Bouncing back from bronchitis/pneumonia thing (x-posting with macro thread)
For the last two weeks I've been knocked flat with a high fever, bronchitis, beginnings of pneumonia thing. Yesterday the doctor told me I can start working up to a normal routine. I'm still a bit weak, but he said I can do as much as I can tolerate.
I walked about a mile and a half this morning. I jogged about 100 m toward the end. It felt okay, but toward the end I could tell the air was not moving as well as when I'm 100%.
I am signed up for a sprint distance race on July 4. I'm fairly sure I won't do that race. I've raced sick once before and don't care to repeat the experience. It would probably also be costly in terms of SAUs to do that race so soon after being so sick. I'll make up my mind for sure on Tuesday night.
Now for the questions:
- I planned to do a race on July 29 as an A priority race. Do I still have time to get back in shape, or should I bump that down to a B or C priority race?
- I've scanned the forums and concluded that it's best if I focus on getting out there and getting in time rather than intensity. If I'm feeling strong tomorrow, I plan to get on the bike for a little while (an hour if I can tolerate it). Is this a workable plan? Should I do something different? Should I just focus on a Z2 effort sustained for the duration?
- How long should I focus on getting in time? When should I get back to intensity? My gut says this a "listen to your body" thing, but I want to check in with the experts.
TIA.
Comments
When I was training for my first marathon in January 2000, I got bronchitis at Thanksgiving. I didn't realize how sick I was. I was community to NYC for work at that time and had no idea how sick I really was. My doctor grounded me for two weeks. When I went back up the third week, I still have problems functioning due to fatigue.
My thoughts:
- Do NOT race the July 4 race. You and your body don't need the stress.
- Wait until closer to the July 29 race to make a call on it. You don't need to bag it now, you still have a month. Relax and give your body time to recover rather than pushing it. If you feel great, do it as an A. If not, knock it down. You have plenty of time to decide.
- Take time with your workouts and listen to your body. Get the time in you can, but don't push too much or you'll set your recovery back.
- Listen to your body! You'll know when you can start pushing it.
Good luck!