Abort mission. We are breaking up Mr. Treadmill.
On Sunday, I took the day off from running after a bit too much celebrating in the great state of TX. I refused to feel runner’s guilt, considering rest days are a part of being a well-rounded runner. Next, yesterday morning, as you’ll recall, the couch called my name and enticed me into getting a little more shut eye. But I was determined to triumph over all of the “adversity” and get in a speedy, decently long run on my bff the treadmill last night….
No such luck. After 1.25 miles, I felt completely run down and out of gas. Watching myself in the mirror, it looked like I was running for the first time the way I was huffing and puffing! All of a sudden, I was the little engine that could NOT. Then it hit me: I HAD RUNNER’S BLOCK! Rather than watch my pitiful body hobble along, I opted to hit the elliptical and read some health mags for inspiration. On the plus side, I felt like going home, but I knew any workout would be better than no workout. Gold star for Sometimes Healthy Girl!
Fogginess and Grogginess
So, this morning when I woke up, the pressure was on. Since I’m not currently training for a race, I could just stop running altogether if I really felt like it. But, I like to keep myself in shape year-round and missing a couple of days always makes me feel a bit off. When I was training for the marathon, I prided myself in always finishing every workout that I set out to do. It made me feel disciplined and accountable.
I definitely felt a bit tired when I woke up today, but I told myself it was just the foggy outdoors bringing on the groggy. It looked like a Gotham City this AM (remember that song by R Kelly??)
Cause we all need it, can't live without it, a Gotham City!
Per usual, I drank some coffee and read blogs, while listening to a little motivating Rascal Flatts Pandora, as I waited for my body to wake up. Finally, 30 minutes later, I was out the door…. Something still didn’t feel right. I could feel the Runner’s Block panic rising as I struggled to pick up the speed. I felt sluggish again, and it wasn’t a good feeling. When I hit Central Park, I was able to pick up my stride a bit, because I was distracted by how cool the skyline looked under a little fog.
A Gotham Citttay
But as the run went on, I started to drag more and more. The mantras weren’t working and even the hardcore rap failed to pump me up. No matter how much I pushed myself, I could only muster a slow jog. I think I saw a 90-year-old pass me, and while I wanted to give him props, instead I was worried about my lack of ability to get my running rhythm back. When I have a good run, everything just kind of flows together perfectly. I forget what’s going on around me, what’s happening in my life and any other outside distractions.
Today was just not one of those days. But on the plus side, by the time I finished, the fog had lifted and it was quite the beautiful day in the Big Apple.
Welcome back my pretty city!
I was sure that the fog would lift my spirits as well by the time I got home. No such luck. My little run made me nauseous, and I fell into bed right when I walked in the door. I could feel my face burning up, and I also felt a little shaky! And then it hit me! I didn’t have Runner’s Block. This Sometimes Healthy Girl was S-I-C-K. So much for all of that deep thinking and worrying 😉 So, I don’t need to rethink my approach to running, I need to R-E-S-T. Is it bad to say I’m relieved?
Sometimes Healthy, Rarely Sick
So that’s that. I’m taking a sick day today. Maybe it was all of the excitement this weekend or maybe I just ate something a little funny, but whatever the case, I need to stay home and get myself better. There are some people that haven’t taken sick days in years. I mean, look at Cal Ripkin Jr. That guy played 2,632 games without being sick or injured. But ya know what, I just can’t be one of those people. I’m only human. I have flaws. And sometimes, when I over-extend, I get sick. SO, I’m taking the time today to get myself better and I’m sure I’ll be back to peppy and quirky by tomorrow.
For now, I’m going to go watch a sappy love story and lie in my comfy bed. Can you guess which one?
Hope everyone’s having a great Tuesday! Sometimes Healthy Mom, I’ll be expecting a check-in phone call from you the minute you read this 😉
If I had your phone number, I would surely give you a get-well ring 😀
I have struggled with taking rest days too, especially time off from running, an issue I have talked about on my blog. I am so proud of your for listening to your body and realizing how much you needed to rest and the fact that you were getting sick!
Sometimes our bodies simply need a break and I am finally understanding the importance of this.
Get well soon girl! My remedy when I feel sick is to call my mom, eat a few oranges, drink green tea, and make sure you take your vitamins 🙂
Pingback: Given to Fly: Take that Runner’s Block! | The Sometimes Healthy Living Blog
Pingback: When You Fall Off that Horse, you gotta….ride a pony? A Sometimes Healthy Tale | The Sometimes Healthy Living Blog