Tears, Tears and Turkey

So, here’s a confession: running makes me cry. Not in a cause-and-effect kind of way. I don’t know what my deal is, but for some reason when I’m running, particularly when I’m racing, I’m more likely to get choked up at the sight of cheering supporters or inspirational signs or thoughts of people who helped me along the way. For my whole life I’ve tried to the tough guy—probably in the hope that my steely emotions would belie my pint size. But how am I supposed to be a tough guy when I’m blubbering and teary all the time?

It hasn’t really become a problem, short of a few near-asthmatic backlashes against the tears, but I was just thought that admitting to the problem would be a first step toward recovery.

And speaking of recovery, I can almost breathe through both nostrils now. My ears are still a little cloggy and my breating weak, but I'm on the mend. After five days down with the flu (OK, it took me three days to give in and get some rest), I’m finally able to function on an almost-normal level. Breathing during yoga is still difficult—I’m breathing double-time and gasping instead of ujjayi pranayama—but at least my body isn’t still aching. I finally got around to some weights, ab work and stretching last night, and then an hour of yoga and fast-walking today.

Yes, I said walking. I also made it to the doctor late last week to check out my calf injury. It’s a slight tear that doesn’t require contact medical attention, but rest, ice and stretching. I’m allowed to walk for now, so I did 4.7 miles at 13:50/mile today. Is it cheating if I’m walking almost as quickly as I can run? It still felt fine, and I came straight home for follow-up stretches and ice. The next two weeks will tell (two whole flippin' weeks?)...

After listening to my running stories and an examination, my doctor said my injury was likely caused by one of two things: 1) a big wipeout (which one: this one or this one?) or 2) pushing too hard in my tempo runs. Boy, didn't see that coming at all! If nothing else, at least my blog will be a guide to beginners of how not to train. So, I feel less bad for going from 30 miles/week to 2 miles to 4 walking… but I’m still itching to get back. I have a Turkey Trot to prep for!

Review Time: The Neck Test

I had my running bag in tow when I visited my mom this weekend with the hope that I could wake up early on Sunday and take a jog. But then there was that snow. I was too sick yesterday to do much more than complain, so I missed that day as well.

And here I am on Tuesday, longing for the swim and/or run I should have had today. Whenever I’m ill I weigh the benefits of exercising and consistently come back to the “neck test.” It’s the only thing that leads toward the right thing to do:

Doctors and people who know more about these things say that of your cold is above the neck (sneezy, runny nose and headache), you can exercise and could benefit from a short, easy workout. On the other hand, colds that affect your body below the neck (hacking chest cough, upset stomach, fever), resting is the right choice.

So it happens: I’ve been resting. I’m actually itching to get outside and run. It’s been three days!

This has been one crazy year: I have never been sick this many times. In fact, I’ve never been sick as much as I have been since I began working in my current office. They keep telling me that my biohazard suit will harm morale and that wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves on a regular basis would bum people out. So, I guess I should just build my tissue fortress and keep it their. Either that or I need to get one of those bubbles the Bubble Boy had on Seinfeld.

I have confidence that I will be able to get in the swing of things during the latter half of this week—we’re supposed to crawl out of freezing temperatures this week. And maybe then I can get back into the Nike race ;-)

For now, I suppose I’ll go take some rest with my fingers crossed for less hacking, sniffling, sneezing, aching and groaning. It would be nice if my legs would do more running than my nose.

Down for the Count

Ugh. If you're anything like me, staying inactive while you're sick is as difficult as watching someone else win the Ironman on TV.

When I was in elementary school, I read that it was healthy to exercise when you're sick and beneficial to your immune system to just keeping moving. Nearly 20 years of not resting and continuing with life as usual when in the depths of flu season followed.

Although I've never been a particularly sick person (bragging rights: I made it from 1998-2003 without being sick once; I don't what has happened since), it would typically take several days for me to get healthy again. And then one day last October, I rested. A co-worker had infected me with the flu (I'm not bitter), so I slept until 2 p.m. and subsisted on green tea and chicken stock for the whole day. By morning I felt just peachy. I hope I can hop back into my training tomorrow morning as well.

If you're torn between resting or training when you're under the weather, check out some resources for making decisions based on how you feel.

Several articles look to the "neck test": if you're illness resides above the neck (head ache, runny nose, throat cough, etc.), mild to moderate exercise may be appropriate for you. But if you're experiencing muscles aches, respiratory problems or stomach pain, you should probably stay home.

But when you decide to exercise sick, keep other people in mind. For instance, if you workout at a gym or rec. center, your germs may prevent some other fitness nut from training too. And that's just not cool. They might be like me and hold it against you. Forever. It might be wise to exercise restraint when you're sick instead. You may be able to get back in the pool or on the track sooner.

So, maybe swimming Thursday should become... swimming Saturday. We'll see.