Training While Sick

It might seem strange to start this training blog with a post about training while sick, but it's a timely topic given that, just three days after I picked up the gauntlet thrown down by my sons and entered the Salem Triathlon, I came down with pneumonia.  I haven't even started training yet.  I figure that, at this point, I'm at least six weeks behind, what with the actual time off from training plus the time it will take to get back to where I was before I got sick.

Illness can throw a monkey wrench into the best training plans.  How do you deal with it?  Do you just power through the illness?  Or do you sit morosely at home, wrapped in blankets, watching your triathlon year slowly circle the drain?  There's a rule of thumb called the neck rule.  This says that if your symptoms are confined to your neck and above (sniffles, sneezing, stuffy nose, maybe a mild sore throat) you probably just have a head cold and can exercise if you feel like it.  If your symptoms are below the neck (body aches, cough, fever) you should take time off.  In all cases, let your body be your guide.  If you have sniffles and generally feel less than 100%, but your training schedule has a hard set of intervals today, scrap the schedule and relax.

But what about the time off training, the setback in our plans?  For those of us over 55, realize that it isn't a setback.  For us, the goal isn't to win.  It isn't even to finish.  We're using triathlon (or cycling or running or whatever) as motivation to exercise, because exercise helps us live longer, more enjoyable lives.  As if I needed to be reminded of that, today I got a text from Brad, who is finishing med school.  He wrote "keep exercising, dad.  I'm seeing a patient who is 55, on 16 medications and has to use an electric wheelchair."  When you get sick, it's just a temporary pause in your life.  Don't stress that you're not on target with your training plan.

The Gauntlet has been Thrown Down

And I'm stupid enough to pick it up.  My three sons have all entered a triathlon in June, the Salem Spring Triathlon.  You can read the oldest's, Steven's, motivation here:  I Triple Dog Dare You at

http://chamberssteve.com/2010/12/31/i-triple-dog-dare-you/.  Well, no one triple-dog-dared me (one of the advantages to being the dad -- there is a certain amount of respect).  But peer pressure is a bear, especially the self-imposed kind.  I've done triathlons for many years, going back to 1983 or so when they were a lunatic fringe sport.  The last one I did was the Salem Spring triathlon in 2008, the year we started the swim in the snow (seriously), the year they cancelled the bike because of slippery roads.  The year I finished 3rd in my age group because of the 14 entrants, 10 were smart enough not to start and one didn't finish.  With our annual July 4 reunion at Bear Lake coming only a month after the triathlon, I wasn't about to be left out of the story-telling.  So, on December 31, just before the price increased by $15, I sat with my pointer hovering over the "Submit" button, my palms a bit sweaty, my heart racing.  I closed my eyes and clicked.

So now, like son Steven, this blog has a purpose.  I entered in the 60-64 age group, because, well, because by June 4, 2011, I will be 60 years and 13 days old.  I could have entered the Clydesdale category (over 200 lbs.), but in my mind I will be a svelte, fleet of foot and light of step triathlete by June 4 and that would be cheating.  Besides, in the 60-64 age group, maybe there will only be 3 competitors and I'll get a ribbon again.  Anyway, back to the point:  There are virtually NO training guides for people over 60.  I found a few for over-40, but give me a break.  I have half a lifetime on a 40-year old.  So while Steven will document a first-time triathlete's training, I'll attempt to document a senior citizen's training.