Not Born a Runner

Running has never been my cup of tea, and as a Thalassaemia minor (a person who has a defective production of hemoglobin in the blood and suffers from anaemia type symptoms) running is even more of a challenge. 

I somewhat reluctantly started running about two years ago.  Every day, every track, it feels like I am enjoying it more and more.  Running helps me restore my inner peace like no other sport that I have come across.  I particularly enjoy running at dawn – my mind becomes so clear after exercising that my work efficiency improves.  However, my body starts to feel strange after the 10 km mark – it’s not my energy that fails me, but my oxygen levels.  Suddenly, it feels like I cannot go on even for one more step.  At first, I had no idea what was wrong but then I realised that it may be related to Thalassaemia. 

According to the Children’s Thalassaemia Foundation, about 12.5% of the Hong Kong population are Thal-carriers.  Thalassaemia is an inherited condition and can be sorted by the degree of anaemia present in the individual: there are three forms, which include Mild Form (Thal-minor), the Moderate Form, and the Severe Form (Thal-major).  There are relatively fewer people with the Moderate Form.  In contrast to those with Thal-major, most Thal-minor carriers have no symptoms and do not require any treatment.  However, I was told that with insufficient hemoglobin levels, there are fewer healthy red blood cells carrying oxygen to all of the cells in the body.  This becomes obvious after vigorous, physical activities.  As our metabolism rate and energy consumption levels go up, our body needs more oxygen.  As a result, Thal-carriers may experience hypoxia, dizziness and nausea. 

According to my running coach, not many Thal-carriers will pick long-distance running as their sport as some would find it torturous, let alone think of becoming an amateur long-distance runner.  Strangely though, realising how Thalassaemia affected my body during running did not stop me from continuing the sport.  Instead, I now know how I should adjust my training approach and programming because of my condition.

Not born a runner?  Who cares!  I still enjoy and look forward to the challenges and satisfaction that long-distance running brings me.

Nbs. Thalassaemia major is a serious form of blood disorder.  People with Thalassaemia major have to sustain their lives by having regular blood transfusions and taking doctor prescribed drugs.  The Children’s Thalassaemia Foundation is one of the few organisations that support Thal-carriers and their families in Hong Kong.  Please visit their website at http://www.thalassaemia.org.hk to learn more.