*cough cough* Can't Hack This *cough*

[shanmonster]

Since Demeter abandoned the world in a fit of pique and the temperature has plummeted, my lungs have been caught in a hot vise. It feels like two thirds of my lungs have been cordoned off, and I only breathe through their diminutive tops. Temperature changes only make it worse, so going to kung fu seems pointless, and even counterproductive. As long as I stay inside my nice, warm apartment, I can function. But if I trudge outside in subzero temperatures for twenty minutes, then train really hard in a warm room humidified by the clean sweat of athletes, my body shuts off. My vision greys, my hearing trickles down, my heart leaps in my chest like a frightened bird, and my already weakened breathing becomes a Heraklean task. I end up sitting out most of the class, and coming home a trembling, wheezing wreck.

So what do I do? Do I skip any kind of exercise until Demeter decides to resume her seasonal obligations? Do I tear out my lungs and replace them with someone else's? If I had a way of getting to the kwoon without needing to go outside, I might be able to manage a bit more of my training before my asthma kicked in. A drive there might do the trick, but I can't afford taxis. Blargh!

Comments

[f00dave.livejournal.com]

While awaiting my turn to pee in a bottle at the clinic this morning, I picked up a pamphlet on asthma, which stated that if you had to use your inhaler more than twice a week (excepting once a day for exercise), then there might be a problem. Which suggests that you should be taking your puffer *before* you work out. Have you tried that?

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I've done it before, but I don't find it makes a very big difference. I'll try it again tonight, though.

[f00dave.livejournal.com]

Yarr, especially with your "new" puffer. (With extra bongitude!)

[montecristo.livejournal.com]

Heh heh, 55°F today in lovely San Joaquin County.

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
I've been for a walk on a winter's day
I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
California dreamin' on such a winter's day

-- The Mamas and the Papas: "California Dreamin'"

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

It's 30F, right now--much nicer than it has been.