O yea, 5 miles outside today! I'm going to gradually transition to outdoor running over the next two weeks. I don't want to just jump ship regardless of the weather. It is quite a bit different and just feel that I should ease into it.

Would it make a difference to you if you took the meds and nobody (even us) knew about it?

I don't know. I don't tell people, people can be cruel. When I hear people talk about anti-depressents their opinon is very clear. Maybe I could change my thinking to "I tried it without them, I didn't like how I felt" and blow off what everyone else things. I'd have to convince myself first.

Like others said, if you took running out of the equation, would that affect your decision?

I will say this, based on how I feel now, if I was faster without the drugs, I would not take them. It's not an exact science, really hard to know if they make you "faster". Actually when I was on them wondering if I would get faster without them. When I was taking them, it such a suddle difference you don't feel different, other than obvious changes (no headache) and not getting sick as much I will swear by. A little easier to blow off stress, but mostly you feel 'normal'. Now I just feel like like I'm fighting one thing or another. With or without the SSRI I am addicted to exercise, it is my chocolate. LOL. The running race help keep me on a schedule. Trust this amount of exercise is nothing compared to what I am mentally capable of. I'm can be like one of those mice that won't get off their dam exercise wheel. LOL! Saltzer says in the book he did not know he was depressed at the time. He took them to get out of his running slump. Is that cheating? People really gave him a hard time for it.

If you're taking it for headaches, does that actually lump you in with the folks taking it for depression?

Yes, sigh, I think it does. {{sigh}} Strong history of depression in family, and that you are your mother outlook pisses me off too. LOL!

When you've talked with your docs, what has their input been?

I saw a nurse practioner this week for bronchitis and didn't get into details but said, "I have one problem after another since weaning myself off of them." She asked, "How are you mentally?" I said, "I'm pist. I should be running FEELING good and I'm not. Tired of all these problems." Don't take them. Same day I saw graston doctor, (really good guy), and told him my theory, of why I seem to have always something to 'get over', yes he thinks I should take them. Think I got a little extra graston because we talked for awhile. Actually kind of a relief when he said he thought I should take the SSRIs. I see DocC3 on Monday, not sure what he'll say, but trying to sort out my thoughts before then.

Bugs - I hope you weren't offended. I just wanted to mention it, but it was early and when i left for work I was like... hmm i probably didn't put that like i meant to... But glad to hear you are eating well. I agree you should be able to do something the other day. What I was trying to ask about was if you were doing too much while you were sick and if that could be causing the continual sickness? Once again i'm sorry if i offended you.

shan, no you didn't offend me. And maybe it's just a bad run of luck, but when the tension headache came back three weeks ago, first I thought I had a cold, but then I kind of knew. I really don't know if one thing has anything to do with the other. Funny the headache goes away while running. Don't you think they also told Alberto that 5:00 min miles was still very fast, or that he had just aged those 12 years? salad, isn't graston a miracle treatment? Man, I don't know if I can live without it. Glad you're getting quality miles in. Happy Birthday to your son. Didn't realize your kids were so young. BTW, the SSRIs take a long time to wean..it's hard, oddly docs give them out like candy. DH started working out this week, tomorrow I got all his co-workers to say, "You look great. Have you been working out?"

Bugs, If the drug improves the quality of your life take it. I don't think it making you faster has anything to do with it. It has to do with how you feel every day. If anyone asks, tell them its a vitamin. Your husband, your kids and we, want you feeling good and looking forward to life. Not dreading a headache that may come at supper time, and feeling run down and sick all the time. Weights, spin class and the fishbowl for me tonight. I huff and puff after 100 slow yards in the pool than I do for a 6 mile tempo run. 1 kilometer and I think I swallowed a third of the water in the pool. Oh and a little bike ride earlier too. I hope you appreciate the stuff I do for VRAA points Erika.

Team I is awesome!

Great job Shan. Rest day for me. A little upper body work for my tooth pick arms.

Rest day for me. A little upper body work for my tooth pick arms.

Bugs - I got some arms to give you, but I don't think it's the kind you want! hehe I can't seem to get mine skinner or more toned... how about we trade for a day! Mr. I - wow you make that sound soo relaxing and wonderful!