Monday, April 8, 2013

Two sick puppies.


Poor Matt.  If i was him, i would have run screaming from the infirmiry our apartment has become...

What is the worst thing that could possibly happen 3 weeks before your marathon?
The flu.
Ok, its probably not the very worst thing that could happen, so I should probably shut up before I jinx myself.  But, I am slightly less than pleased that during what is probably the most crucial week of work outs in training, I have been completely side lined.  The only redeeming thing in my illness is that Waffles has been sick all week too, and has been my constant cuddle buddy. She is having an IBS flair-up, (a particularly nasty one at that) so she has been having digestive problems for the past week (a nice way of saying explosive diarrhea.) 
Between the germ-ridden travel, the stress of cramming 5 days on work into 3 days, the emotional havoc of two days with a bunch of Huntingtons Disease people, and not having continuous sleep since March (Thanks Waffles, you poop monster….) has really caught up with me.  I have a friend (who just ran the Paris Marathon, Congrats Jess!!) that would always function at 110%.  She would get more done in a day than most people got done in a week, and I am still in awe of how she managed to do it.  I have a low tipping point, and whenever I try to go “Jess-mode,” the stress and exhaustion gets to be too much, my whole body shuts down.  My never ending drive to do all the things has left me side-lined on the couch (once again) with Waffles doing NONE of the things, other than eating plain rice and napping.

NAPPING.   Like a Boss.

We did walk down to the park this weekend, since we were both too sick to exercise, but wanted to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.  It was really funny, because all the dogs, hyper as they were, would take a break to calmly come over and lay by my feet, like I am some kind of dog whisperer.  It’s weird the way that animals can sense sickness, and care for you in your own way.  Sometimes I think I am better around animals than people – they just get me. 
***I am still working on my DC post – the whole thing was much harder and more emotional than I thought it would be.  And now I feel like crap on top of it.  Waffles is spending the day with the vet.  Sadly, she doesn’t have the meat on her bones that I do, so where as I can stand to not eat and lose a few lbs (ok.  10 lbs.  I should probably lose 10 lbs.) she is so tiny to begin with that they need to keep her hydrated. 
The really hard part is that I feel guilty.  Guilty that I didn’t run 20 miles this weekend (even though prolonged standing is making me dizzy at this point).  Guilty that I didn’t run yesterday.  Guilty that I am not running right now as I type this.  Guilty that i can't take care of my stupid dog.  Guilty that i can't write a coherent blog post.  I know that it’s batshit crazy to feel that way, but whatevs, it’s how I roll.
Do you get running guilt when you’re sick?  What about marathon flu?  (this will be the 3rd f***ing time I have gotten sick a few weeks before a marathon….what the heck?)

16 comments:

  1. You poor thing! I hope you feel better soon. I have never been sick right before a big race....knock on wood. I would probably not handle the sick card very well! Hang in there!

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  2. Better now than the week of the race! Hope you can get back out there soon.

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  3. I spent all of last week with food poisoning, right before both the Shamrock Shuffle (which I've been training all year for) and my honeymoon, so I completely understand getting sick at totally inopportune times. Not exercising last week was really hard, as is getting back into it. But you need to rest and build your strength back up, so try not to feel too guilty! I hope you and Waffles are both feeling better!

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  4. Sorry to hear about your bout with the flu. The flu sucks big time. However, do not worry about losing fitness, you have tons of "fitness reserves" and taking a week or two off will hardly set you back at all. I averaged 9 miles/week during the final 6 weeks before the 2011 NYC marathon and still ran the first 23 miles. If I had paced myself more realistically near the beginning of the race, I might have been able to run the whole thing! Just focus on getting better. That's my two cents. :-)

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  5. Ugh! I hope you guys feel better soon! I too get "running guilt" when I am sick but it's always better in the long run. Haha. Pun intended.

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  6. the only redeeming thing here is that it isn't race week. Your base is strong. You'll still do great. Now rest up!!

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  7. gahhhh not cool! I hope that recuperation is quick! :(

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  8. Get some rest, and I'd say have a martini, but no, maybe that isn't a great idea...all kidding aside, you got this girl. xoxoxo

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  9. I had a horrible stomach flu and temp about a week ago. I almost too myself to the ER. Stay healthy

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    1. oh no, how horrible! I'm glad you're on the mend!

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  10. Maybe this is your body's way of telling you to get your rest. Listen up and feel better soon!!!

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    Replies
    1. i know - i just want my body to toughen up already!!

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  11. Getting sick before races sucks. I got sick before my half marathon last year and basically only worked and slept the week leading up to the race. I think I ran once for like 3 miles the week before the race. Definitely better to rest up than try to squeeze in miles that just wear you out!

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