If You Get Sick the Week of a Major Race…

on May 18, 2010
in All Posts
  • Don’t panic.
  • Think positively and meditate on getting better.
  • Take your choice of drugs.
  • Eat nutritious foods.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Don’t workout!

 

Don’t workout is perhaps the most important piece of advice I can give myself (and anyone else in the same sick boat).  I have 3 days before I board a plane to California, and 5 days before I ride 100 miles, but the LAST THING I need to do is continue exercising, thus stressing my body even more and reducing my chances of getting better FAST. 

 

There is no workout you can do the week of the race that will make or break your race experience.  You’re either ready or you’re not. 

 

Woke up this morning coughing up lovely yellow crap.  Throat is still tremendously sore, and my entire face looks swallow and puffy.  It’s no good!  I feel a little bit better now that I’ve been moving around.

 

And taking shots of this:

IMG_5079 

IMG_5087

Ah, the power of wheatgrass.  I believe in you!  (Wheatgrass increases your immune functions.)  It tastes like death, unless you mix it with apple juice or POM juice.  I had three shots before bed last night and another shot with breakfast.  Please tell me you can’t overdose on wheatgrass?

 

Other ‘drugs of choice’ for me include Vitamin C powder, acupuncture, lots of water, Zicam chewable tablets, and Argentyn 23 drops.  As you all know, my family owns a holistic clinic and supplement store, and I tend to lend towards natural methods for healing my body (i.e. I’m not rushing out for antibotics).  It’s not for everyone, I suppose, but I’ve had a lot of success in the past.

 

A light breakfast (my appetite is nil):

IMG_5080

English muffin with egg:

IMG_5086

And berries:

IMG_5085

I haven’t been writing about it, but I’m having a LOT of problems collapsing my road bike and getting it into a box for the plane flight.  I really want to learn to do it myself, and there’s been multiple trips to the store for the right wrench.  Now I think I need a 8 MM.   Hopefully, in my next post, you’ll see a fully collapsed bike in a box.  And a healthy blogger.  Right?  Right?!

 

On a less sickly note, check out my guest post on the Daily Spark about failing – and trying again.

{ 89 comments }

 

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg May 18, 2010, 9:22 am

    Wheatgrass always makes me feel better too! I also chug water with Emergen-C.

    I can’t imagine how disappointing it would be to get sick the week of a MAJOR race, like a marathon or big bike event. Shudder.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg May 18, 2010, 9:23 am

    And I hope you feel better!!!!! May the force of wheatgrass be with you!!

  • Wei-Wei May 18, 2010, 9:23 am

    Oh, I hope you get better soon! My fingers are crossed (I can cross them over three times. No joke. The more luck, the better!) for your recovery soon! You trained so hard for this race… You can do it!

    Wei-Wei

  • Whitney @ Lettuce Love May 18, 2010, 9:23 am

    Hope you feel better soon! You’re so right to stop exercising, the body needs to rest when it’s sick. Good luck with packing your bike!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet May 18, 2010, 9:23 am

    I love learning about the natural approach you take to colds/sickness. That is definitely the route I prefer to go, too. I hate taking medicine. Sending you healthy vibes!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin May 18, 2010, 9:23 am

    Caitlin, you have the best attitude about everything. I love how positive you are! Lots of rest, fluids, and wheatgrass, and you’ll be better in no time!

  • Rachel (Suburban Yogini) May 18, 2010, 9:23 am

    You are totally doing all the right things – antibiotics won’t help a virus anyway.

    Good luck with the bike collapsing!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman May 18, 2010, 9:23 am

    Sorry you’re still feeling sick. I chug Emergen-C when I start to feel sick. That, and tons and tons of water. I never thought of wheat grass though. You learn something new (and useful) every day. Thanks!

  • Maura May 18, 2010, 9:24 am

    Love that you are keeping so positive. I hurt my foot recently and my marathon is in 3 weeks. Needless to say, I was not the sight of composure. I’m going to channel your positivity as I prepare for my race, and send good vibes your way to FEEL BETTER! Thanks for reminding me of the power of positive thinking.

  • Amelia May 18, 2010, 9:25 am

    “You’re either ready or you’re not.”
    SO true! Hope you feel better soon!!!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit May 18, 2010, 9:26 am

    Hope you heal quickly! I always feel better about using nutrition/natural remedies to treat an illness. But sometimes I reach for the Nyquil 😉

  • Letitia May 18, 2010, 9:27 am

    Every time I start to feel sick I pretty much O.D. on Vitamin C by way of airborn and emergen-C. Has worked VERY well for me and I mean like 6000-10000 MG a day.Hope you feel better very soon!!

  • Jenny May 18, 2010, 9:31 am

    Overload on some vitamin c- in pill form, oranges, whatever, and get well for your race!

  • Karen @ Not Just Celery May 18, 2010, 9:31 am

    I hope you feel better soon! It sounds like you know what works for you and you’re doing it so just keep it up! I can’t imagine trying to collapse/take apart a bike, I am the worst at those kind of projects! Good luck!

  • Amanda May 18, 2010, 9:32 am

    Hope you get better super fast! There is nothing worse than being sick on a race day. I ran my first 10K on a day when I was really too sick to run, and for some reason once I started running I felt so much better and I felt great the whole run. After the run I felt crappy again, but I didn’t care at that point. Here’s hoping you get your bike apart … and more importantly, back together. 🙂

  • Ilana May 18, 2010, 9:33 am

    Feel better! I chug green tea, peppermint tea, and ginger tea all day when I feel like this. I always think that the ginger and the peppermint helps clear it out.

    I’m really inspired by your mentality towards this – I know I’d be panicking (I *have* panicked when i got sick before a big event). I gotta take a page from your book, lady!

  • Becky May 18, 2010, 9:34 am

    Oh yikes, sore throats are the WORST. Whenever my husband is sick, a sore throat is usually the first way it manifests itself, and I can tell he is in agony. I am so sorry you feel terrible. I 100% support your decision to go for natural remedies. Especially if you have a virus, there’s nothing that an antibiotic can do for you. However, if you are still suffering with a sore throat later in the week, I really would recommend at least visiting a doctor to get a throat swab to determine if you have strep throat. Regardless, fluids, tea, REST, and lots of Vit C! Keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for you.

  • Sarah May 18, 2010, 9:38 am

    It seems like you’re being wise about taking care of yourself. Yay for that! But I really hope you feel better soon!

  • Lauren @ Health on the Run May 18, 2010, 9:40 am

    Oh no!! So sorry to hear you’re feeling worse this morning! But it sounds like you have a level-head about it. Seriously, just get loads and loads of rest. I’ll be sending you lots of good vibes for a speedy recovery!!

    And good luck collapsing your bike. I can’t even imagine how to go about doing that. I hope you get it all worked out soon!

  • Liz May 18, 2010, 9:43 am

    I wrote the exact same Uh Oh post the week before my first marathon last week. Definitely just take it easy this week!! You will do great even if you aren’t feeling your best : )

  • Maureen May 18, 2010, 9:46 am

    I hope you feel better and SOON!! I can’t wait to hear all about the Century bike ride!

  • Heather May 18, 2010, 9:49 am

    oh no! get lots of rest! You are so right, no working out for you! I take mucinex to loosen up the mucus and get it out. have you tried the nettie pot?

    • Caitlin May 18, 2010, 9:50 am

      i have something similar to the neti pot that i am definitely about to shove up my nose. LOL

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! May 18, 2010, 9:49 am

    I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well! My “drug” of choice when the illness strikes–(and as a Kindergarten teacher it strikes often!)–is tons of Vitamin C. That, and a very warm scarf wrapped around my neck. It sounds crazy, but it works! I’m glad you’re resting up for the big day, too–you will be epic this weekend! Good luck with your bike packing! 🙂

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story May 18, 2010, 9:50 am

    I am a big believer in natural remedies as well! I hope you have a speedy recovery!! You could always try a hot toddy, that’s why my Mom swears by and me too. It breaks a fever and helps a sore throat. Hot water, honey, lemon and 1/2 shot of whiskey, inhale the steam while you drink. It works for me almost every time to break a cold! A lot of people scoff at the whiskey part, but I swear it helps!

  • Danielle May 18, 2010, 9:51 am

    Caitlin, I hope you feel better soon! I really love how you turn everything that happens in your life into some kind of real life advice for your blog…your how to’s are the BEST, whether it’s how to recover from an injury, a sickness, or how to be a great spectator! Thank you.

    • Caitlin May 18, 2010, 10:08 am

      you’re welcome! 🙂

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday May 18, 2010, 9:54 am

    Shouldn’t you rest from workouts the week of the race anyway?

    • Caitlin May 18, 2010, 10:08 am

      no, a taper doesn’t mean sitting on your butt the week of a race.

  • ActiveEggplant May 18, 2010, 9:54 am

    What kind of box are you using to get your bike out there? We want to take our MTBs with us to WA next time we got but aren’t sure if we should rent a real “bike transport” box or go with a regular box and lots of foam/packing peanuts!
    Hope you feel better soon! Like you said though – you’re ready for the ride, so just take it easy this week and get better!

    • Caitlin May 18, 2010, 10:08 am

      i rented a box but i heard both options work fine.

  • Kelly May 18, 2010, 9:57 am

    Ugh I hope you feel better, and this does sound a lot like what I had. I ended up with a 10 day prescription for Amoxicillin.

  • Retta @ RunRettaRun May 18, 2010, 10:00 am

    Feel better soon!!! I know nothing about bicycles . . . Good luck girlie! 🙂

  • Christina May 18, 2010, 10:01 am

    You definitely have time to get better before your race. You are so smart to take care of yourself and not do any work outs this week!

    I really look up to you in regards to how you listen to your body and really take care of yourself. I’m not good at it, and I’m determined to take better care of me.

    Keep chuggin’ that wheatgrass 😉

  • Mary May 18, 2010, 10:11 am

    Love your post on the spark 🙂 Feel better!!

  • Little Bookworm May 18, 2010, 10:17 am

    Hope you feel better soon!

  • Therese May 18, 2010, 10:18 am

    Why is it that we always get sick leading up to a race? Is it the nervousness/excitment? I don’t get it!

    Hope you’re feeling better soon, though!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) May 18, 2010, 10:22 am

    yikes! get better soon! it sounds like you know what needs to happen, and didn’t you not feel good before another race recently? i feel like you felt sick but you got better and rocked the race anyway…?

    good luck with the bike collapsing!

    • Caitlin May 18, 2010, 10:24 am

      all the races blend together, I can’t remember! LOL

  • Julie @ Wearing Mascara May 18, 2010, 10:24 am

    Hey Caitlin! Okay, so the Thursday before the Pittsburgh Half (it was on a Sunday), I started to get sick. I felt like crap that whole weekend and then miraculously, I started to feel better Saturday night and was able to run on Sunday. Hang in there! Something that I used (aside from some of the above remedies) was echinacea tea. I feel like it worked really well. You can do this! Good luck girlie.

    • Laurie May 18, 2010, 10:34 am

      Feel better soon!!! Like the other poster said, if your throat doesn’t feel better in a couple of days, you might want to get checked for strep throat. But hopefully your remedies will work! Good luck on your race!

  • Johanna B May 18, 2010, 10:29 am

    Good healing thoughts coming your way.

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter May 18, 2010, 10:31 am

    Great tips girl. I hope you feel better soon!

  • Mary (food fit & fun) May 18, 2010, 10:34 am

    Sorry that you are sick….don’t worry there is plenty of time to recover. The night before the Boston marathon I had a sore throat and i tired telling myself that i wasn’t getting sick. Of course i wake up morning of the Boston marathon SICK!!! Congested head and nose, sore throat, stiff neck…the works. At first I was so mad. Then I realized this is life. I am sick and there is nothing that i can do about it. I will be running the marathon no matter what so now it is all a matter of dealing with it. So many people would have killed to be running Boston. Just continue to look at the big picture. Make the most of every circumstance…you got it Caitlin!!!!!

  • Fueling for Fitness May 18, 2010, 10:35 am

    Oh no! I hope you recover soon. I’m a big fan of allowing your body to heal with natural methods as well. Last year I decided to stop getting my allergy shots for that very reason. I was sure that I could get by through exercise and healthy eating and for the most part, I’ve been healthier than ever!

    I have a race coming up in two weeks and I’ve been battling a sprained shin, a really nasty cold and a new “pain” on a different part of my leg. I keep trying to tell myself that I’ve done the training and that I should rest because my body is probably screaming for it. Reading your post reminded me that it’s true, so thank you.

    I hope you feel better really, really soon!

    -Alison

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing May 18, 2010, 10:37 am

    I hope you feel better!!! You must be so frustrated right now. But it sounds like you are doing all you can to get well!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) May 18, 2010, 10:38 am

    Oh I hope you feel better soon! Get lots of rest and drink lots of water…it cures many things. 😀

  • Erin May 18, 2010, 10:38 am

    I’m so happy that berries are back in season. I’ve been gorging myself with blackberries and strawberries for the past couple of weeks. Total bliss.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople May 18, 2010, 10:43 am

    I haven’t read the daily spark post yet, but I saw it this morning and I can’t wait to see what you have to say!

    I’m bummed you’re still not feeling well, so I’ll keep praying!

  • Camille May 18, 2010, 10:44 am

    Oh gosh, I hope you feel better! You have a whole week to recover before your race, try not to worry too much!

  • Alyssa May 18, 2010, 10:59 am

    Why do you not want to take antibiotics?

    • Becky May 18, 2010, 11:23 am

      I can’t speak for Caitlin, but I can say that I try to avoid antibiotics for a couple of reasons. First of all, they can make you feel rundown because they basically kill ALL of the bacteria, not just the bad ones that are you making you sick. That can include the good kind that you need (like the kind in your gut). This can cause some pretty unpleasant GI side effects. Some women also become more prone to yeast infections when they take antibiotics (sorry if this is TMI!). I also get (mild) skin rashes when I take certain antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin) and I try to avoid them because that’s really annoying (although it’s not life threatening, thank goodness). Finally, there has been some research about longterm resistance of bacteria to antibiotics if antibiotics are overused, although this relates to an overall population, rather than a single individual.

      • Caitlin May 18, 2010, 1:06 pm

        becky is basically right. i just don’t like to take western drugs unless it is a serious emergency. i think we’re too prone to popping pills and it can have serious side affects on our bodies. it’s just a personal choice. i want antibotics to REALLY work when i REALLY need them.

        • Alyssa May 18, 2010, 3:08 pm

          yep, but I am SO thankful for them after having strep throat!! hope it’s nothing that bad!

  • Courtney May 18, 2010, 11:09 am

    I hope you feel better soon. I currently have the snots as well. It sucks. I agree with the Antibiotic thing. They are way over Rx’d and if you have a common cold they won’t help anyways. If you look at the back of your throat (and tonsils if you still have them) and see no white spots and have no fever you probably don’t have strep.

    I’ve never had wheat grass and after your taste description I’m not sure I’d like to try it. LOL.

  • Beth May 18, 2010, 11:10 am

    Caitlin –

    Magical Green Monster Sick Cure = 1 c. OJ, buncha strawberries (fresh or frozen), 2 c. spinach, blended (can add agave if needed). I do this every time I feel like I am getting sick and within 3 days, I’m better. 🙂 Good luck!

  • Hedda May 18, 2010, 11:10 am

    Hope you get well soon, Caitlin.
    I am sure you do, you have so much positive energy in you that will help fight those creepy little dudes.
    Your secret weapon 😉

  • allison @ livingoneday May 18, 2010, 11:20 am

    emergen-C, lots of rest, fluids, and fresh squeezed orange juice seems to do the trick for me! when i used to do theater, i would have jam packed weeks of rehearsals, and the WEEK of opening night i would always be sick as a dog! it’s cause youre pushing your body so hard. get well! i know you will do great in the EGF!

  • Stephanie J May 18, 2010, 11:21 am

    In addition to the neti pot type of thing you’ll be doing (I do the same only mine is more of a small squirt bottle thing) I recommend gargling with warm salt water. It’s completely disgusting but it really does help – something about salt being an antiseptic? I’ve used this method at crucial times like right before a vacation or travel and it helps with everything from a cold to a sore throat.

  • Daniella May 18, 2010, 11:24 am

    Oh no! I got sick this past Friday and am happy to say I’m fully recovered (but I also didn’t have a race coming up!) I definitely think my speedy recovery is thanks to zicam and fresh fruit/veggie juice! Hopefully that helps…

  • Melissa @ For the Love of Health May 18, 2010, 11:31 am

    I am sorry to hear you are ill! I hope you recover quickly and the race is amazing!

  • eatingRD May 18, 2010, 11:40 am

    feel better! You’ll have plenty of time to get back while eating lots of greens! I always seem to do a lot of yogurt too when I’m sick. And you will get that dag blasted bike in the box!

  • Corinne (breathe and savor) May 18, 2010, 11:44 am

    AW Caitlin!!! FEEL BETTER!! It is good you started all these remedies as soooon as you felt something coming! Hopefully, actually screw that, IT WILL do the trick, no hopefully’s it will! (power of positive thinking) 🙂 🙂

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches May 18, 2010, 11:48 am

    I hope all your natural remedies work ASAP! Can’t go wrong with wheatgrass, I say. Feel better soon!

  • Julie May 18, 2010, 11:57 am

    Feel better Caitlin!! I believe in natural remedies too…and the power of thought! Keep thinking positively. Hopefully 5 days will be enough for this sickness, whatever it is, to leave your body.

    You are gonna rock this race. You own it. 🙂

  • Melinda Neely May 18, 2010, 12:00 pm

    I’m so sorry you are feeling poorly just before a race! I got sick the month before the Boston marathon and was out for a couple of weeks. My advice: whatever you do, don’t exercise. Give your body time to recuperate. Good luck!

  • Kristen May 18, 2010, 12:05 pm

    Oh Caitlin you are such a doll! I will be sending you feel good vibes!

  • Jessica May 18, 2010, 12:07 pm

    ZYCAM always does the trick for me. Good luck and feel better!!

    • Jessica May 18, 2010, 12:07 pm

      gotta love it when you emphasize incorrectly spelled words 😉

      • Caitlin May 18, 2010, 1:07 pm

        lol for a second i wasn’t sure if you or i misspelled it!

  • Jennifer May 18, 2010, 12:09 pm

    Feel better–and get a multi tool so you don’t need to go get new wrenches!

    And I don’t think you can OD on wheatgrass. It would be like ODing on lettuce.

  • Catherine May 18, 2010, 12:32 pm

    Ahh all my favorite tools to get better quickly! Hang in there, you’re doing all the right things so I’m sure your body will bounce back soon. Don’t forget to get lots of rest too!!

  • kath May 18, 2010, 12:36 pm

    Boo, I’m sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well! But I do love seeing your attitude toward it, so inspirational. I’m not sure if you’ve got something like a cold, or if you already know about this and don’t like to use it for some reason, but one thing I do when I start to not feel well is take Cold-eeze lozenges. The zinc gluconate glycine in them is supposed to nip a cold in the bud and reduce its duration, and I swear its done that for me before. Also I think it is homeopathic, but I’m not sure its completely all natural….I really need to look into this more sometime, I know!

    Hope you feel better soon and thanks for all the tips! I will be coming back to this page the next time I don’t feel so well myself!

  • Dawn (HealthySDLiving) May 18, 2010, 12:38 pm

    I hope you feel better–definitely take it easy!
    I try to stay on a more natural route as well–I hate to just supress a sickness when I really want it out of my system!

  • Sarah May 18, 2010, 12:52 pm

    so sorry you are feeling sick!! i had a 10k on sunday and got sick last monday:(. i didn’t work out all week and ended up getting meds at the end of the week cause it wasn’t going away. i wasn’t 100% but i ran my race:). hope you get better and good luck!!!

  • Sassy Molassy May 18, 2010, 12:57 pm

    I know you’ll be better by the ride! Plus, thank god it’s not a running race. The lungs just don’t do well when you’re sick and try to run a big race. Be sure to get some rest and stay relaxed!

  • Wendy May 18, 2010, 12:58 pm

    Feel better Caitlin! Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest!!

    I agree with you 100% about not working out when you’re sick. I did a long run on a day I knew I was coming down with something and ended up flat on my back with bronchitis for 3 days. Not cool.

  • Lauren May 18, 2010, 1:02 pm

    Please, please, please try oil of oregano!! Ask the Husband about it- he probably knows! Anyways, it works like a charm!! It`s anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal!! It kills all, and is all natural!! Seriously it is a miracle cure!! Please try it! 🙂

  • Katherine May 18, 2010, 2:10 pm

    Do you go to Haagen Daz? It’s free scoop day! (hope you get a chance to celebrate)

  • Lisa May 18, 2010, 3:05 pm

    I got the flu a week before my first race, and the week before my second race I got a nasty cold. It sucks. I attribute it to over-training.

  • cara May 18, 2010, 3:11 pm

    I am thinking healthy thoughts for you!

  • Michal May 18, 2010, 5:29 pm

    Feel better!!

  • Kelly May 18, 2010, 6:08 pm

    For the past year and a half, I have been taking Kyolic Garlic Formula 103 daily and have not been sick once! I swear by it. There is no smell to it either! I am always telling people about it b/c I TOTALLY believe in it. It has helped my allergies and really boosted my immunity!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) May 18, 2010, 7:16 pm

    Take homeopathic cough and cold pills … they work for me instantly at the first sign of a flu or cold. I don’t know how they work, but they do!!

    I take the Homeocan brand. They dissolve on your tongue.

    This is the first year I haven’t had a cold or flu in my life, and also the year I discovered these homeopathic pills.

  • Alycia @ Fit n Fresh May 18, 2010, 9:31 pm

    awww no!! i was hoping you weren’t really sick. i hope you’re better by your race day!

  • Sarah (Enjoying One Meal at a Time) May 18, 2010, 10:01 pm

    I hope you feel better very soon!! Your right, resting is key. Congrats on packing up that bike, thats impressive. It seems like a longgg process.
    P.S. I made your Flax Encrusted Sweet Potato Balls today. They were sooo good. Thanks for the idea 🙂

  • Maura June 4, 2010, 3:43 pm

    I came back to this post today because I am feeling sicker by the minute this week…and I’m running my first marathon on Sunday. It’s encouraging to know you came out on top of this one, gives me hope that this cold will not beat me!

  • Jill August 18, 2011, 3:56 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    Just came upon your site–over a year after your race! How did you do?

    I’m feeling pretty bad and have the Pikes Peak Marathon on Sunday. Trying to rest and take care of myself and will hopefully get a short, flat run in tomorrow. Wish me luck.
    Jill

    • CaitlinHTP August 18, 2011, 8:46 pm

      Good luck 🙂 Lay low and remember there are always other races!!! Don’t hurt yourself.

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