This week's theme-Run Happy!

Here we go again! Wrapping up the past week and looking forward to the next one....

This past week started with a bang, then promptly face-planted.

As promised in my previous Weekly Wrap (the link is HERE ), I wanted to do a brick workout involving running/stair-climbing/running....and I finally got it done on Monday.  The temps were mild, so I suited up in shorts, tank, and jacket and hit the streets. The commute to my downtown building is eight city blocks (a little less than a mile). It was just enough to get the heart pumping and my legs warmed up.

Ready to go....

I wasn't sure how many sets of stairs I wanted to climb. I had done 16 sets (80 total flights) two weeks prior and that felt like too much (but it was my first official major training session). I also had done 12 sets (60 flights) the previous and that had gone better. I really wanted to do 20 sets (which would be 100 flights), but I didn't think it would be smart to have that dramatic of a jump in flights (and I still had to run back home when finished).  The first five sets went well, and seemed pretty easy, which is a sign that my body is already acclimating to the intensity of climbing five flights at a time (and also walking back down those five flights then doing them all over again).

I wound up doing a total of 14 sets, which gave me 70 total flights. I climbed all of them "by two's" and ran the first five sets pretty fast. My event (Fight for Air Climb) isn't until April 10th, so I have plenty of time. There's no need to conquer 100 flights yet, besides the actual event has us "only" climbing 86 flights (divided among four different buildings). If there's one thing I detest, it's over-training, no matter what sport. Over-training is an invitation to injury, and I avoid it like the plague.

70 flights of climbing and returning back home. Brick complete!

Anyways, I went to bed feeling great but woke up Tuesday morning feeling like I got hit by a bus. Achy body, runny nose, and my first-ever sinus headache. Ugh. I did some arm/shoulder work (free weights) in the evening, and called it good. Wednesday was not any better. I was due for a short run, but elected to stay inside, hoping the last of the ickiness would be gone by morning.

No such luck. Although Thursday was better, the achiness still lingered. I've talked before about my "never miss a Monday" habit. I successfully ran at least one mile every Monday in 2015, except for two Mondays when I was (1)in severe pain from falling and bruising several ribs and (2)when the Plantar Fasciitis paid me a visit and I could barely stand. Another habit I have successfully maintained is to never go more than two days without running. I had already missed Tuesday and Wednesday, so Thursday was on deck for some action in my Brooks Adrenalines. Except I had to work all day, and we had plans to go the high school basketball game (sub-state playoffs), and the weather was cold and windy (again). We got home around 10:00 from  the game, and I decided to attempt a quick mile on the treadmill. Much to my surprise, the mile actually felt good (though a bit slow and sluggish). I set the speed on 6.2 (usually an easy pace), and although I could keep up with it, it certainly challenged my achy body.

A quick mile on the 'mill....nothing great, but it was done

Friday was a similar day - not much for physical activity or energy, and another long day "at the office." Ugh.

Saturday, as forecasted, arrived with pleasant temps (in the low 50's) and lots of bright sunshine. I was feeling better, but still more "under" the weather than over it.

I set out to conquer seven miles. I had a 2-mile route to the lake, a lap around the lake (one mile), and back would give me five miles, and I planned to do a 2-mile loop around the college campus and nearby neighborhood. Already within the first mile, I knew my 7-mile plan might need tweaking. My entire body still felt achy and stiff, and with all the lingering sinus gunk (lodged in the back of my throat), every breath of air was a struggle.

My pace felt alright, but it certainly took more effort than usual. I made it to the lake, ran the loop, and had to shed my top layer for the trek back home. I had not brought any tissues, and am not a snot-rocket-blower, so my head felt like it was about to explode.

I had to pause for a quick pic on the trail at the lake

I elected to take a pass on the extra two miles, and called it good at five. I didn't have any injury-related discomfort, but my body was not at 100%. It was exhausting trying to make it do what it just was not up to doing. I could hear every clod-hopping thud of my feet over my music (AC/DC, none-the-less), and I knew my form was compromised from my state of fatigue. There is nothing to gain from over-doing it. My ego did not need stroking, and my body was (still) craving rest.

Every run should be appreciated, no matter how difficult

Sunday morning had similar temps, so I decided to head out and try to do a couple quick miles in the sunshine before church. Again, my head was still a gunked-up mess and my body was not as willing to move as fast as my mind was hoping it would. Humbled again. But alas, I know this is a temporary condition, and I know it will pass. Fortunately, my current state of less-than-desired-optimal health didn't stop me from enjoying the fresh air and beautiful sun!

Being out in the sun ALWAYS makes me smile

On a much brighter note, I discovered a pleasant surprise in our sun room. A pointsettia (from Christmas 2014) is showing signs of coming back to life! The vibrant red leaves certainly made me smile after the downer of a week I'd just endured.

Christmas color in February!

So, what did this week teach me? To persevere, but to also ease up when my body is not at 100% optimal health. I can't help but wonder if the extended number of days spent inside played a part in this stubborn cold lasting so long....I'm usually outside a lot more and typically don't have colds of this magnitude take over my life. Things could be so much worse, though, so my pity party was nothing to celebrate. And, again, I was reminded to be thankful for the simple ability to run, even if my body has to take it slow. I choose to run happy!

What do you do when your health is compromised...grit it out (and risk injury) or ease up (and feel guilty)?

I'm linking up with the lovely Holly (from HoHo Runs ) and Tricia (from MissSippiPiddlin ) for the Weekly Wrap. Do head over to the link-up and check out what everyone's been up to!!