Sick Little Turtle

It happens every time.  Whenever I have a seemingly "hard" run or two, it means I am getting sick. I've been reading that you can also predict illness when your resting heart rate rises 10% above normal, though I've never taken it consistently enough to figure that out.  But since I've become a runner, I've noticed that if I struggle more than usual on a normal pace or route, I come down with a cold or worse a few days later.  Exactly what happened to me this week.

I ran on Monday and Wednesday, 30 minutes each.  Monday I ran outside in Central Park.  My normal pace felt a lot harder, but I chalked it up to still recovering (cardio-wise) from my injury break.  Wednesday I ran on the treadmill at the gym.  I finished strong with three minute-long speed drills, and felt fine.  When I went to work a few hours later though, I noticed my legs felt super heavy. 

Sure enough, yesterday the sore throat came on with a vengeance.  Today the aches.  Hello cold! 

I am so bummed- I was hoping to get in some nice cross training today (resting tomorrow in prep for Saturday's long run).  But instead I'm hydrating (good excuse for red gatorade- did I mention it's my favorite?), and planning to rest as much as I can to kick this thing.

I am a sad little turtle.  I'm so anxious to get on with my training and I hate being down for the count!  Guess I have to be patient and remember- I have a whole 3 months to go. But I really don't want to miss my group run this Saturday- it will be my first 10-miler!  I'm so excited and scared (thank you, Mr. Sondheim)!


So here's to a speedy turtle recovery...

Sarathon or bust!