Running Sick

My first instinct when something awful happens (like someone dumping a beer on my MacBook Pro and hiding it under the couch), all I want to do is run. But this weekend I couldn't because I was sick.

I have a few symptoms that I simply don't mess with.

1. Super high fever. This is one of a very few things that can keep me off my feet. To be clear, a little bit of a fever is fine. In fact, I usually feel better after running. But if it's to the point that I'm a good alternative for a hot plate, I sulk on my couch watching Cartoon Network instead.

2. Aches. I can't run when my nerves are on fire. You know that feeling, when you catch the corner of your kitchen counter with your forearm and it is just the worst thing ever. Every little bump and movement from every stride just kills me.

3. "Stuff in my lungs." You know, disgusting, viscous, neon snot. If you're coughing it up every four seconds, it's not a good idea to be out running. Runner's World ran an article in 2004 that presents a "below the neck" rule. The biggest piece of advice I've taken from this is not to run if there is stuff in my lungs. For one, it's really gross, and two, I've only gotten sicker from running like this.

4. Uh. Anything that could potentially be really embarrassing. I guess by this I mean, if there is any chance that I could shit myself, there is no way I'll go outside at all. No way. Same goes for vomiting. I'm about as not-vain as a girl-runner can get, but I have my limits.

I fear I might have revealed too much about my weekend.