On Sunday 1st October 2017, John and I did the first of the 6 Regents Park 10K Winter Series. My bi-annual chest infection hit my running again since my last big bout in March this year. How frustrating!
My lungs are an important part for my running and also quite essential for life in general. But being an asthmatic, I find my lungs are of a weakness for me and it is becoming a chronic respiratory condition.
I only managed to finish in 1:00’34”. During the race, I was barely capable of finishing the race as I have been marred by this recurring chest infection. It has been lingering for 2 weeks that I just can’t shake. The first week was really bad. I started having headache which appeared to spread to my chest. At work I was letting out some rasping coughs that even surprised the smokers amongst my colleagues. I was coughing like a chain smoker with a penchant for 2 packs of Benson and Hedges a day. I was getting better from the 2nd week but I still dare not do any training. So, in short, before this Regents Park 10k, I’d done no running at all since the Enfield Mayor’s 10K 2 weeks ago.
It is now 2 weeks before the Lee Valley Run the River 10k and 3 weeks before the Stroud Half Marathon. I think I will sit out this coming week completely in order to give myself time to fully recover. Next weekend John and I will be in Barcelona hiking (thank God, it’s not too much of a cardiovascular exercise). Then I hope to resume my running train
ing the following week. As I’d be starting my training from a low base, that would probably make the Stroud Half Marathon in 3 weeks’ time something of a trudge. Realistically, I don’t think I’d get anywhere sub 2 hours.
I attribute my cold and chest infection to my low immune system. As a long-term remedy, I must take enough care to recharge the batteries completely. It’s more challenging now as I’m still on probation of my new job. I still have 2 more months before the end of my 6-month probation. I think I’ll start taking the high strength echinacea on a regular basis. It is a herbal remedy for colds and flu and is an old favourite of runners.
I just want to get back running in my usual form again !!!