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Warning Signs
We ’ ve all been faced with a new illness this year with the COVID-19 pandemic , which we still ( globally ) don ’ t understand . Therefore , we thought it good to ask someone from within our Murray & Roberts Running Club , who is both a healthcare professional and a classy runner , what we as runners should look out for , and can do , in the face of the pandemic . Irene Goncalves is a physiotherapist , sub-8:00 Comrades runner , 3:10 marathoner , and a mother of three boys , and she was assisting COVID-19 patients when she too contracted the virus . Her husband David , a counselling psychologist and a fine runner in his own right , also got it , just before her , as Irene recounts .
David ’ s COVID experience was very different to mine . In fact , he was
confirmed positive twice , in March and in July , and both times he had very mild symptoms … slight sinus , mild headache , and loss of smell the second time . Fortunately , both times he managed to only miss a day or two of training , and then he was back to exercising without any hassle . My symptoms were very different .
The only symptom that I felt two days before the fever started , was just blocked sinuses . I still did a tough interval session the day before my fever started , and I felt good during that run . But then I had fever for three weeks . It was under control during my hospital stay , but came back when I was discharged and back home . I had headaches , fatigue , freezing cold feet , a sinus infection , and breathlessness with just the mildest activity , like walking to my room . I had a slight cough , disorientation and a heavy chest – it was as if an elephant had sat on me ! It was not pleasant .
Fear Versus Courage
As a Healthcare worker , it is very scary to be on the other side . Initially I thought I would get over it easily , as I am fit and healthy . However , as the days went on , I realised that my body wasn ’ t putting up the fight that I had expected it would . That ’ s when the fear sets in , as you realise you need more medical intervention . I guess working in the hospital , we see the worst-case scenarios all the time .
As runners , we tend to think we are bulletproof , but I think runners need to realise that they are not immune just because they are fit and healthy . I do believe , though , that our fitness and healthy eating habits can only be a positive . Runners also tend to push through injury and illness – trust me , I have done so before many a time – but with COVID one cannot do this .
under too much strain . One has to understand that there is a massive vascular impact and this needs to be monitored by a physician or GP . Checking clotting factors , as well as heart and lung function , are very important before returning to rigorous exercise .
Know the Signs
So , what does one look for ? The early signs of infection for me would be headache and sinus symptoms , although it can differ so much from one person to the next . For runners , I would say monitor your heart rate and look out for signs of fatigue .
Now that I ’ ve beaten this virus , I have some big goals . On the horizon is that elusive sub-three-hour marathon . This has been a goal in the last year , and one that I am looking forward to achieving .
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Getting back to running and exercise will probably be the biggest challenge that a runner will face after contracting the disease . For most , it will possibly be seamless , but I urge runners to watch their heart rates once they go back to running , and to listen to your body . I started walking on the indoor trainer four weeks after the initial diagnosis , then I gradually started a walk / jog regime This was very frustrating , as my heart rate was sky-high at times .
Rest in Peace , Mark
I initially struggled with chest pains after exercise , which led me to consult a sports physician , to do all the necessary tests to make sure my heart and lungs were not
Images : Courtesy Irene Goncalves & Murray & Roberts Running Club
On another , rather sad note , we at Murray & Roberts Running Club pay homage to one of our finest members , Mark Humphries , who unexpectedly passed away from heart failure . Mark ’ s smiling face , toughness and endearing attitude will be missed around the black and yellow gazebo at race finishes . Rest in peace Mark , until we run together again .
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