Every Rose has its Thorns

"It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you don't stop." Confucious

Last week was a grind. 

Michigan's sick bug hit me like a freight train- like it had a personal vendetta against. 9 days, but who's counting?! I got pulverized with coughing, sneezing runny nose, fever and fatigue - all while being trapped in a gloomy Michigan winter. 

I was supposed to be grinding out my training. But between the single digit temps, snow, ice, and my body turning into a walking NyQuil commercial, I started wondering if maybe I should just trade in my running shoes for a nice, local knitting club. 

The Hypocrite Chronicles

I wrote this rhyme about 20 years ab=got-one of those golden rules of running:

"If it's in your head, get out of bed. If its in your chest it's best to rest." 

So, like a responsible adult, I followed my own advice at first, I stayed in bed. I let my body recover. 

But then...the miles quit adding up. And because I was laid up, my brain told me I still needed to show up. 

SO naturally I ate my words. 

The moment my fever broke, I was at GAC, shuffling around the track-one mile at a time.

I knew I shouldn't be doing it. But I also knew I needed to. 

I was prepared to get off the track if my body protested too hard. I kept my heart rate low, adding walk breaks every two laps, and made a deal with myself: "SUFFER WISELY."

"I Don't Feel Sorry For You." 

I have heard this before. I get it. When I push through when I probably shouldn't sympathy isn't exactly in high supply.

But here's the thing: Training for 100 miles is about suffering. If I can't run while sick and suffer through, then how am I going to suffer through 100 miles?

This is part of the process.

This is where I learn to adapt, to push, to be smart about when to fight and when to fold. 

So Yeah, last week was rough. But I'm still here. 

And still a little off my rocker. 

RUNDOWN;

Feb 3-Feb 9

Miles: 47.59 

(training goal 64) 

Wednesday: speedwork

THURSDAY was the day I ran a half marathon outside and by the time I hit 10 miles I knew I had done serious damage. I didn't know I was that sick until it was too late. 

STREAK: So I challenged myself to this mile streak. Two days this week I had a temperature that I had to run just 1 mile. I bundled up like the Michelin Man and loaded up on meds. I didn't really run, I just tried to stay upright. 

I just kept telling myself, "You can do anything for 15 minutes Anita. 

This is NOT a free commercial to follow my training. But it is a little motivational nudge to challenge yourself. 

Stop quitting and start trying. 

In Peace, Not Pieces, 

Anita