I cannot find ANY information about this on the internet; LR is my last hope

Kenesawnative wrote:

Twice now the following has happened:

I'm on the line for the 800. Temp outside isn't too hot. I all of a sudden feel like I'm going to pass out; tingly feeling in hands, a bit of a head rush...... I cope by slowing down my HR with a few long but deep breaths. I know something is up. I run the race. I end up probably 4-5 seconds slower than what my current fitness should be. 2:00 vs 1:56. In the final stretch my HANDS and ARMS begin to lock up, but I continue to drive for the line. After I have finished, I notice that my hands have completely clamped, and it looks like i'm doing the Salt Bae sprinkle with intent....... however, I am not. Both times, to unclamp my hands I've had to get on my hands and knees and use the ground to pry my hands back open.

So, Lets Run Medical Advisory Board, I come to you now with my symptoms in hopes of some form of diagnosis. What is going on?

BJB wrote:

Kenesawnative wrote:

Twice now the following has happened:

I'm on the line for the 800. Temp outside isn't too hot. I all of a sudden feel like I'm going to pass out; tingly feeling in hands, a bit of a head rush...... I cope by slowing down my HR with a few long but deep breaths. I know something is up. I run the race. I end up probably 4-5 seconds slower than what my current fitness should be. 2:00 vs 1:56. In the final stretch my HANDS and ARMS begin to lock up, but I continue to drive for the line. After I have finished, I notice that my hands have completely clamped, and it looks like i'm doing the Salt Bae sprinkle with intent....... however, I am not. Both times, to unclamp my hands I've had to get on my hands and knees and use the ground to pry my hands back open.

So, Lets Run Medical Advisory Board, I come to you now with my symptoms in hopes of some form of diagnosis. What is going on?

Sounds like you having a bit of a panic attack. Tingling in the hands, the sensation that you are going to pass out are typical. The cramping in hands and arms is caused by hyperventilation.

Panic attacks are complex - but you can start by using relaxation techniques. If there is no underlaying phycological/trauma things going on they can be very successful. You can start by sitting in a quiet place and closing your eyes. Take some time to just relax and then visualize yourself calm and collected before the race and strong and powerful throughout the race. Acknowledge that it will be uncomfortable, but know that you have done the training to excel. See yourself succeeding. Run the race in head. Try and do this everyday - should only take 5 min or so. It helps to have a word or phrase you want to focus on and repeat it while you are visualizing. Maybe "strong and relaxed" or "close hard" or whatever you want to focus on

On the day of the race do this in the morning. In the hours leading up to the race relax and focus on your plan, remember your preparation, focus on how ready you are. Be excited to show how fit you are. If you feel yourself starting to get that panic try and stop yourself and reset. slow your breathing, repeat your phrase in your head.

Every elite runner works on visualization and relaxation. It works

BJB wrote:

Kenesawnative wrote:

Twice now the following has happened:

I'm on the line for the 800. Temp outside isn't too hot. I all of a sudden feel like I'm going to pass out; tingly feeling in hands, a bit of a head rush...... I cope by slowing down my HR with a few long but deep breaths. I know something is up. I run the race. I end up probably 4-5 seconds slower than what my current fitness should be. 2:00 vs 1:56. In the final stretch my HANDS and ARMS begin to lock up, but I continue to drive for the line. After I have finished, I notice that my hands have completely clamped, and it looks like i'm doing the Salt Bae sprinkle with intent....... however, I am not. Both times, to unclamp my hands I've had to get on my hands and knees and use the ground to pry my hands back open.

So, Lets Run Medical Advisory Board, I come to you now with my symptoms in hopes of some form of diagnosis. What is going on?

Sounds like you having a bit of a panic attack. Tingling in the hands, the sensation that you are going to pass out are typical. The cramping in hands and arms is caused by hyperventilation.

Panic attacks are complex - but you can start by using relaxation techniques. If there is no underlaying phycological/trauma things going on they can be very successful. You can start by sitting in a quiet place and closing your eyes. Take some time to just relax and then visualize yourself calm and collected before the race and strong and powerful throughout the race. Acknowledge that it will be uncomfortable, but know that you have done the training to excel. See yourself succeeding. Run the race in head. Try and do this everyday - should only take 5 min or so. It helps to have a word or phrase you want to focus on and repeat it while you are visualizing. Maybe "strong and relaxed" or "close hard" or whatever you want to focus on

On the day of the race do this in the morning. In the hours leading up to the race relax and focus on your plan, remember your preparation, focus on how ready you are. Be excited to show how fit you are. If you feel yourself starting to get that panic try and stop yourself and reset. slow your breathing, repeat your phrase in your head.

Every elite runner works on visualization and relaxation. It works