Fitness Goals Support Group

This community is dedicated to group support around achieving fitness goals, whatever they may be, through personal training, athletic activites, or other strenuous activity. Whether you are trying to get fit to treat a health problem, boost your mood, relieve stress, or tone your body, this group is a great place to meet other like-minded people who have similar goals.

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Feeling discouraged

Marah
Marah
I have been training for my first marathon since Aug. Things were going really well, until last week. I was stricken with "a flu-like virus", so says my doctor. So last week, I was lucky to have the energy to walk to the bathroom and back to bed. Dizzy (okay dizzier than usual), head ache, sinus crap, caugh, etc. While most of my symptoms have abated, I still have no energy, zip, nada. On Monday, I attempted a "long run" and only made it 12 miles before I had to quit, my body just said "no more". Today, I did a short easy run, 3 miles. But I felt so tired after, I needed a 2 hour nap. How long does it take to get back on track after being sick like that. I am really angry with my body and really feeling discouraged at this point. Is there some vitamen, besides my daily multi, B6, B12,Biotin and extra C that I can take?
Fiddler
Fiddler
Flu. Flu-like. Bleagh.

I got the flu just before February break and am just now starting to feel like I did before it hit. About three weeks. It was lucky I had a vacation week following the sick week - I spent most of it napping. I tried doing a couple of easy workouts, but really didn't have a lot of energy.

My doctor said that the problem with the flu isn't the flu itself so much as the secondary infections you are prone to because of the weakened immune system. I developed a nasal infection for which I just finished the antibiotic a couple days ago.

Take your time coming back. You'll recover. Flu (and flu-like) is temporary. Listen to your body, don't over do. Your strength will return, you will be able to resume your marathon preparation. Setbacks happen.

You might ask at your local whole foods something or other what they recommend for immune support. I'm no expert there. I did boil some fresh ginger root, added lemon juice and honey, drank that warm. There may have been a health benefit, settled my stomach a bit... but mostly was comforting.

Hope you feel better soon!

Brian
Marah
Marah
Thanks Fiddler, You're the best.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hang in there!! Fiddler is right, try to be patient and take care of your body, the more you push it the longer it will take to recover, start slow....You'll make it!!
AnneL
AnneL
I'm not going to be the first person to tell you that the 12 mile run was probably not a good idea right off the bat. Viruses are very frustrating and can linger and the more we fight them especially by doing too much at once, the longer they hang around. If you think about it, it's only March. August is many months away and this virus will go away. Be gentle on yourself. Your body may not be ready for the intensity you'd like to train with. Ease in. Yes, needing a 2 hour nap suggests that your body is trying to heal and it was overtaxed. Talk to your doctor and maybe a trainer to monitor when it is right to go 'all out'. Best to you. I know viruses can be frustrating, I had one for 6 weeks.
AnneL
AnneL
A few things for immune system support: Vit C (obviously as you're doing that) and a Eleuthero which you can probably get at a whole foods store or food co-op or at least in the organic department of a store. Seeing a naturopath, if you're able, is a really good thing as they have a myriad of ways to help beef up immune support.