That's Not What We Were Expecting
Rough start to 2022. Down, but not out.
My wife and I (but mostly my wife) have done everything we thought we could do to stay away from Covid.
We’ve lived in a bubble since the pandemic started. This isn’t to say it was or is the right thing to do, it’s just what we’ve chosen to do. We have tried to keep our circle small and we’ve not made risky choices.
So when we came down with Covid over winter break, we were obviously shocked. The most pressing question: yes we are fine. No we don’t know where we got it from.
Now that you know we’re okay, I’ll tell you: it has wrecked our running. I’m not sure she knows how many days she took off because of it, but I know that I took off 2 days to end the year and 5 days to start this one. And only on day 8 did I shuffle through 20 minutes just to remind myself I’m still a runner.
Until very recently, I hadn’t had a day under 10,000 steps. During this recent setback, I averaged 5,000 - with 2 days under 2,300 each. I was wrecked. I might still be - I haven’t had the chance to really pause and collect the pieces.
My symptoms: fever, chills, vomiting, cough, dizzy spells, and headaches.
Could I have run after 48 to 72 hours? Probably, but while most of my symptoms were gone, I didn’t want to risk wearing myself down.
So here’s what I’m saying: continue to be careful - if not for you and your loved ones, then for your running. I don’t wish how I felt on anyone and it sucks having to take significant time off to recover.
Friday’s Action Plan:
Continue to take precautions and make safe decisions.
What’s Got My Attention:
Article: 5 Best Running Tips From 2021 That You Can Use to Power Your Miles in the New Year
Article: How These Pros Practice Mindfulness
Popular Articles on the Blog this Week:
The Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
5 Solutions to Your Winter Problems
How to Use Speed Work To Run Faster
Popular Newsletter Sessions:
Quote of the Day:
You don't get stronger by doing what you can. You get stronger by doing what you thought you couldn't.
Connect with me:
Here’s what I’m working on and what I’d love you to check out:
Thanks for following along on the journey! Have something you’d like to add? Have suggestions or comments? Email me: TrainwithMarc@gmail.com
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Marc is a middle school teacher and coach but also works with distance runners online. I help distance runners around the globe by providing support, writing customized training plans, and designing workouts to help them reach their racing goals. I write for my blog every Wednesday morning and newsletter every Friday morning.