The signs would have been obvious to the objective observer:

• More tired than usual
• Feeling “rundown”
• Congestion
• Scratchy throat
• Malaise

However, to the subjective triathlete (me), the signs were not so obvious and/or I was in a state of denial: “I’m just having an off day” or “I’m a little tired from a long weekend” but never “I’m sick. I need to take a few days off.” Truthfully, it’s hard to self diagnose, just like it’s hard to self-coach. BTW, I have both a triathlon coach and a life coach now.

I realized on Monday that I really was sick.

So what to do?

The best thing is to do nothing, which I managed to do for two days. I took Monday and Tuesday off completely (i.e. did no exercise). I felt lazy, sluggish and anxious because: (1) I did not do my prescribed workouts and (2) I am racing in Ironman Arizona next weekend so can’t possibly be sick.

If I step away from my anxious, irrational self to my calm, rational self, I know that taking two days off is not a bad thing. Really. In fact, Jack Daniels in his book Daniels’ Running Formula tells me that I can take up to 5 days off with no decrease in aerobic fitness. Cited as the “World’s Best Running Coach” by Runner’s World, I should place my trust in Jack.

What to do?

Since I’m not exercising, I have some free time. I think I will do a little spring cleaning, organize my business, get some extra rest, write in my blog and enjoy the sunset from the back of my house. That’s my plan.

Cheers,

David

–
David B. Glover
Professional Triathlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net

© 2008 David B. Glover