Since I write a blog, it makes sense that I read quite a few blogs as well. Reading blogs has done lots of good in my life — it got me into running, it put the idea of a marathon in my head, it led me to meet some really great friends and taught me so much more about fitness than I ever would have known otherwise.
However, there is one little thing that I struggle with when it comes to others’ blogs, and that is the comparison trap. Particularly when it comes to bouncing back from illness.
I spent yesterday in bed, trying to find a comfortable position that did not make me feel even more nauseous (impossible, it turned out) and thinking about how much I actually wish I WAS at work on a Monday. But I knew I’d feel better Tuesday. I only threw up four times, after all. Only! And yes, that was my thought exactly. Even though the worst of it passed by the afternoon, I had a hard time sitting up or getting any liquids down. At 9 pm, I managed to take my first bites of the day — half of a plain bagel.
I didn’t expect eating to wipe me out the way it did. Within seconds I was on my stomach passed out.
So when I woke up this morning without any nausea, I was thrilled. I beat this thing. I could go to a special event Refine/Lululemon class tonight with my blogger friends!
And then I tried to stand up. Ouch.
The pain in the upper part of my stomach brought me right back down to bed, where I fell back asleep for another hour and where I stayed (and worked) until just now. 1 pm. Now I am sitting in a chair at a desk like a normal functional person on a Tuesday afternoon.Except that other than the second half of the bagel that I ate this morning, I haven’t had anything to eat. And I don’t think I want anything.
Where am I going with this? OK. I read other blogs. When some bloggers get sick, many  jump right back into it even when they don’t feel 100%. And they are so happy about it after, they feel great for having got out there. But I always wonder, how did they even get out the door? Were they scared? Did they worry they’d make themselves sicker? Did they think they should maybe wait another day?Â
As much as I want to go to this class tonight — in part because I’ve been derailed by a lot lately and haven’t gotten to class much, and in part because it is a blogger event with my favorite workout + Lululemon and I am dying to be there — I don’t think such an intense class is right for me today. In fact, I know it isn’t. Just yesterday, standing up made my head pound. And even though I’ve been able to down some coconut waters today (unlike yesterday, where any sip came right back up) the fact that I’m not even hungry makes me pretty sure I’m not ready for the countless heart rate sprints in Refine.
It is a gorgeous day and I think a very easy three mile run will be much better if I decide to get out later. No sprints, no one pushing me to go faster, no constant up-and-down and back-and-forth movement. If I don’t feel well, it will be easy to stop and head home. So that’s the plan.
I know that everyone handles being sick differently. I just wonder if I am being a baby, or weak, or whatever because other people don’t seem to stress so much about this. They just suck it up and go. But of course the mantra in this blogging world is “listen to your body” and that is what I’m doing.
And a short run outside on a gorgeous day really isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Ali
March 13, 2012 at 1:42 pm (12 years ago)Ha. I know this feeling all too well. Last weekend, when I, too, was puking, I was basically just watching my Twitter stream fill up with reports from races, 20-mile runs, and back-to-back spin classes—some from people I knew were just coming back from illness or injury. It’s mind-blowing, but a lot of things in this blog world are mind-blowing.
Everyone is different. If you know that a 3-mile run, or nothing at all, is what you can handle today, that’s what you should do. Who cares what everyone else is doing? And think about it: You can go to Refine tonight, half ass it and probably end up back in bed for another day, or you can take care of yourself, rest, maybe run and be back at work much sooner.
I didn’t get out the door and run again until I absolutely knew my body could handle it. I was flat on my back for five days before I could get myself out the door. And getting back out was frustrating because it wasn’t easy, but I took it slowly and I know that’s what my body needed.
I honestly hate the whole “listen to your body” mantra because I think it loses its meaning most times. But one of your strengths, Dori, is that you DO stay in good tune with what your body needs. Most people don’t, myself included many times. Do what you need to do. Get better. Rest. Hydrate. Don’t puke.
Kara
March 13, 2012 at 1:56 pm (12 years ago)I was feeling the same way a couple weeks ago! I was so sick I literally couldn’t summon the energy to turn over in bed, much less eat a single thing. I wanted to get back out there and exercise because I equate that with health and well-being; but even though I stopped throwing up I still didn’t feel right. I’m a total baby when I’m sick. I try to stay on the safe side…because I DO get nervous about getting back into it! I’ll start with a walk or something similar, but don’t like to go to classes until I feel back to normal. Hope you get back to feeling 100% soon!
Melissa
March 13, 2012 at 1:58 pm (12 years ago)And resting until you are fully back to feeling 100% isn’t the worst thing in the world, either. Take care of yourself and feel better soon!
Megan @ Life As Megan KNows It
March 13, 2012 at 2:09 pm (12 years ago)Although you will be missed tonight it is more important to listen to your body and rest! Your body will thank you, plus there will be lots of other events.
Hope to see you soon and that you feel better asap!
Sam @ Mom At The Barre
March 13, 2012 at 2:25 pm (12 years ago)Feel better, Dori. Much as I’d love to see you tonight it’s not worth exacerbating things. Rest up and I hope to see you soon!
melissa
March 13, 2012 at 3:14 pm (12 years ago)You have to listen to your body no matter what! If you want to come for the second part to socialize, we’d love to see you. If you aren’t up to it, I understand. Feel better.
Yaara
March 13, 2012 at 3:49 pm (12 years ago)Don’t be so hard on yourself!! It’s good that you are listening to your body. It sounds like you have a bad case of the stomach flu big time!! I hope you get better soon. I know it’s difficult to let the body rest–and I have the same problem of comparing myself to others–especially in the blog world–where it seems like no matter what–there is always someone out there who is doing a more intense, sweaty workout than you–even when you feel you’ve just pushed yourself to your limit. It’s one of the problems I have with reading blogs–it can really be damaging to your mental and emotional state of being. But–don’t worry–you’ll get back into the swing of things. Just think–once your body recovers–you’ll be able to come back to it in full swing! Feel better soon. A nice easy run outside will be good to get the blood flowing–it’s warm and sunny here in Chicago too–I love it!
PS: Get better and try drinking some lemon ginger tea-that always seems to help with nausea and stomach problems.
Shauna @ Pleasure, Not Punishment
March 13, 2012 at 10:31 pm (12 years ago)Glad you’re on the mend! Whenever I’m not feeling well, I don’t even *consider* pushing myself. I’ve always found that the times I’ve done more than I knew I should, I prolonged my illness. Good for you for taking care of yourself!
Theodora
March 13, 2012 at 11:34 pm (12 years ago)I 1700% agree with Ali. And yes, it must have sucked to miss tonight, but there will be more fun blogger events and there will be more Refine classes. We did miss you, though!
cameo
March 14, 2012 at 7:12 am (12 years ago)I think that you describe the less healthy side of healthy living blogs. People trying to do everything that their peers do. You can’t. You must listen to your own body and trust yourself to do what is right for you.
I am a wee bit offended that I wasn’t invited to this event being that I am a. a blogger and b. a refine member and c. one of the classes biggest advocates. What the heck?
Jocelyn
March 14, 2012 at 4:45 pm (12 years ago)I agree that is really hard not to compare to other bloggers/friends especially when you are sick! However I think you know what is best for YOU …or at least I just tell myself that.
Laura is Undeterrable
March 15, 2012 at 6:06 pm (12 years ago)I am so guilty of comparing myself to others with workouts and to do lists. I feel like everyone gets so much more done than me! I try to remember 2 things when I read blogs: 1. Everyone is different and 2. They could be lying their pants off. When they says they feel great after that 20 miler, they could be puking their brains out.