a week for 3 weeks. I did some
orienteering events and although my navigation was rubbish my running speed was
gradually improving. My mind was also finally clear, I could sit at my desk at
9am ready for work. I was really productive and able to multi-task for the
first time in 18 months. Basically at the end of November I felt completely
back to normal.
Then it hit me again. The ‘brain fog’ reappeared. I am not
sure what the trigger was. I had done a
couple of long, hard runs during the week before (I was enjoying the beautiful snowy
weather). I also had a stressful event a
couple of days before where I got quite annoyed. Then I competed in an orienteering
event, followed by going round a shorter course with one of my children and
collecting controls in quickly (all without any food). I thought the ‘brain fog’
would last only a few days but a month later I still do not feel right (this is
despite only a very small amount of alcohol over the Christmas period). I am
struggling to concentrate and after running for about 40 minutes I start to
feel light headed. But the great thing about doing a blog is I can look back
and see how much I have progressed over the last 12 months. What 2017 will
bring with regards to my fatigue is impossible to say but if I can go out
running or walking regularly in the fells then I will be happy.
I hope anyone who reads this has a great 2017.
