Training Tantrums and the Flu

If you are a runner I can guarantee that your Google history includes some very weird and wonderful running related searches. From weird stretches, to foam roller uses (hilarious videos ensue) to googling running at night, in the morning, in the dark, in rain, in wind. And you have definitely searched, 'Can I run with a cold?'

Now we all know the 'neck down rule' from these late night stressful searches deep in the midst of our training. The result? Running with cold symptoms above the neck should be fine, but neck down avoid your run. Two weeks ago however, I was not in need of this rule as I couldn't get out of bed let alone worry about below or above the neck. I was struck down with bone aching, stay-in-bed-sleeping-all-day, flu. Catastrophe!

This was not in my week 7 marathon training plan. But I was so ill I didn't care. A few days later I was better and back to work, but having vowed at the beginning of my London Marathon training to be a good and sensible runner, I decided to continue to rest for the whole week and also miss my long run at the weekend. 'That's good' I thought, 'just a week off training and I can pick up the following week no problem. What a sensible runner I am.'

Feeling better I made a running date with Ellie to head to the Sweatshop run for a 5 miler Tuesday night. Excellent. Snazzy new running tights packed, and all set up to get out there again, I was raring to go. Cue catastrophe number two! I spent the day being sick with a weird stomach bug. Oh great. So another day and a half in bed and another week of NO RUNNING.

Runners World happened to post a very well timed article this week about getting back to running after the flu. But I read these things and think they don't apply to me. What about training? How will I be able to run the marathon if I've not done all the training? How will I ever get a PB at London? How will my legs carry me the whole distance if I've not done the whole plan? What if I can't run any more? These are actual mental thoughts that go through my training brain. But if I was asked by a friend, I would tell them not to be silly. To start back gradually. Listen to the Runners World advice from an actual expert who knows better than you, you fool. Listen to your body and ease back into it. There is still plenty of time before the marathon to get the long 18 and 20 mile runs in. Its still seven weeks away!

So although I should be doing 18 miles today I am going to TRY to take my own advice. I will do no more than 6 miles and not risk getting ill AGAIN and putting myself out of action for even longer. But I am in running turmoil and so am having a tantrum about it, right here for you all to see. So enjoy that. Harrumph.

Good God Crandon, you really need to get a grip. It's only bloody running.