December 03, 2009

Running from the Flu



I had A Terrible Stomach Fluthis week.  My whole family has been down.  Tried to go on a short run even three days later, and still had to stop even before breaking a sweat due to a pounding headache.  This got me to thinking... on reflecting upon the benefits of the last two years of serious running, here is another quality I appreciate about my body in its transformation.  I have not been too terribly sick in the last couple of years.  Being an allergic person, I was still not that sickly, since my immune system was always on overdrive, but I have noticed my body's increased resistance and resiliency from sickness!  Being healthier in general I have noticed has meant a better fighting chance against air borne illnesses and yearly bugs.  When others are struggling for days and even weeks with a virus, mine has bounced back faster anyhow.  What a great kick back!
Tell me if I am crazy, but have you noticed your body adapting for the better since running?  Since losing unhealthy weight? Bravo!  For those who are looking at beginning a healthy life choice which may include running, this is a terrific thing to weigh:  less time sick means more time doing other things! 
Here is an article on Runner's World about this phenomena, including ways to keep running from literally also running your immune system into the ground, which is also possible!
I think the 'listening to our bodies' post from The Essence Of Running blog would fit this category of body awareness.  I had gotten all geared up and up early just to cut it short, but to what gain?  Well, long term,  I would rather recover fully from the flu and take it easy then to drag out a flu just because I was roaring to go again too early.  My headache to me was a good indicator that all was not fully well, even though my fever and stomach were fine.  I will pick it up possibly tomorrow, taking it easy the first one in to be in check with my body's energy level.

8 comments:

Kenley said...

Chad,

I hope that you are feeling 100% better soon. This year, I have lost 30 unhealthy pounds from my body which is transforming into something else that is awesome. (rolling energy, lol) I really never get sick with fever. The last time that I even remember was over 20 years ago. I do get colds sometimes. This year I did get a nasty cold, but it seems like it just went away as fast as it came. I believe when you are sick, take it easy. That hill will be out there tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, for you to tackle. Great Post man! Keep it up! I've been slacking on mine. Gotta do a new one soon. lol. Take care!

Chad said...

Yes, I went for about 6 clicks today. It was an easy run, and a skiff of snow was on the ground! I liked it.

Kenley said...

Snow........wow. I need to get some cold weather running gear so I can be prepared for winter. That way I won't go do to much treadmill in Jan and Feb. Glad you had a good run. I actually made time for a decent post today. Just want you to know I really enjoy your articles. They motivate me to get going. Have a great day man!

Chad said...

Hey, check out the gear I bought from a few posts ago, they are keeping me visible and warm. I have some thermal compression tights, which are great so far. Roadrunnersports.com has some great deals right now, check them out if you are looking for gear.

EZEthan said...

yeah... running when you have the flu doesn't sound like the best idea. But I've found that if I run when I have a head cold it actually makes me feel better (at least while I'm running).

Also I've had a slight case of eczema (mostly just dry skin on the joints of my fingers) that has plagued me for the past 10 years... Then last April when I started running it miraculously went away...

Darrell said...

In my 5 years of running I think I had a cold once and never the flu. I am definitely able to fight those pesky little bugs off so much better now that I run. I think the improved overall health has got to be the key.

Chad said...

ACtually, eczema and asthma are related! I found the same with my asthma, pretty much cleared up and only rarely flares up from triggers like dog dander. So great!

Kenley said...

Thanks for the site on the running equipment. THats helping out a lot. Now I have some stuff to chose for Christmas. lol Have a good one.