Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Update

Last night, it finally sunk in that running the marathon in 4 weeks would not be a good idea. I'm officially out. I've missed a lot of runs, and even if I start to feel better now, long runs are too taxing on the body as I fight this infection. I went into the half-ironman with this thing and came out even sicker. Went on antibiotics and as soon as I was able, went on a 15 mile run. Although the run was fantastic, I came out even more sick on the other side. Now, I'm on antibiotics that make my stomach very unhappy for 3-4 weeks. I need my immune system to be at its best, and I just can't afford the dampening effect long runs have on the immune system right now. So even if I were to start feeling well enough for a long run, it would be a bad idea to go out and do it, since my immune system would be suppressed, and the infection would just come right back. I'm worried that if this round of antibiotics don't work, I will need a much more drastic, invasive option, like surgery. I really, really, really, really don't want to go through that. Plus, I just found out that I'm going to need dental surgery, and I have to get over this infection first before I can have the surgery. Something to look forward to. Needless to say, I've been very depressed. I can't do anything. This sucks.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

I admire your strength in making a hard decision. You will be back soon and feel even stronger! Stay positive!

Paul said...

Good idea. Rest up and make a mid summer come back :)

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good time to sit down and put pen to paper and plan out how you are going to take over the triathlon world once you are healthy. You can also read up on everything you can find. It is also a great chance to volunteer at a race or two without having to give up doing the race.

Just get better soon...

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Live to fight another day. Every good general knows the value of a strategic retreat.

Rest up and have a great summer season!!!

RunBubbaRun said...

Hang in there.. Get some rest and get better.. There are tons of marathons along the year..

Sometimes our body tells us we need to take a break sometimes..

Even thou it does suck not being able to do the things we luv.

Unknown said...

Hang in there Rachel. I think skipping the marathon is a very wise decision. With some real rest I bet you'll be back in no time.

Kate said...

I can imagine how awful you feel- both with being sick, and with not being able to be *you*. I hope you get completely better soon without needing surgery.

cdnhollywood said...

That's a bad stroke of luck, but you're doing the right thing. Rest up and kick the bug out of your system. I was out for 3 months with an "upper respiratory infection" last year because I kept pushing myself ahead. And keep in mind that after the rest, you're recharged.

Rest up - doc's orders!

http://newbietriathlete2007.blogspot.com

JeffM said...

That does suck- but a good decision. Hopefully the meds work and you'll be back.

Cliff said...

I know is hard Rachel..but do take it easy. Let the body do what it needs to do to repair itself...it cannnot be forced or rushed. It needs to be respected and tendered.

Andy said...

Looks like you and I are in the same boat. Go back and read my previous post from a few days ago (but not due to sickness). I am sorry to hear that you are not well, and I wish you a quick recovery. At first it seems horrible that you just pulled out of a race for whatever reason. But once you take a step back you will know it was for the best, and then you will be just fine with it.

Keep your chin up, we are all here for you!

Murtha...

Desi said...

Rachel,

You will come back stronger than ever after you fully heal up! Been there done that!!!

Hang in there girl...I will check back occasionlly to see your progress.

Desi

Fizzgig said...

Ick, I hope you feel better fast! Dental surgery, now theres something to look forward to. Once you get all that taken care of, youll be back in no time! I bet it is frustrating though, when you are use to being so active!