Sick!

I've been sick since Thursday with what started out as a sore throat and ear ache.  Since then, it has become a cough, sneezing, runny nose, headache, chills sort of cold.  Then, to top it all off, I woke up barfing yesterday.  I got in all my runs last week but I didn't run yesterday (or go to work!!) or today.  I'm hoping to run tomorrow but it will all depend on my below the shoulders situation - basically, I'll take another day if I'm still coughing.  

Other than this week, I've only missed one other run during this training session.  So, I'm probably okay but I just HATE missing workouts.  I worry that this will be the one that I really regret come marathon day if things don't go right.  But, I've got to get over this and running with it probably didn't help me much (although I'd also argue that it probably didn't hurt me much either).  I'd guess that not getting enough rest is more to blame...  but that is a constant struggle for me.  

Anyway, I'll get this week's email and last week's update out tomorrow!! 

Need More Sleep!

It is Week 5 of training and I'm tired!  I am friends with Hal Higdon on facebook and one of his tips of the day this week talked about needing more sleep when marathon training.  The calculation he used is that you need one additional minute per night for each mile you run that week.  So, this week, I ran 30 miles which would equate to needing an additional half hour of sleep a night.  I believe this.  I'm definitely tired earlier in the evenings.  As my mileage climbs, I am going to start making an effort to get to bed earlier and get more rest/sleep.  I know that it will help my running and not doing it will increase my risk of injury so, really, it is the obvious thing to do. 

Rest days...

...are the BEST days:).  After five straight days of running for the first time in a month or more, a day off feels pretty darn fantastic.  My knee was niggling me a little bit yesterday - nothing serious - but just a reminder to be careful and take rest days 'seriously'.