Running after being sick, HELP!

emmaleigh47

Hi runner friends! The week prior, I logged 27 miles but last week I had a horrible cold that turned into pneumonia and caused me to miss my Monday, Tues, and Thursday runs. I moved my scheduled long run (13 miles) back to tomorrow so I could get one more day of rest. I am on antibiotics now, the coughing has mostly stopped and I am about 75%.

Today I went out for a walk ... a leisurely walk of 2.5 miles and it was exhausting!

I doubt I will get in 13 miles tomorrow ...

How do I get back into my routine... im freaking out! I have a half marathon in 8 days ... and again one week later. Now they are both training runs for the marathon ... but still ... freaking out!!

Anyone?

AZTrailRunner

simple. rest and heal. your body needs the energy for healing, and running will only further compromise your immune system.

bjshields

Em, your long-term health is more important than any event. I totally feel for you. I missed my yearly Iron Girl Triathlon this year because I was sick day of. It's heartbreaking. But you have to take care of yourself -- all of yourself -- before you do an event. Maybe this means you don't do the first half that's in eight days, but you do the second one that's a week later. That's much more sane and probably better for you. I am so, so sorry.

jenocelot

Skipping that soonest race would be smart. Then you can be ready for the next one, all the way. Get yourself to that starting line healthy. If you race too soon, you could ruin your chances with both of the subsequent ones -- Rest, heal, take your recovery slowly -- NOT a 13 mile run right after being that sick. Maybe a 3 miler pretty soon, but, c'mon be sensible! i only say this because of my own experiences -- even just having a little cold and running too soon, and getting behind on training due more to that, when if I'd rested more, could've actually come back more quickly.

RachelJE

I know it is heartbreaking, but PLEASE, I am begging you, PLEASE take care of yourself. My 4 year old was hospitalized for 5 days with pneumonia. It took him WEEKS to be back to his normal energy level. NO RACE is more important that your health. You must slow down, hon. I feel like the universe is telling you that - SLOW DOWN. You have had injuries, and now this. It doesn't mean you are quitting, but you have to give your body what it needs to heal. Ultimately you will be a stronger runner and a stronger person. But right now you have to heal. Take it from someone who didn't give herself time, pushed, pushed, pushed & ended up with 3 hospital stays in the last 8 weeks.