Celebrate

"Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." - Samuel Johnson

 Of course I celebrate after a race! ...but how many runners celebrate after achievement of a training program? I'm not talking about the silly runs the week prior to a race assuming we can relieve our anxiety. In all actuality, these runs donate criticism towards preparation and second guesses concerning a high minded time of completion. My definition of achieving a training program is accomplishing in its entirety the crowning 'LONG' run ...the final hydration stop, the last energy bean or GU shot, the ultimate mile, the closing song on your ipod, the stumble to the nearest resting place, feeling your heart rate and labored breathing return to normal, a massive smile expanding on your face, turning to your running partner and laughing.
 I know the race has yet to be run, but take time to celebrate the miles you have knocked off. Applaud the early morning rises, the late night workouts and turning the lights out early when the clique begs you to stay for, "just one more". You've endured physical pain and mental exhaustion, never quitting through black toenails, blisters, side stitches, chaffing, dehydration, shin splints, pulled EVERYTHING, and suffered from hallucinations and near delirium.
 I'm not suggesting you hire a band, throw up a tent and light some torches, yet! I have, however, enjoyed the best pancakes covered with syrup and smothered in peanut butter ( I LOVE peanut butter), shared a box of Nerds candy and several pots of coffee, consumed biggish quantities of chocolate chip cookies while stretched on the lawn, all while talking over "the program" with some of the greatest runners I know.

MyPod:
Edge of a Broken Heart - Vixen
Burning Heart - Survivor
Perfect - PINK

Running With A Cold

"There is an itch in runners." - Arnold Hano

 Until last week I was able to boast and talk big about not getting sick during this king size arctic winter. The end of my first training program is quickly approaching and my first race of the term only a  few short weeks away. The next time I glorify my health politely remind me, the race has yet to be run. However, with sniffles, achy body and engaging weekend of young nipper animation I laced up, increased my displeasure medication and obeyed the program. I contemplated a bail out of my long run, it was frizzling and gusty in the exterior and I felt miserable. In the back of my mind I knew I could possibly regret this judgement later.
 Should I run with a cold? The general rule for runners as far as colds are concerned is that if the cold is above your throat and don't feel you have a fever, then a GENTLE jog should be ok. If the cold is in your throat or chest, then skip the run. Take off the next few days until you are feeling better. For a runner preparing for an endurance race and spending numerous hours training the immune system is compromised by the rise of catecholamines and glucocorticoids. When these levels rise the body is vulnerable to infection, leaving a runner vulnerable to illness and the reason why many marathon runners are cursed with colds.
 Long run accomplished. I marched directly upstairs and halted in a steamy high temperature shower ...no ice bath for this trackwomen. I wriggled into my favorite sweats, crawled into bed and nursed a cold for the next 2 weeks. Even if I had taken a week off from training, it would not have taken long at all to be back at my desired level of fitness. I'm back at my training program full strength but mourning the loss of scheduled runs and suffering anxiety for preparation of upcoming race.