Setback
A week ago, I was struck down with some gastro-intestinal…something. After 3 days of not being able to eat / breathe well / sleep, I ended up in urgent care for some relief (say what you will, but having access to Italy’s healthcare system is one of the reasons I love living in Italy). On day 6, I finally was able to spend the entire day out of bed, even if I still was eating only rice, crackers, and water.
I’ll be honest one of the first things I thought about when I started feeling bad was the 1/2 marathon I’m training for at the end of the month. The past week I haven’t left my bed nor my apartment much, much less exercised. A few days of eating only 300-500 calories has left me seriously weak and wondering what that means for July 29th which is quickly approaching. On Day 4 sitting at a computer made me break out in a sweat.
photo by Eric C Bryan
On Day 7 (today while I’m writing this), my outlook is a lot more optimistic. I already know I won’t be able to do the long run planned for this Sunday, only one of 3 long runs left before the half marathon. I should be tapering soon, even. But the reality is I may not even be able to do a short run by Sunday. I haven’t had any protein for a week, and I know the weight I’ve lost in the meantime is all water and hard-earned muscle. 😦
But I will be participating in the SF Half Marathon as planned. One, because I’ve already paid. Two, because I know I’ll feel better in 3 weeks than I do now, and if the going gets bad, I can just stop running, and walk. Or stop walking, and stop completely. I’m no longer hoping to match, break, or even come close to my last half time. I may not even finish.
But I will run the 1/2 marathon. I will probably even get across the Golden Gate without any problems (one of the reasons I signed up for the 1st part of the course). I may not finish. But that’s ok. But I’ll be doing it, because I’m healthier than I was when I started this.
And two of my best friends are running, too. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate a friendship than by encouraging each other to be healthy.
So I’m ok with setbacks. I’ll keep pushing forward.
Food Blogger on a Diet 
Missing one long run and a few days of running is not going to be a huge issue. Get your strength back and go for it. You will be fine! And if you have to walk, que sera sera – you will still be a finisher!
Thanks for the encouragement – I’m still more than a few runs behind, but I definitely want to do it 🙂
You can do it! I came down with food poisoning the night before my last half marathon 😦 Couldn’t even keep water down the morning of the race. Tried to run but ended up walking most of the last 10 miles. But the most important part was I finished it! And I know you’re a strong lady so you’ll do great too!
Erin, that is rough! I can’t believe you went anyway! 🙂 We’ll see how it goes – I’ll post a pic from the race – hopefully from the finish line.
Go girl keep at it and the results will come sooner than you think
so glad you are feeling better and well done to the Italian health people !
I believe you can do it. Just put your mind into it. I’m glad you feeling better now. You would probably finish the run in no time at all. By the way how are you feeling now?