Running, Cycling, Hiking and Climbing in the Pikes Peak Region

Ughh.. Feeling sick,,,

Ok.. So I just moved to the springs this past summer. I am in the Military and was re-assigned from San Antonio, TX. At first I wasnt to thrilled, but now OMG.. I LOVE.. LOVE.. the Springs..

Altitude adjustment my butt... My running has taken off to new levels.. I use to run 1/2 marathons at around 2:15-2:30 comfortable smooth running times.. I have ran the AD 1/2 at 1:59:20 and a 1/2 out at Schriever in 1:56:44.. Also I am addicted to the incline and Barr Trail..

Anyway off my high horse for a minute.. I'm not sure if its the dramatic weather change recently.. But I feel like CRAP... My WHOLE darn body hurts.. Any advice from seasoned Colorado Springs runners.. I am suppose to be in Denver running the 1/2 for the Rock-n-Roll (did the San Antonio one and had a blast) this wknd.. Should I run it..?? or lose out on the $$...??

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Permalink Reply by Tim Bergsten on October 13, 2010 at 1:13pm

Hey Melissa!
Thanks for posting. I'm no coach, trainer or doctor, but I've lived here most of my life and I have a few miles under me. I get allergies in the spring and sometimes in the fall. I had a touch of them a couple of weeks ago. It feels like the flu and it goes away in a couple of days. But it can be pretty bad. Leveled me last spring for about four days. Thought I'd lose all my conditioning, but I was back on the trail and running well in about a week.
I'd check in with your doctor, hydrate well, take a hot bath and get some sleep. Of course that's just me.
Also, if you are really hammering the Incline and Barr, maybe you're over-doing it. Training for the Pikes Peak Ascent last year, I worked out on Barr at least twice a week. Sometimes I'd get sore in places that should have easily handled the heavy work.
Listen to your body. (Mine always says 'no, let's stay home.') If there is more going on than normal runner's aches and pains, I'd save it all for another day and make plans for my next race. But, if you feel like you can warm up, get loose and run....go for it!

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Permalink Reply by Nicole Drummer on October 13, 2010 at 2:23pm

Melissa,
I can ask you lots of questions about training volume & intensity, sleep, nutrition habits, other life-stresses, etc that might affect this, but one that comes to mind, especially for female athletes would be iron levels. You might consider getting your blood checked - this is a common and an easy test.
Tim's right - listen to your body. Take the next few days off to rest and see how you feel. You might as well head up to Denver and get your packet, then make the call the morning of the race. Or just take it easy out there and enjoy the event and forget pace. (and congrats on all your improvements!!)
Feel free to drop me a message if you have any other questions.
Cheers,
Nicole

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Permalink Reply by Brian McCarrie on October 13, 2010 at 3:02pm

Hey Melissa, congratulations on your running improvements. Sounds like you're doing great. It's funny to hear that you weren't too thrilled to be moving here. I was the same way when I first moved here but then I did a little mountain biking and a little running. Signed up for a few races, went on a few training runs and I was like, WOW! This place is awesome. Such a great outdoor community we have here.

The weather change affects me some years and I end up getting sick for a couple of weeks but nothing too severe. Another thing that affects me is the diminishing amount of daylight. It just messes my body up, I end up being tired and run down and sometimes sick. You know, you may just be at the end of a long hard season of running and just need a few weeks off.

I'd try to get some rest between now and the race and just go out to enjoy the run. You've already had a break through year, you deserve a little time off.

And yes, Barr Trail and the Incline are fricken' AWESOME. Make sure you try out Waldo Canyon if you haven't already. Other great places to run on trails are Palmer Park, Ute Valley Park and Garden of the Gods.

See you on the trails!