I live in North Texas and have developed some allergy-like symptoms this summer. I feel A lot of pressure around my temple and my sinuses. I did not test positive in the standard allergy test (using the needles), and they saw no swelling in my sinuses. I was diagnosed with nonallergic rhinitis. I feel really lethargic and run down, and quality training has been practically impossible. For the past 3 weeks, I have just been slogging through 30-50 minutes at 7-7:20 pace with the occasional 60 minute run if I get lucky.
After two weeks in Texas, I went to Iten, Kenya as part of a program. I immediately felt better and my training went extremely well despite the altitude and hills. I went from 50 miles the first week to an all-time high of 71 on the third week. My paces were really good for altitude constantly hilly terrain (7:30-8:15 on easy days and 7:20 on long runs) and I had successful workouts. I then went to London for ten days to stay with a friend and continued to train well. I was away for a little over a month in all.
When I returned to Texas, I felt fine for three days and even had a decent tempo run (20 minutes at 5:35 pace). Then the symptoms came back and now even easy runs are a major grind.
I am currently using a nasal spray (active ingredients are azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) plus a sinus relief pill (active ingredients are acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine HCL 5 mg). These medicines are helping a little, but they seem to plateau in effectiveness and don't really take care of the problem or symptoms.
I really need help. I ran 15:50 for 5k as a junior and I am really looking to make the jump to the next level this year. However, I can't do that if I can hardly train. What do guys think the problem is and is there any way I can fix it? Thak you!!!