I started this blog because I am a runner, and I am dealing with hypothyroidism.  I’ve recently had my thyroid removed (more on this later, I’m sure), and I’m trying to get my thyroid hormone at the right level, but I’ve had hypothyroidism symptoms and chronic undiagnosed Hashimoto’s for probably at least 20 years.  I’ve also run frequently, consistently, and slowly for the last 17 years, since I was 21 years old in 2001.  I love running, it is one of my favorite things in the world to do, and it keeps me stable and helps with my anxiety.  I’ve run a few 10Ks, a few 5ks, several half marathons, and a couple marathons, but I don’t run to train for races, I run for my well being, and it’s been years since I’ve run a race.  (I almost signed up for two marathons and then a half marathon this year, but my thyroid has side-lined my attempts).

My plan for this blog is to chronicle my struggles to get back in to better running condition, discuss my thyroid journey (it’s still ongoing, but I’m very optimistic I will get to where I need to be), and post information I can find that connect running to thyroid problems.  I have no idea if my running and love for endurance running especially has exacerbated an already present thyroid condition, caused it to happen in the first place, or has covered up the symptoms (especially any weight gain/metabolism issues) for years, preventing me from seeking treatment earlier.  What I do know is that as I dip even further hypo while we get my hormone adjusted, is that it is very much slowing me down which is very frustrating for me.

 I’ve looked for information about endurance running and thyroid problems, and there appears to be some connection, but it still isn’t clear to me what is really going on.  Many elite marathoners take thyroid hormone to help with hypothyroidism, in fact some have been accused of using it to improve performance, but it’s hazy to me if there is a real connection with endurance sports and thyroid conditions.  (I don’t really believe people are abusing thyroid hormone to improve their performance – but I think there may be some sort of connection to running and the thyroid).  I will try to post what I can find about this and help clarify this connection, if only just for myself because I’d like to know.  I am definitely not an elite runner though – just someone who likes to run!

Today I pushed myself to run 10 miles.  It is hot out, in the 80s which is pretty hot for October, and I’ve been feeling pretty low the last few runs, so 10 miles at 13:30/mile doesn’t surprise me.  In March, before I sought treatment for my thyroid, I was running a very long distance (13-16 miles once a week) at an 11:30 pace.  Last week I made it 13.1 miles at 12:08/mile, which is amazing for me right now, but I was pushing myself pretty darn hard.  I used to run consistently 10-11 minute miles – which is as fast as I’ve ever been –  and I’ve been working hard the last couple of years to improve my speed but keep hitting road blocks – the latest was surgery 7 weeks ago to remove the second half of my thyroid.  My mild hypothyroidism symptoms that I have dealt with for years have now turned into more major symptoms, especially fatigue, lethargy, and mental fog, and trying to get my heart rate up to where it should be is a struggle on the last several runs.  I want to get faster, but lately, I’m just happy I got outside at all.

My plan for this blog/site:  I will try to divide my posts in to three separate categories: My running, my thyroid problem, and the connection between running and thyroid problems.  I will start with my thyroid problem by describing the symptoms I have overlooked for years (or decades).  I am hoping my only thyroid concern from now to eternity is to get the hormone at the right level, but I am not 100% sure my thyroid treatment is finished yet. 

If you’ve found this blog, chances are you might be a runner with a thyroid problem and are looking for information or you just want to know that someone else is going through what you are.  You are not alone, and I hope that I can offer my own story and support.