Count your blessings

It won't surprise you to know, I'm a bad patient.  The last week wasn't fun.  I had no energy and a tickly cough I couldn't get rid of but fortunately it wasn't Covid.  As a result my first and only training session was on Sunday.  Despite having a tight chest, I couldn't sit around any longer I went out for a slow run.  It was amazing.  The sun was shining and the autumn colours were out in full.  I could smell the fragrant flowers in the parks and realised how much I had taken for granted in my runs while I was well.  It was an 8km run which was probably longer than I should have run but it felt so good to be back out in the fresh air.  I was paced by Beth who didn't push the pace although when I looked back at my stats, 5:20 per km was a great start.  When I got back home the thought of a warm down yoga session was the last thing on my mind but with a bit of encouragement, I completed it and felt better but tired.
Coming back after almost two weeks off isn't easy.  I've lost a lot of muscle and need to start to build my fitness and strength back again.  But not too quickly.  I took today off to let my body recover but I will be back at it tomorrow.
Everyone gets a cold or a virus and when it strikes you need to take time out and rest.  There are no short cuts and I'll have to be patient.  We take being fit and healthy for granted and this little set back has made me count my blessings.  I have my goals for 2023 and Ultra Race Romania is still my "A race" in August and every training session between now and then will have that finish line photo firmly in my mind.  Enjoy your health and if you are ill, be patient and let your body heal before working your way back, slowly.