The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. Between spending five days in Oklahoma, and then coming home and taking over the local Orange Leaf, it has left little time for running. I am really frustrated by this, because when I chose my fall half marathon training plan, I was DETERMIND to stick with it. You see, I am not so great at following through with training plans and typically end up doing my own thing at some point along the way.
So you can imagine my frustration when I went to finally get in a good run yesterday, and I could only manage two miles because I pulled my back. Then, this morning I woke up sick with a cold. Seriously? I don’t think I have been sick since before I was pregnant! Bobby thinks I pushed too hard running around trying to work at the shop and then do my other two jobs at home + caring for the baby and the house, but eh, I’m not sure. Could just be coincidence. Either way, I’m sick. As in I want to rip my nose off my face because I can’t breathe, and I have chills and that all over icky feeling…so who knows when I will get back to running.
It’s really tempting to just throw my hands up and say “forget about it, I’ve already blown this training cycle”, but I have big goals for myself, and I know that isn’t the proper attitude to have. So, this is what I plan to do to get back on the training wagon:
1.) Get well: I know I am no use to anyone while I am sick and/or injured, so I need to get better before I jump into my runs again and potentially prolong this cold. I know I need rest rest rest (I actually napped TWICE yesterday during Emma Kate’s naps), and even though it makes me feel unproductive and sluggish, I know it’s best for me right now.
2.) Rework my training schedule: Now that I have missed several runs, there is no way I can hold the paces I am supposed to run for long runs over the next couple of weeks with the speed level I am at right now. I may take a bit longer to reach my goals now, but that doesn’t mean I have to forget about them completely.
3.) Run!: Once I have done #1 and #2, I plan to jump back into running, knowing that I am going to have to up my game a bit and run a few extra miles and push a little bit harder. I think a couple weeks of missing some runs is ok, but if I fall off the wagon for this long again during this training cycle, it would be hard to recover. So, even on days I really don’t think I have time, I have GOT to make time and just get it done.
That is my plan of attack, and hopefully it works well for me. Now, where are my tissues and chicken noodle soup?
QOTD: What do you do when you miss several runs during training?
Working at the store you’ve probably been exposed to new germs (credit cards and cash are pretty yucky). Hope you feel better soon!
Bobby’s probably right. You are pushing yourself too hard! Get rest and slowly get back to your running schedule. You can do it! Also, I swear by Emergenc-C vitamin drinks. I used to only drink when I felt a cold coming on, but now I drink one every day! Hope you feel better soon!
Good call on the emergen-c, I usually have them when sick and before I fly. I need to look and see if I still have some!
Oh girl I’m so sorry you are sick! I’m sure it’s a combo of stress and working too hard. Definitely get some rest! And I agree with the Emergen-C. My hubby drinks it every day and hardly ever gets sick.
I think you are doing great! Everyone has weeks that don’t quite pan out the way they are supposed to. Just take care of yourself! And you will be back on track in no time!
ugh I know the feeling. it seems like when you set your mind on training something always happens. im pretty good about keeping up with the training while traveling but being sick is tough. I take it slow coming back and when my body feels good to go I start going again, Ill try and pick up where I should be but that depends on how far along with training i am. good luck and feel better soon!!!
I hope you feel better soon! Being sick is no fun, especially when you have things to accomplish!
So far I’ve been lucky during this half marathon training and have only missed one run due to a summer storm. Living in Florida means we are subject to extreme weather changes like every two seconds.
Anyway when I miss a few weeks I usually readjust my speed goals and focus on my weak spots. Since I do well at long slow runs, I’ve been focusing on speed work at the moment to get my pacing better.