Getting my self back

Yesterday I finally had a good run. It was cold and snowy, but my cough was mild and I was able to take deep breaths. Oh, what a treat to be able to inhale and exhale deeply. I tell you, it's all about the little things. I ran 8 miles, with 6 of them sub 8, a couple 7:30s. Good, particularly since I ran 26 miles total this week, and have a planned longer run for Saturday.

This sickness has really gotten to me. I am a busy body, and usually have tons of energy. I am always on the go or doing something. I never "just" watch TV, I always have some research going on the computer, or I play a game, or fold laundry. I strive on doing. So these past couple of weeks have been challenging. They made me think about getting old and slowing down, and boy, that is difficult for my 36 y old brain to comprehend. I also realized why I am always so motivated and excited about running. I rarely dread a workout, even during peak marathon training. I just love going out there, because 99% time I hit the pace I want. But this week I did not have any motivation to run. I ran slow, and even had to take rest breaks to catch my breath. I knew that there was no way I lost fitness, and the breathing issues were a function of my lungs being invaded by phlegm, but nonetheless running was not rewarding. There is one thing to work hard and hit your pace; that is reinforcing. There is another thing to work hard and run slow; that is plain frustrating.

But I did get through it. I did push myself to get out there because I knew that the alternative - staying on the couch -would be worse for me. And now I feel well, and my perky self is returning. Again I have a ton of things going, and they don't feel overwhelming, they feel like getting back to normal. Last post about being sick....hopefully for a loooooooooooong time coming! Things are good!