A Sinus Infection Turned Ear Infection

So the pressure I was feeling in my ear yesterday turned into pain today. I ignored it and decided to run anyway. I looked for my watch for about an hour....literally....before I decided to go out without it (I later found it in the laundry room; right were I keep all my other running paraphernalia :) ) so I couldn't tell you exactly what pace I was doing but since I got a late start and it was really warming up; my ear hurt; and I was feeling dizzy, I don't think I actually made it anywhere close to the 8 minute mile I was suppose to. I mean...I could barely do 3 at that pace on Tuesday, I'm sure I wasn't going to do 6 today. I tried to push the pace a little but after about 3 miles, I gave up and drank half of Brendan's water (he was on his bike along with me. Love those run/bike times together). I ran a bit further and then decided to turn around and head home. Had enough. I did some yard work and then pondered the idea of going to the doctor. With screwed up beyond belief Cobra insurance right now, I really couldn't afford to go to my regular doctor. I'm sure she's wondering where the heck I am; I think I was ready to rent space next to her office last year, I had that many "issues." I know she was on speed-dial and that I am NOT kidding about. I went up to the Urgent Care facility near my house and $210 later, found out I have not only a sinus infection (that I could almost guarantee) but I also have an ear infection. Okay, the grand total of this little visit was also for the antibiotic, steroid nasal stuff, ear drop thingy, some major decongestant, and some sinus wash....the latter of which I probably have tried as I've tried almost all washes out there. But we'll give this a shot. So Dr. NoPersonalityNorSenseOfHumorWhatsoever told me that the antibiotic may or may not kick in by Saturday. Normally, they take about 48 hours to clear out the mess in there but I may get "lucky" and it clears before. Well, that may cause a slight problem going and running 4000' up Mt. Evans on Saturday morning!!??!!?? He said I'll have no problems going up, it's coming down where I could potentially rupture my eardrum. Um....that doesn't sound good. I've never had a ruptured eardrum; for that matter, I've never had an ear infection. I always thought they hurt like hell...this is just a little annoying. And my balance is a little wacked. I was hoping I could just put some ear-plugs in there for the trip down but I know this thing is internal and they aren't going to work. Still, I may try anyway - ha. Okay, so we'll see what tomorrow brings and hope for a little relief from the antibiotic! Geez, I'd just spent mega time trying to organize the carpool for Saturday morning up to the start of the race. Even called "Avid", as Dennis calls my avid cyclist friend, Josh, who is going "just to watch and help you out." A man after my heart - no other purpose other than to help and watch!!!! Turns out, Avid may not be able to help by driving as the prostate crew seems to be growing in number (how, I'm not really sure).

Okay, so I'm going to go to bed and get lots of sleep (hahaha, that'd be a first) so that my antibiotic will be happier and do it's job better (that's what the Doc said anyway). I'll claim I did 7 miles today but really, the last few was really more of a pathetic run/walk thingy.

7 miles run