Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

I got a sore throat and runny nose last Sunday so I haven't worked out all week. I'm wondering if I did the right thing. I felt terrible Sun, Mon and Tues but not so bad by Weds or Thurs. I was just soooooo tired. Would you have tried running again sooner? I'm going to go tomorrow but I'm nervous because I haven't run in a week.

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

I think you did the right thing. What's the point of pushing your body when you're sick like that and tired? It would just take longer to feel better & you wouldn't be able to get a good workout anyway. Don't feel bad about taking a week off.. I took 2+ weeks off at the end of August when I was really busy with other stuff and got right back into it just fine.

**edited for spelling

Message edited 10/2/2009 6:35:30 PM.

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

The way I look at it is this:
We looking at running as getting to this destination and forget that it's a way of life. So when we get sidelined by something, we tend to look at it like we are delayed in reaching the finishing line. In actuality, there is no finish line. Does that make sense? Basically, you have to listen to your body and if you are sick, you have to give it a rest. Don't look at a few days off as going backwards. Just pick up where you left off when you feel better.

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

Thanks girls, you made me feel better. I was always fine with the fact that I didn't run when I felt sick but once I was feeling better- just tired, I felt kinda guilty not running.
I always seem to get sick once I get into a good workout routine and then it throws everything off. I guess I'm just worried I'll have trouble getting back into it. Tomorrow morning I'm running!

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

definitely take a break!

I just got tonsillitis (4th time this year :( ) on Mondya and haven't run since. I'm in my marathon taper though, so I figured it was OK - going to try to go out today for a little.

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

Posted by MissJones

Posted by DaisyGirl

I guess I'm just worried I'll have trouble getting back into it. Tomorrow morning I'm running!

Be prepared that yeah, you might not be where you were at a week ago. That's okay. Remember that it's not a race. It's okay if taking the week off to get better puts you back a little. You'll be back to where you were VERY soon!

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

I was pretty sick for a week and tried running 1-2 miles and it was so hard. Instead I did the elliptical.

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

Last week I had a terrible run because I was feeling sick. So I actually took a week off and ran today for the first time. It actually wasn't that bad getting back into it. I wouldn't take more than a week off myself, but if I'm sick I do take time to rest. I am of the philosophy that I'd rather do things slower and sustain my activity rather than go all out and get burned out and quit a few months down the line.

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?

When I'm sick I don't work out. I dont want to push my body and get sicker than I already am.

Also, if I work out, when I'm sick, whats the fun in that? It's making working out to be almost a punishment.

Re: Runners- What do you do when you get sick?