First Run Back

I have not run for over three weeks!  This flu really got me good.  I had never been sick like this until these past three weeks.  My doctor called it viral bronchitis and said there is a really nasty strain of it going around now.  Then she told me it could last up to four weeks.  I thought, no way--I'm tough--it will have me down a few days tops.  Boy was I wrong!  This lower respiratory infection really kicked my butt!

Breathing has always been my biggest weakness in running.  When I would need to stop, it was not because I was tired, it was because I was out of breath.  With this infection, I could barely walk up the stairs without being out of breath there was no way I could run.  I even missed the Turkey Trot.  I have been terrified that I would lose everything I have worked hard to build in the past two years.  This is by far the biggest running break I have had since I started running.  I have come to far to lose it all now.

This morning was my first run since the runDisney Wine and Dine on November 9th.  I ran on the treadmill at the gym.  I did 3/1 intervals.  It was hard, but I did it!  I ran for 30 minutes and got 2.3 miles.  This was just over a thirteen minute mile.  That's certainly not my best, but its not as bad as I thought it would be.  This was a great place to pick up my training after being sick.  I am really looking forward to the Tinkerbell Half in seven weeks and the Princess Half in eleven weeks.  Time to start running some long runs!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

"I'm Still Sick..."

My son when he was three

"I'm still sick" were the words said in the most pitiful voice by my then three year old son.  He was miserably sick for about a week six years ago.  Now "I'm still sick" is a little inside joke my husband and I say to each other when one of us is not feeling well.  It lightens the mood a bit and gives us both a little chuckle.  

Nonetheless, that is how I feel after a week of being sick.  I have a terrible chest cold.  My lungs are full of fluid and I feel like I have been hit by a truck.  Now, I am not here to complain.  I just wanted to let my friends know that I am ok after not blogging for two weeks.  We spent a wonderful week in Disney World, including running Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5k and the runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon.  I promise to tell you all about it very soon--as soon as I feel like I can do the events justice, as soon as the medicine fog I am in has passed.  

Medals the kids will be earning tomorrow!

There will be no Turkey Trot for me tomorrow.  After lots of back and forth, and lots of chatting with my running friends, I have learned something.  I have asked almost all the runners I know about running when they are sick.  I even asked a Team in Training coach.  Everyone has told me the same thing:  If your illness is in your head, go ahead and still run.  If its below your head--take a break and get better before lacing up.  I take this as meaning if you have a runny nose or sinus congestion, its ok to run.  If you have stomach problems or chest issues--its time to take a break.  While I am not one to take a sick day for any reason, I have decided to listen to all the advice I have gotten and take a running break.  Hopefully I will be back up and running very soon!

Now, on to a new question--how do you keep your running endurance when you are sidelined for a while?

Happy Thanksgiving!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy