This is the Flu That Never Ends…

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly two weeks since the half marathon and, therefore, just as long since this sickness began. I’ve lost my voice and about 30 pounds in mucus over the past two weeks (too much info?). I’m still wholly convinced that this is a ploy by my body to keep me from running.

And it’s been working for the most part. This week I walked for about 3-4 miles twice at 14-15:00/mile, and have felt pretty peachy before, during and after each walk. At least my yoga and weight-training have never been better. My calf feels a little sore in the morning sometimes, but nothing as painful as pre-half times. In fact, it used to hurt to the touch, which made it really difficult to stretch, do yoga or even scratch my leg.

So, can you keep a secret? I tried running for about three strides on Tuesday night. It felt great. No pain at all! But I’m sticking to my prescribed healing period. My mantra has been what Landon said to me the last time I was injured: the miles I forsake now while healing will be fewer than the miles I would miss if I didn’t let my injury heal. And if all else fails, I can always become a speed walker and go to the Olympics.

Went for a Walkie-Walkie (as my mom would say)

After a hard-running and cycling weekend, I decided to take today off. Well, sort of.

I had all of my swimming and running gear in the car at work today, but I skipped lunch and left work early to get some thesis reading and nice-day-appreciating done. And after sharing a summery salad with Neil, I put in a fast-paced 3-mile walk around my neighborhood before the Cavaliers tipped off. I was really smart about it too: I anticipated a short walk, so I put on my little ballet slippers that gave me some swell blisters on the outside of both my feet. Yowsers!

Let’s just say I had a full cardiovascular workout watching the game with all of its ups and downs and missed free throws. Although I think I’ll need a sedative for the next couple of games.

One of these days, I will get back in the swim of things. I don’t know what’s stopping me: the warm weather, the sunny days, the desolate campus. Although right now I think the biggest obstacle will be getting over the dread of swimming through the start-up pain. Oh the pain!

But on the good side of pain, my knees have felt fantastic for the past week. I think swimming and some additional weight training (smart weight training, that is) should help me continue to build knee strength. While I have been trying to rest a little and take my runs easy, I think it was the threat of doctor’s attention and the fear of MRI that cured my knees.

Now, if only I could find a way to scare away stitched while I’m running...