|
People with HIV have a
few more factors to consider when conditioning themselves
for a marathon. For some, it may get tricky.
The
National AIDS Marathon Training Program places runners into
pace groups. In these groups, individuals share stories and
support each other along the way. Building trusting
relationships is vital in taking on the challenge of running
a marathon. Establishing a buddy system is crucial for
someone with HIV. Try to find a special buddy, or two.
Your
buddy can check how you are doing, make sure you are
drinking enough water and eating enough carbohydrates, and
help you deal with aches along the way.
Medicine
doses need to fit into your training and eating schedule.
The most important thing is that you routinely take your
medications on schedule throughout the week, and minimize
any risk of developing drug resistance. In general, taking
medications an hour or so before the big run or event, and
then after the long run, eight or 12 hours after the first
dose, as prescribed, should work. If you must take
medications during a strenuous run, make sure you have
discussed this with your doctor. In addition, some
medications have food complications, though this can usually
be worked out.
Crixivan®
can be taken with a very light snack, following the
additional food list, and available at AIDS Project Los
Angeles' HIV Resource Center. Many of these 40 suggested
food combinations can serve as that high-carbohydrate,
low-fat, low-protein meal to be taken one to three hours
before the event. To be safe, increasing the daily intake of
fluid another 48 ounces (six cups) seems wise.
ddI
requires an empty stomach. On your long-run morning, this
medication can be taken first thing in the morning as usual.
Instead of having your usual meal after the one-hour wait,
have the pre-event meal. If there is no time for your meal
and you must run, make sure you start eating as soon as
possible.
Viracept®,
Norvir® and Fortovase® all require some amounts of
substantial food to increase the absorption and reduce side
effects. This may be troubling to the runner, who needs to
avoid higher-fat foods pre-event. One tactic may be to take
the medication with some meal before the event, but one that
is lower in fat. By maintaining a vigilant daily medication
routine, one lesser-fat meal will make less of a difference
than if you were less guarded the rest of the week.
All
in all, check yourself on how well you are taking your
medications. Plan your typical daily medication-meal
schedules, one schedule for the day of your long run, and
one for the day of your short run. If you need assistance in
planning your medications or learning about them, call
Walter Campos at (323) 993-1612 to request a "Daily
Routine Chart" and to schedule an appointment with a
treatment advocate.
|
Back
to Health articles