Last week I came down with what was probably just a cold. I felt stuffy, achy, and feverish. But after a couple of days, it ran its course…via its usual route…my lungs. I lost my voice but otherwise felt better. I felt well enough, in fact, to go for a run on Wednesday evening. So stupid. I had no business running with chest congestion because I have asthma! Funny how that little detail slipped my mind. Also, it was cold out, the sun was setting, and I was not dressed properly for the weather. (Sorry, Dad.)
Not exactly my best decision ever. But we traveled out of town on Thanksgiving morning, and I still felt well (and optimistic) enough to pack my running shoes and clothes.
Unfortunately, I went downhill fast, and 24 hours later wound up in Urgent Care where I was given IM Methylprednisolone (a shot of steroids in my butt). It helped relieve my shortness of breath, but the cough stuck around. I’ve now been on Prednisone (an oral steroid) for 4 days with no real improvement – if anything, I feel worse. I’m using my albuterol inhaler several times a day, and I’m up (and keeping my husband awake) half the night with this dry, unproductive cough. I admitted defeat last night and began taking the antibiotic that the Urgent Care doctor prescribed “just in case.”
I still feel lousy, which is why I’m up at 4:30 a.m. blogging about how lousy I feel.
So as far as running goes…well, it just ISN’T right now. I haven’t been able to run since last Wednesday (almost a week ago), which seems like kind of a big deal with a marathon coming up in just two months and another 20 mile run on the schedule for December 14th. Yesterday I didn’t even feel well enough to make it to yoga.
I’m terribly frustrated. As I shared a couple of weeks ago, I was starting to have doubts about whether my body could handle a February marathon. But then I had this incredibly successful 20 mile run (thank you KT Tape, you are a lifesaver!!!). I felt determined and capable…and now this. And so the doubts are back and looming larger than ever.
For the most part, this is out of my control. I can’t make my body not be sick. All I can do is take care of myself. Take my medications. Go back to the doctor if I’m not feeling any better in a few days. Rest. Don’t run. Above all, listen to my body.
And for goodness’ sake…if I go running in the cold again, at least wear a hat.