Why is it so many people I know with Lyme disease and coinfections are athletes, weight lifters, runners, people who really work hard to maintain a certain level of athletic prowess, etc.
Coincidence? Is there a connection? What gives?
Am I the only one having this experience?
Posted by kimmie (Member # 25547) on :
I have no idea...I was an athlete until I got bit. Never drank, never smoked, ate healthy.
Posted by Cattail (Member # 24357) on :
I am one of those types also. I think maybe it's because this type of person is more outgoing, active and just outdoors alot more than most.
Posted by renny1985 (Member # 25222) on :
I was an athlete too. No smoking, drinking etc. Life can be mean. Posted by triathletelymie (Member # 26456) on :
Me too...I was an athlete and never drank, never smoked, ate healthy and slept plenty. I think that it is probably due to our lifestyle and being where ticks are present...i.e. trail-running, coaching, camping, hiking, etc.
Sucks! This darn disease has brought me to my knees!
Posted by Maradona (Member # 24552) on :
I was an athlete to.
Posted by landerss (Member # 17732) on :
I think there's a very fine line between training being healthful versus detrimental. Some research on overtraining syndrome has shown that runners who run mileage as low as 20 miles/week are suppressing/hindering their immune systems. Also, I remember an article several years ago in Running Times that discussed evidence/anecdotes that ultra-runners have more cancer than recreational runners.
I do wonder if all my years of competitive swimming and running made me more susceptible to these infections...
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
quote:Originally posted by landerss: I think there's a very fine line between training being healthful versus detrimental. Some research on overtraining syndrome has shown that runners who run mileage as low as 20 miles/week are suppressing/hindering their immune systems. Also, I remember an article several years ago in Running Times that discussed evidence/anecdotes that ultra-runners have more cancer than recreational runners.
I do wonder if all my years of competitive swimming and running made me more susceptible to these infections...
You made my point. Along with being an outdoors kind of person with tremendous exposure....I push myself physically. Odd, my doctors thinks the reason I am not worse is because of that! Which came first...
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
landerss,
Absolutely agree.
I was a hardcore athlete/weight lifter. Always pushing myself to the limit. Lifting on days where I was tired because I thought I was disciplined. haha
I think you are correct in that most people in this country overdo everything. Whether it's living unhealthy or living "healthy"... it tends to be overdone.
Balance is the key to life.
Ironically enough... I think this economical downfall will benefit this country in the long run. Less spending on unnecessary junk (food too!!)
Maybe we can get back to our roots (doubt it though lol)
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
I too...But I never gave up working out. For about the first year (THREE YEARS AGO) I walked everyday. I couldn't do the gym or anything like that, but I did take up walking-it helped.
I'm still sick but I try and go to the gym 3-4 times a week. I can't just sit back and let this disease take my complete life away.
I think everyone needs to do what works for them
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
Well I lift hard but am careful to not overtrain and get plenty of sleep but still got sick. Maybe we are not sick, maybe we hurt ourselves and do not realize.
Back to our roots? What are our roots? We are all different.
quote:Originally posted by canefan17: landerss,
Absolutely agree.
I was a hardcore athlete/weight lifter. Always pushing myself to the limit. Lifting on days where I was tired because I thought I was disciplined. haha
I think you are correct in that most people in this country overdo everything. Whether it's living unhealthy or living "healthy"... it tends to be overdone.
Balance is the key to life.
Ironically enough... I think this economical downfall will benefit this country in the long run. Less spending on unnecessary junk (food too!!)
Maybe we can get back to our roots (doubt it though lol)
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- There are a few very important links here regarding exercise: ------------
Topic: To everyone with cardiac symptoms please read ! -
Posted by LightAtTheEnd (Member # 24065) on :
They go outside more than nonathletes, and cover longer distances in tick habitat, so they get more tick bites?
I have also noticed a lot of people with Lyme are hikers, campers, work with horses, work in gardening/landscaping, or live on farms.
Unathletic or indoor types probably stay inside more, or sit in a lawn chair on the patio, instead of walking or running miles in the grass or trees.
Or maybe athletes' blood tastes better to ticks? (I don't think ticks are picky eaters, though.)
The determination and self discipline that athletes learn can be a big advantage in the marathon that is coping with this disease. The right kind of exercise is good for recovery. I guess after you're sick, being an athlete is an advantage. Although it's extra frustrating for active people to be slowed down so much.
Posted by landerss (Member # 17732) on :
Another thought: being an athlete makes us hyper-aware of subtle issues with our bodies. While I could run and still function pretty well for a number of years prior to my Lyme & co. diagnosis, I knew something wasn't right because my race times were slowing significantly, and it didn't seem to make sense. I feel lucky that I started exploring minor health issues before they really got out of hand, possibly resulting in an earlier Lyme diagnosis.
Gotta say, I'm a lot less in awe these days of my fellow athletes who push to achieve ironmen, marathons, duathlons, ultras, etc. This illness has actually been good for me in terms of understanding beneficial exercise versus narcissistic obsession. I now understand what a boring person I was when I was so focused on training all the time!
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
My point was more if it might not be Lyme and instead something else!
Also, I don't buy the "hyper-aware of subtle issues with our bodies". That is BS! So, if I have hellish pain that feels like my limbs are being torn off...that is just hyper-aware of subtle issues with our bodies? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Leelee (Member # 19112) on :
Me too. I was a runner (including the Marine Corp Marathon), dancer, walker, etc.
I wonder if my body simply got run down from being so active and the bacteria took over???
![[Frown]](frown.gif)