Saturday, August 28, 2010

Back from a Cold

Most people don't think of having a cold when the temperatures are hovering around the low 90's, but there has definitely been a change in the air lately.  Remember, this is Orlando.

I have been fending off a cold the past 2 weeks.  I didn't get a lot of sleep on Monday evening, so I think that is what made my body give out mid-Tuesday.  I missed my running group both times this week.  I went straight home after work Tuesday, because my nose was going berserk.  It was driving my nuts, so I stocked up some soup and went to bed.  I missed work for a couple days and still wasn't 100 percent yesterday.  I went to work, but didn't feel ready to run.  My nose was still clogged a little bit.

I haven't run since last Sunday and I felt like my lungs could handle the load this morning.  I wanted to take an easy 3 mile run.  I started by doing my first mile around 10 minute pace.  My legs have definitely rested this past week and I just wanted to bust out and run as fast I could after half a mile.  I held back though, until a runner zipped by me at about 1 mile.  I made it a point to adjust my speed to match hers.  She had about a 200 yard lead and I maintained that spacing for about half a mile.  She then stops for water and started back up just after I passed the water fountain.  I was probably running around 8 minute pace till that point.  That's when I started increasing my turnover and got down around a low 7 minute pace.  I kept that style of running for half a mile and then keeping the same speed, I slowed down my cadence and started to stride out.  I did this by extending my kicking / trail leg.  I didn't want to hurt my knees from overextension.

I kept that speed through 2.75 miles and noticed that the other runner had fallen back by about 200 yards.  My ego was bolstered enough for the day, so I finished up the last .25 mile at my original 10 minute pace.

It feels great to be back and I don't think I lost a step.  I don't know if my lungs are ready for more mileage yet, but I'll find out soon enough.

5 comments:

Andrew Opala said...

In Canada we have this thing called Cold FX (it's ginsing or something like that) it works wonders on me really quickly once I start feeling crappy.

Hope you feel better! But sick you still run faster than me!

Mark said...

Glad you are better, so tapers, even forced, work!!

Jimmy @ Run, Jimmy, Run said...

I agree with Andrew - not too shabby for being sick! Congrats on overcoming that nasty cold. Two weeks? Wow - I would have been at my wit's end by that point.

Doug said...

Thanks guys. I will look for Cold FX. I checked out their website and it is primarily sold in Canada, but it looks to be available online.

The Green Girl said...

Hope you feel better soon.

I am taking some Source Naturals Wellness Formula pills after the guy at my local health food store recommended them.