GONE

The mean stinkin' virus that invaded my chest for the past few weeks is finally gone! Well, mostly. I still entertain my neighbors with a quick hack from time to time as I run by their homes.

A week and a half ago, my workouts started suffering. I didn't really know I was getting sick. I am not one to let myself 'admit' the sick bug has actually captured me. I really honestly don't have time to be sick. So I ignore it as long as possible. At least, I try.
The first day I noticed a problem I was scheduled for a fairly long Brick. 60 miles + 30 min run. There were some hard efforts in the middle of that ride but I honestly can't remember the details right now.
I woke up feeling a little achey. Whatever. I totally ignored it.
My friend was in town that day so he cleared his schedule to do the workout with me. (also training for LP) This guy is very strong and in great shape but you know, I can usually hold my own and keep up. Not that day. Grrr. I was irritated. And discouraged. Why was I so slow? Where was my energy?
Later that day I had a Baaaaaad sore throat. And some chills. And a headache. Oh ok. So I have a cold. Fine. I took lots of emergen-C. Some stuff that has worked before. I went to bed early. Not that that's new for me.
The next day I felt pretty blah. I had a recovery ride and got through that without much ado.
And then I thought I had kicked it. Sweeeet. Ha! I'm too strong for a cold to get me down. good. No worries.
But, then a cough appeared. I hacked and gagged my way through a sleepless night. Shoot. But I felt ok!
I tackled a few more workouts with great determination. However, my usual zip was not there. I was weak. I was slow. I was behind everyone. And I-don't- like- that!! :) I'm a tad bit competitve....all the time. For better or worse, it's just me. But when people whom I usually go faster than, are flying ahead of me, I get very discouraged. I just didn't have it in me.
At that point, I finally admitted that yes, I was sick. I was really not myself. This nasty bug rolled through my body and hung on for dear life. My cough was deep and loud and nasty. It was vicious.
One day I had a coughing attack while my son Cameron, stood by. It felt like a creature with 5 arms was alive in my throat. The need to cough arose before I had time to fully inhale a breath. It was bad. I even sucked on my inhaler a few times. Cam just looked and said, "should I call Daddy?" It was that bad. I waved no with my hands, unable to talk. pathetic.

Finally, I recovered. I started to feel fresh again. the headaches and achiness went away. LIfe was better.
And since then I've had sweet revenge on those nasty unsatisfying workouts.

My favorite....a Fabulous 100 miles on the bike!! First of the season. Second of my life! I was alone, the weather was beautiful, and I felt strong. I hammered along without ever feeling fatigue. Ahh, that's better. Confidence is back. Sometimes it only takes one good day to kick away a few hard ones.
Today I had a fun fast brick. THings are changing. Short rides are what my long rides used to be. Today was 50 miles followed by 35 min run. I pushed through the bike...through cross winds and headwinds. I hit the road and really needed a good run. I got it. I felt so light and strong and pain free.
Cameron will like this. After my 100 mile ride, I "bragged" to the kids. He simply replied, "Mommy. I think you better work on your run now. You are really tired after you do marathonts." Got it Cam.

Now, I rest. Rest week ahead with a glorious massage in the middle of it.

I will cap the week off with my first race of the season. Bring. It. On!!!!