I've been quiet in the blogosphere because I haven't been able to summon up the energy to many of the things I normally do in my normal day.
I have been sick for almost a month and I am struggling to maintain my regular teaching schedule. Even with a week off of all exercise, I haven't been able to kick this upper respiratory ickyness. I am feeling drained, tired and just plain lethargic. My body is feeling beat up and I don't know what else to do to try to get it back to where I want it to be. The physical struggle has put me into a funk. I am having a hard time getting the energy to teach my classes. Once I am in the room, the music is on and I am going, I have all the energy I need. But, once I am done, I am wiped out. My lungs are tight and my muscles are letting me know that my oxygen levels aren't where they ought to be.
I haven't felt like this since I started my exercise journey 3 years ago, so it is scary territory for me. I haven't felt like running, swimming or doing any of the other things I usually look forward to tackling. I haven't wanted to blog, I am not feeling any enthusiasm for learning the new BodyPump release. The lack of excitement is so unusual for me.
Yesterday it occurred to me that I might be anemic. On my best days my iron levels are considered low and, in the past, when I feel this kind of bone-tired feeling my iron levels have dropped to anemic levels. I started myself on iron supplements yesterday and I am hoping that helps with the lack of energy.
I have also been feeling adrift without a strict marathon training plan. I recognize that ditching my previous plan is pushing me outside my comfort zone and that is a good thing. However, combining the sickness, lack of motivation with no strict training structure, I am mentally struggling with the tasks at hand. My brain is starting to question whether I can complete the next marathon. I haven't done any speed drills so far in this training schedule which is leading me to question whether I can improve on my time. I tell myself that my Cycling classes are helping me, and I know they are, but it isn't the same as getting out on tempo runs and pushing my pace and seeing what I can do on the street.
I'm not in a great place. I don't know when I'll get to a better place. Hopefully soon.
Cris, it is amazing how your physical condition affects every other part of your life. Your starting iron supplements sounds like a good plan, but don't be afraid to just get a general physical check-up to cover the bases. If you push too hard when you are run down, the future fall-out could be much more serious. Get healthy first, then tackle the challenges you so love. (Just my $.02 worth)
ReplyDeleteI always underestimate what physical illness can do to my mental status. I am going to get my regular physical in a month, and you can be sure that I will tell him all about my symptoms. Even if everything resolves, it is something I want on record. Thank you for giving me your very wise two cents. You always give the best advice.
DeleteYou may want to see if you have a sinus infection. A month is an awfully long time to be sick.
ReplyDeleteOnce I started on the iron supplements many of the symptoms have gone away. The chest tightness, the headaches, my overall health has improved dramatically. I sorely underestimated how low my iron was. I have also started a nasal rinse and that is helping to clear my sinuses...although there isn't much left there now. Thank you for the suggestion - a month was too long and I should have seen my doc before now, you are right.
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