Ding Dong the cough is gone!

I was finally able to run today for the first time in about a month without having a coughing attack at some point during or immediately after the run. And, while I was at it I ran a 4.5 mile PR of 36:18. I may yet become a runner.

It's been just over 3 months since I decided to do the race and started training. When I began I weighed 210 pounds and couldn't even run 3 consecutive 9 minute miles. Today I weigh 186 pounds and (as noted above) can string together 4+ miles at just over 8 minutes a mile. Not nearly world class, but a lot of progress for me.

I haven't yet set any concrete goals for the race but the improvements I've made so far make me think I should be fine with my goal of breaking 13 hours total. I swam again yesterday and felt strong and was also pretty fast. Based on what I was repeating for 200 meter intervals in the pool I am pretty confident I'll be able to go under an hour in the swim for the race. I am also thinking I will be racing at less than 180 pounds so that will help a lot on the bike and run. Who knows, I may get delusional and start thinking about breaking 12 hours! After all, you've got to set goals.

Still Couging

It's gotten to the point that I hardly even notice the cough any more. It has become normal, sort of like breathing, so I am ignoring it. It's not a bad cough, it just won't go away.

In spite of the cough I did my first Saturday morning triple workout over the weekend. I did a spinning class first, then I swam 2000 meters, then I went to Bootcamp where ironically enough we ran! Sort of a mini triathlon only out of order. I hope to do more of these in the coming weeks/months. I can't this Saturday because we are helping Janet move but I may try to at least do spinning before we go.

The swim was surprisingly easy, especially since I haven't been in the pool in months. Before I started I hoped to get at least 1000 meters in but I felt really good so I kept going. I did start to get fatigued at the end, but it's a good sign.

And finally, yesterday I went out for my first run over 5 miles in about 3 weeks (6.5). I felt pretty good and held a decent pace but I definitely could tell I've lost a little bit. I am sure this will not be the only bump in the training road between now and next September, but I hope there aren't too many or that any of them is too tough. We'll see.

Returning to normal

It's been 2 weeks to the day since I started coughing. I am not 100% percent yet, but I am resuming normal activity. With any luck I'll be completely over the cough by early next week.

I ran 5 at work yesterday and my pace was pretty decent. I started strong and held it for most of the run. I didn't feel as tired at the end as I did on Monday either so that's a good sign. We then ran another couple miles at Bootcamp and I felt pretty good there too. I only had a couple minor coughing fits.

Today I'll ride the bike and lift at work and then have Bootcamp tonight at the fitness center. Hoping for circuits today. I don't really want to run.

Never thought I'd say this...

...but I missed running. The minor setback turned into 10+ days of coughing and wheezing and I wasn't able to do much cardio. Not for a lack of trying though. I headed out to run on at least 3 different occasions but was turned back each time. Today I broke through.

It started Saturday after Bootcamp when Carol made me stay after and run 2 miles with her. Thanks Carol!! That got me jump started and today I went out for 4.5 at work. It was a bit slow and I was fatigued at the end but it felt really good to get back out there. It's amazing how quickly the stamina fades when you can't run, but I am confident I'll get it back pretty quickly too. Just in time for winter. Yeah!!