Hate starting over - Whine!

[elsie3]

I had such plans for my summer rotation--sigh!

Our family got hit with this noxious virus with a terrible cough that lasts for 6 weeks and totally wipes you out. I couldn't exercise at all for 2 weeks, and then could only walk for week 3. This week (week 4), I ran 5 miles on Monday (at a much slower pace), tried Push & Pull on Tuesday (which completely wiped me out), took Wednesday and Thursday off, and tried KPC today (feeling okay, but it was harder than usual). I really hate starting over. Plus, I gained 5 pounds because I felt so completely awful for 2 weeks that I didn't care what I ate--which is rare for me. I actually drove to Sonic one day during happy hour and got myself and the kids giant size slushies because my throat had been sore for 7 days, and it felt so good going down. My kids thought I'd completely lost it (which was probably true), but they weren't complaining.

I did CLX last summer, then P90X, then STS, then ran a marathon in May; was eating great and feeling on top of the world. It is very humbling that a tiny microorganism can set you back so far. I'm very grateful that it isn't anything serious or lasting. My husband's sister just lost her husband to cancer a week before his 43rd birthday. He battled the cancer for a year and was extremely fit and healthy before that--exercising regularly and eating well. I really am grateful for health. I guess I need to be reminded periodically that I can only do so much on my own for my health and should never take it for granted.

 

[syzygy314]

Elsie - Don't be so hard on yourself! You and your family were down with a bad virus and even though the symptoms are gone, your body is still weak from it. It is probably going to take you 2-3 weeks to gain your strength back and for your body to feel recovered. Take it slow. Don't push yourself too hard right now. You don't want to weaken your immune system again! Bring your nutrition back on track and ease into it all. It will get better and you should be back to your old self!

I would work into Cathe again very slowly. Do walk/runs, keep the weight work at the endurance level for now. I like that you're giving yourself 2 rest days. Maybe try alternating your workout days and rest days. When you feel stronger, start changing those rest days to workout days.

I can appreciate your frustration and impatience! I'm the Queen of impatience! I don't like waiting! When I had the flu, after the first week, I considered myself "well" and immediately went right back into my rotation. I could hardly get through it! I had to back off for another week before I could get going again! I still didn't get back to where I was strength-wise for another 3-4 weeks.

You'll get there!

 

[elsie3]

Thanks Tricia! You're very kind, supportive, and full of good advice. The reason I had to take two rest days in a row was because I overdid it with Push/Pull (lesson learned). The alternating idea is a good one. And I do know from past experience that "coming back" isn't quite as long or hard as getting there in the first place. I'm just whining.

 

[syzygy314]

To which you are completely entitled! I know how hard it is! I waited way too long to get back on the horse and paid dearly in the beginning! I rarely get sick and the flu last November really upset me! I hadn't had the flu since 1975! I know exactly how you feel! Take good care of yourself and see you "in the workout room!"

 

[RapidBreath]

Awww~ I feel your pain. I got sick several times over the last year and I've put on a couple of pounds. I had been just 46 pounds over weight and now its up to 55, dang it. But, hey at least you only have 5 pounds to lose!

I'm so sorry about your sister's lost btw.

 

[dixiedog6]

I have been sick for a month too and now I am rady to start working out again. I am going to start tomorrow. I hate starting over again, I get so frustrated with myself. Be kind to yourself, I plan on cutting myself some slack for the next few weeks and just work on getting back in to motion again.

 

[ellesan]

I can totally relate. When I had my thyroid removed last year I could barely walk to take a shower, let alone do a Cathe workout. I was sick for months and felt like a weakling after all was said and done. I didn't think I'd be able to get any fitness back...but I started slowly and did my first triathlon this year!

I really do think being kind to ourselves is really hard. You sound a lot like me, we expect a certain level of health, motivation, fitness, etc. all the time-- but that is NOT reality. Life happens, things get in the way.

Accepting where you are now and not comparing to where you were before is helpful. You can't change it and so it's time to calmly accept it and move forward. I know it's easier said than done. I agree, I am thankful for my health everyday!

 

[elsie3]

I can totally relate. When I had my thyroid removed last year I could barely walk to take a shower, let alone do a Cathe workout. I was sick for months and felt like a weakling after all was said and done. I didn't think I'd be able to get any fitness back...but I started slowly and did my first triathlon this year!

I really do think being kind to ourselves is really hard. You sound a lot like me, we expect a certain level of health, motivation, fitness, etc. all the time-- but that is NOT reality. Life happens, things get in the way.

Accepting where you are now and not comparing to where you were before is helpful. You can't change it and so it's time to calmly accept it and move forward. I know it's easier said than done. I agree, I am thankful for my health everyday!

You're an inspiration.

Thanks for commiserating everyone. And thanks, RapidBreath, for your condolances. I will pass them along.