Training & Nutrition - Return from illness...need advice!

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fdny_boss
06-20-09, 11:50 AM
Ok, so I was just about to start week 6 of a 10 week training program leading up to NYC Tri (July 26) when I got hit with abdominal virus, dehydration, fever, Emergency room, 3 nights in the hospital, the works. Just released today (6/19). HOPE to resume some sort of exercise by Monday. Supposed to do a flat sprint distance tri on 6/26. What should I do?
I'm due for a recovery week the week of 6/29 (week 8). I'm wondering if I should just start (HOPEFULLY) the recovery week this week (6/22) and then carry through with weeks 6, 7, 9, and 10 until NYC Tri.
I know this is a complicated one, but I've worked hard for the base I have and have worked hard on this program so far, and hate to lose it all to a virus they can't even name. ANY advice is welcome.
HELP!

ericm979
06-20-09, 03:04 PM
When I am coming back from being sick or injured, I first do a short easy ride. If that goes ok, I do a bit more the next day. It depends on how I feel. I usually need more rest than normal. It's usually at least a week before I get back to my normal training schedule. And that's just from the flu. I have had bad experiences of trying to get back to training too soon and making myself sick again, which just prolongs the whole thing.


I'd skip the 6/26 race. If I felt really good for a couple days before, really sure I was back to normal, I'd consider doing it but at a slower pace.

The normal rule of thumb is that it takes three weeks of training to get back to where you were before a week's layoff. So for your big race, about all you can expect is to get back to where you were before you got sick. If that's not good enough for you, then consider changing your goals to a different race later in the season and doing the NYC race next year.
fdny_boss
06-21-09, 04:05 PM
Thanks for your advice. Wow, thats some hard news to take, but I can't say unexpected. I am still hoping to do the 6/26, if for nothing else than race prep. Certainly could use it, still get race day swim panic. I'll take it cautiously and see how it goes.
Thank you again! I'll post my progress.