I like to think of myself as a patient person. I am patient with others and like coaching and helping others on their journey. I have learned recently that it is hard for me to be patient with myself!
I was sick for a week and I had a temperature (101-102) every evening. I took Ibuprofen at night so I would sleep better and took it again in the morning to feel good for the day. I continued my fitness routine and got up to run, walk, or go to the gym early each morning then went to work. By the end of the day I was exhausted, had another fever and would crash for the night. The cycle continued.
I play a game everyday with my Apple Watch. I close all the rings on my watch (and sometimes double or triple my move points) and have done so for almost 2 years. I had to keep that going, I could not break this cycle or record.
I was not listening to my body, I was going to power through it, and force my body to heal while I kept going. That did not work out well for me!
I was really miserable at the end of the first week so finally dragged myself to the Dr. for a 4:30 pm appointment on Friday evening. I was sure lucky to get in. As it turned out, I had a bacterial infection; pneumonia. The Dr. even mentioned the “hospital” word if I had waited any longer.
After a shot in the backside and an RX for antibiotics, home I went. I slept, rested, and drank tons of water for 5 days as I let my body heal. Steve answered phone calls from people who know me well assuring them that I really was “RESTING”.
I talked to one friend who said rest was never a problem for her. She loves to rest and to sit. I do not; I am moving all the time. I do not rest…. until now.
What I learned from this (now that it has taken 2 weeks and 2 weekends out of my life) while I am in the middle of training for a half marathon is to listen to my body. I can’t mask the things I don’t like. I have to be patient. I have to be patient and let my body heal on its own timeline. Patience will allow me to live my Fitness life to it’s fullest.