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May 18, 2005
The Post-Marathon Cold
I wonder if anyone has ever done a study to determine exactly what percentage of marathon finishers end up with a cold soon after race day. Now, I know that I had my cold before race day, but it seems that everyone I know who has done a marathon ends up being sick within a week after the race. Something about the distance wreaks havoc on the immune system. Currently, I am in the throes of a spring cold. I woke up yesterday and there was absolutely no way on earth that going to work was even a possiblity.
Monday night I went to bed early. I set the alarm for later because I had every intention of not going to work. The school nurse knew this and was expecting my call. I could hardly talk when I called out. She said I sounded terrible, but I did not know if that was because I had told her that I was calling out in the morning. Monday was pretty pathetic at work, but I would have been absolutely useless yesterday. I ended up sleeping almost twelve hours and was exhausted all day. I even went to bed early again last night.
As far as working out goes, I am sticking to trying to not run most of the week. Yesterday I went to the gym and swam 1200 yards and then rode the stationary bike for 45 minutes. This afternoon I ran in the pool for 45 minutes and then rode the stationary bike for 40 minutes. I am being recognized at the gym; people who I usually don't talk to are coming up to me and congratulating me. Maybe I'll meet a potential boyfriend this way! I am getting the itch to run, but I don't want to get worn down too quickly.
My body is still sore. Going down steps is still a challenge, as is sitting down. I'm kind of afraid that I did something to my big toe on my right foot. It doesn't hurt, but it feels like there are pins and needles in it. I hope that it is from the blister that is on the pad under my toe on the ball of my foot. Putting weight on it is not painful, but my toe feels numb most of the time. Dad thinks that it could be a nerve problem. Great, when I don't have any health insurance to cover testing. I'm getting a massage sometime over the weekend, the therapist has to call me back and let me know when the best time is for her since I have no plans for the weekend.
Posted by Blondie at May 18, 2005 07:03 PM
Comments
Yes - there is quite a body of research that says marathoners are at increased risk for upper respiratory infections following their race. Interesting. While running itself helps strengthen the immune system, pushing the body to extremes (such as a marathon) has the opposite effect.
Anyway, I hope you are feeling better soon!
Posted by: Beth at May 18, 2005 08:05 PM
You have joined the pool club with me and Becky :) yeah laps!! good luck with the toe.
Posted by: Audrey at May 19, 2005 09:37 AM