Too sick to run

A nasty virus is going around and of course, late last week it interrupted my life.

I started feeling a bit under the weather Friday and by Sunday afternoon I felt like death.

A hacking, uncontrollable cough led to my lungs feeling ablaze. I think I actually got an incredible ab workout with my coughing fits. I’ll spare you the nasty details, but oof. I haven’t felt that awful in a long time.

All plans, including race training, went out the window.

Lots of herbal tea, water and vitamin D3 was consumed. And now that I’m starting to feel better, I’m wondering when I can hit the road.

I am training for two half-marathons in April and want to get back on track as soon as possible. My last run was Thursday – a zippy four-miler that felt fantastic. I skipped my long run last weekend, hoping I’d feel better and be able to tackle it early this week.

That obviously didn’t happen as I’d hoped.

So my plan? Wait until Saturday. While I don’t particularly want to take a week off of running, I know it’s the right call to let my body mend before exerting more energy.

So we’ll see how I feel this weekend. I’d like to get at least 6 or 7 miles in. But I have to listen to my body first.

How do you adjust your training plans following an illness?

0 thoughts on “Too sick to run

  1. We know the feeling – we’re both sick, too. The faster 1/2 is training for Boston Marathon while the slower 1/2 is training for Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run & Nike Women’s Half Marathon DC. REST IS BEST! 🙂

  2. Being sick while in training is just plain rotten. Once I start to feel human again, I just want to get moving. But I know you are right. Rest is best! (and good luck in your upcoming races!!)

  3. I know how difficult it is for you NOT to run. I mean, I feel guilty when I don’t but I feel like it’s such a big part of your daily routine so it’s especially hard to just relax and let your body rest and heal. I’m proud of you for listening and once you’re back to feel about 80% or so, take a nice easy run. I’d say 100% but both you and I know you won’t wait that long. xo

  4. I hear ya, Martha. For me, it depends on what my illness is. If its something that knocks me off my feet for a few days, it usually alters my exercise schedule too.

    And yes, Meri, you know me well and thank you!

  5. So guys, I DID run Saturday – about 8 days after a first felt awful. it went all right. I ran 7, overshooting a wee bit, as I felt pretty cruddy at mile 6. But I am done. Thanks for the advice everyone!

Leave a Reply to vfreile Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *