I've been sick since Monday. Not
very sick, but sniffly-headachy-swollen throat-generally-under-the-weather sick. I've gotten in several good strength workouts, but I find I have a hard time running or doing cardio when I feel this way. I've also been feeling a slight tug in the hamstring for 3 days. So I haven't run since two slow miles on Monday.
Unfortunately, I have a race this Sunday. I'm heading down to DC with
Abby,
Kim,
Steph, and
Beth for a runner girls weekend. We were supposed to run the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, but the rest of our group isn't doing too well either. Beth has been
battling a fever and Abby
has a stress fracture. Thankfully Kim and Steph are fine!
I really wanted to run this race since the cherry blossoms in DC are supposed to be blooming this weekend so it would be a gorgeous course, going past the white monuments of DC with pink blossoms reflected in the tidal basin.
However, my goal race right now is the NJ Long Branch Half-Marathon. After getting sicker post-NYC Half, where I ran while I still had pinkeye, I don't want to jeopardize my performance at NJ by running a race that's really just for fun now, then being sick for another week or two.
So, basically,
here's my plan: run Cherry Blossom as a long run if I feel ok. Cheer on the sidelines with Abby (and possibly Beth because we're a bunch of invalids) if I don't feel ok.
DO NOT RACE.
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Yes, CUCB... if I run you, you will be a 10 mile RUN, not race.
(source) |
I really enjoy races -- they're probably my favorite part of running. As much as racing hurts, it's also the time when I truly see what I'm capable of doing. But racing on Sunday would be a bad idea. So I'm going to play it smart.
Cross your fingers I feel well enough to run my long run during the race on Sunday!!
Have you ever pulled back from a race due to sickness or health concerns?
Smart (and tough) decision to make! Having a great weekend in DC regardless :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julianne! Hope I can still run it at least
DeleteHere's hoping that you are feeling well enough to run, you are making the best decision in the long run to not race. I went to University of Maryland and one of my favorite times was cherry blossoms. Enjoy, running or not!
ReplyDeleteThat's so awesome that you got to enjoy the cherry blossoms a lot! They're so beautiful, I remember them from the year I worked in DC and can't wait to see them again :)
DeleteVERY smart decision, friend. There's no reason to push things, especially since it isn't your goal race. The Cherry Blossom 10-miler is definitely a bucket list event, so I hope you feel well enough to run it! Have so much fun this weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie! Have a FANTASTIC time in Miami and kick some tri ass!
DeleteYou're making a good decision! Whether or not you race, your health is more important.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emily :) I know that's true, but it feels so hard!!
DeleteFirst, I'm super jealous that you are going down there for the race. The cherry blossoms are ACTUALLY blossoming this weekend!
ReplyDeleteBut, second, I applaud your decision. It's not worth totally knocking yourself out.
I know, it's crazy good luck! Not that this nasty winter has been worth it, but it's a small consolation that we get the blossoms this weekend :) And thanks, I hope I can at least run the race, but if not, at least I get the blossoms!
DeleteI haven't been running in a month due to injury and it's driving me insane. I might have to drop out of the Chicago half marathon in July if I don't get better soon. But really, I'm just happy to get better and start running just for fun again.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry you've been injured! It's so tough being out of the game.
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