It's cold and flu season, and unfortunately for my family, none of us were spared this past week. Runny noses, coughs, fevers and headaches left us all completely wrecked by the end of the week. (although we did have some wonderful family bonding moments over our bowls of Panera soup) I was certainly no exception, as I found it difficult and at times exhausting to walk my dog around the block, let alone go for a run. Even the thought of running made me tired. When I was about 20 years old or so I came across a "homemade" remedy (if you want to call it that) that always seemed to keep me healthy and prevent weeks like I just had. It's a simple concept- whenever I'm feeling "off" or I have the slight hint that I may be coming down with something or getting sick, I do the following: I overdress (typically these illnesses come around in the winter months, so it's cold outside) with warm running pants or tights, warm jacket, hat and gloves and I head outside for a run. My goal with the run workout is to get my body temperature up and keep it there for maybe 30 minutes or so. No mileage or pace goals, just an easy run. With all the layers on, by the time I'm finished, I've worked up a pretty good sweat. The next step: take a long, hot shower. Coming in from the cold with my nose running, the hot shower completely drains my sinuses and nasal passages. The third step: I step out of the shower and directly into warm clothes. I'm talking slippers, sweatpants, sweatshirt, robe...whatever you've got that will keep you warm. From here I'm off to bed for a good nights sleep, wrapped up warmly in all my comfy clothes. By the morning I typically feel much better. A shot of running endorphins and a good nights rest seem to do the trick. Give it a shot the next time you're feeling crummy.
I did try this method this week, and to my surprise, it didn't work. That's when I knew I was in for a long week. When this happens, my advice on running and training is this: listen to your body and take time off. Your body is working hard to heal itself, and if you go out too hard too soon, you can further stress your immune system and prolong your illness. Think quality over quantity. A day or two, or even a week for that matter is not going to derail your training schedule. Look at it as a rest period or rest week where you are letting your body heal up, while also taking a mental vacation from training. Once you're feeling better, ease back into form with a few easy, short runs. Or....just don't ever get sick. Either way.