Recovering From the Tough Mudder in True Mom Style
I survived my Tough Mudder. And not only did I survive, but I had a total blast doing it. You can read the entire detailed recap here, but just know that it was tough and challenging and hard and bruise-inducing. But I really did have a great time pushing myself to new limits, both mentally and physically. And after a super-grueling event like that, I just wanted to relax and recover. Tend to my sore muscles and have someone feed me grapes all day. But instead, I got knocked off my post-race high by getting sick.
In the days leading up to the event, my kids had both been battling coughs and runny noses. I woke up each morning that week, praying that I wouldn’t get hit with the same. The event would be tough enough; I certainly didn’t need to be fighting off a cold while swimming in cold water and slogging through mud. The morning of the race, I woke up still feeling great, to my immense relief. But I’m not even kidding that an hour after crossing the finish line, I could feel a tickle in my throat. The telltale sign of my getting sick.
I was so glad the cold had waited to strike, but the next day I was battling my expected sore, bruised body, on top of a terrible chest cold. I wanted to just enjoy the body fatigue — the hurt that feels good, that says you really accomplished something. But instead, my body had to try to recover while fighting off the cold. I was so bummed not to be able to distinguish between post-race fatigue and feverish exhaustion. (I think it’s bronchitis. Ain’t nobody got time for that!)
But even the annoyance of being sick hasn’t dimmed my excitement over the race. It has ticked me off that after training so solidly, I’ve been way too exhausted to even think about working out this week. But as always, I’m listening to my body. And when my body’s saying it can’t breathe, well, that’s kinda my sign to chill on the cardio for a few days. I’ll be back at it soon enough. After all, after a 10+ mile obstacle race, I’ve gotta set a new goal.
Any suggestions? —Erin