Illness passed, pain sets in

So, a couple of doses of antibiotics later and I'm all better. My energy returned, my throat was no longer swollen, my temperature returned to normal - all things have returned to "normal".

Sunday, I returned to the running circuit. My friends and I got together and did a local run in Bolton, MA. Overall it was 3.5 miles - longer than any run I've done so far - so I was looking forward to it with great glee. My body, however, was harboring a secret desire to crush my spirit. You see illness takes this thing called a "toll" on your body and when you're well again, you don't realize that this "toll" has yet to be paid in full. Well, I've paid it now. With interest.

Running after you were sick needs to be taken as a completely separate experience from what you've had so far. I was *well*. But my body wasn't quite ready to get back to the whole thing. I did okay - I ran for 10 minutes then walked for a bunch of hills and then ran for one hill that we later found out was a 16% incline. I killed that hill. But, it killed me right back. You know that glimey-gummey-slimy sensation you get in your throat when you've exercised to hard or too much. Yeah, I got that. That was the first time I've gotten that feeling since I started this endeavor! Yikes! But then I ran another 13 minutes, so I actually did very well for a sick boy.

The moral? Don't listen to that voice in your head that says "You're fine! Go out there and hit 24 minutes today! You didn't just have a crippling illness - you're good to go!" Have patience, realize that you're not 100% after two weeks off the track with a 101.4 fever. Don't be discouraged - what you're capable of is affected by your recovery.

Minutes: 23 - sort of.
Miles: 3.5 total, with some necessary walking.
Weight: Oh, we'll get another stab at that on like the 28th or something. I have another doctor's appointment then.