Contributed by Natalie Haglund, consultant to CAIRE Inc.~
Spring is right around the corner here in Minnesota, and I’ve already started to get ready for my next 5K race in June, which I am very excited about.
I started participating in 5Ks post-lung disease diagnosis for several reasons.
1) It gives me a goal to work toward that promotes exercise,
2) It’s good for my mental health, and
3) It gives me a feeling of “control” over my lung disease.
In 2024, I completed two 5K races, one of which (the June race) is always my favorite, however, in 2024, it was also the most challenging one I’ve done, ever. I was mentally prepared but not physically prepared, as I had some setbacks with my lungs and health that year. That just meant I had to take it slow and try to pace myself. I was still looking forward to participating, as it is always an amazing and encouraging event.
This 5K race is the day before a popular marathon. The marathon is a “BQ” (Boston Marathon Qualifier), which means it draws elite runners from all over the world. The energy level at all the events that weekend is always high; there is a fun expo and a spaghetti dinner, and being surrounded by all the athletes inspires me.
The weather was good on 5K race day, and people’s spirits were high. The start line was as exciting as always. Some of the marathoners (full and half) do the 5K as a warmup or “shake out run” before their big race the next day. There are runners and walkers at the 5K of all ages and abilities. I love to look around at everyone at the start line and just soak it all in. I nervously chatter with my dear friend that always does this race with me. I queue up my music playlist and make sure my earbud is working. I try to get in a few more quick stretches. Then, after the National Anthem has been sung and the start gun is fired, it’s go time. In the lineup, I start out near the back of the pack because I’m slower than most. People pass me, and occasionally I’ll pass someone. Along the racecourse, there are so many spectators and volunteers cheering, holding signs, playing music and shouting words of encouragement. Just thinking about it makes me smile. Did I mention this is my favorite 5K race to do every year?
The course itself is relatively flat. As someone with Interstitial Lung Disease, using a portable oxygen concentrator is important. However, there is one part of the course that has an incline that challenges my lung capacity to the max, even with my portable oxygen concentrator. In years past I’ve been able to ascend at a slow pace and take a few seconds to stop at the top and “catch my breath.” This time I had to stop in the middle of the incline to recover for a minute as I got quite short of breath. Once I felt I could, I continued to move forward. I made it to the top of the incline, and as always, I was rewarded with a beautiful view of Lake Superior and a bit of a breeze. The second mile of the race is right along the lake which I love, however, towards the end of this stretch is typically when the race gets mentally tough for me. My lungs get quite a workout as I unintentionally push myself harder than I had planned to, and the rest of my body responds to that. I start to think, can I finish this race?
So, I immediately turn to my “mental playlist” and think about the past 10 years. When I got sick, when I was diagnosed, all the tests and procedures I’ve had done, how I’ve somehow pushed through so many challenges living with this unpredictable lung disease. That always seems to fuel a fire inside me and drives me to push on through the last third of the 5K. The many spectators and volunteers cheer us all on through that stretch, which also helps. The joy and encouragement is contagious.
The finish line is the best part. I always get emotional once it’s in eyesight. It’s the best feeling to cross it and think to myself, “Hey, look what I can do, despite this lung disease.” Receiving my finisher medal is pretty darn cool too.
June 2025, I have a lofty goal as far as a finish time. However, no matter how long it takes me to finish that 5K, I will still, as always, feel like a winner over my lung disease.
Natalie Haglund, 51, diagnosed with Idiopathic NSIP (a type of interstitial lung disease), lives in northern Minnesota where she works as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the operating room, and is enrolled in college working toward her RN degree. She enjoys photography, hiking, concerts, camping, sewing, and time with her daughter, friends and family.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-800-482-2473 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.