Days off? Important or not? How is your training going?

Hey everyone,

Took a few days off vacationing with my family, but got a terrible sinus infection by the end and I am still recovering. Needless to say I haven't done many miles in the last two weeks or so. 

So, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about days off and listening to your body. Obviously, I am not a health/physical education professional, which means I am only speaking based on my experience and the advice I follow from the professionals I see. 

Safe to say, my training is not going anywhere these last few weeks. 

I know my body is fighting off this inflammation and it can definitely impact breathing, which means running is particularly challenging right now.

Here's my plan. MY PLAN. Check with a doctor if you go through something similar: 

1st step: Allow the body adequate time to heal. 

Rest is crucial during the acute phase of a sinus infection or cold. Pushing too hard too soon can prolong the illness or exacerbate symptoms. It's important to listen to your body and refrain from running until any fever subsides and energy levels begin to normalize. I didn’t have fever but the congestion is insane!

Hydration, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep are essential to speed up recovery.

Then, I am hoping once symptoms begin to improve, I can consider slowly easing back into running. And I am thinking tomorrow (Saturday) or so.

My goal is to start with light activities and gently stretch to gauge my body's response. 

Then focusing on maintaining good hydration to support the immune system with nutrient-dense foods. The truth is: patience and mindful progression is needed so we can safely return to our regular running routine while minimizing the risk of a relapse—and having a kid in school doing lots of indoor activities, I know this will happen again.

Well, you know how my week is going. I hope yours and your training are doing much much better.

Thanks for stopping by!

Aline