I’m still suffering through an unpleasant cold, which started in my chest and migrated to my head (the opposite of what usually happens, so that’s a fun twist!), and I need to change my outlook. While I’m unable at present to look on the bright side of what’s happening in this country, I can at least try to put this break in running in perspective.

I’m not one of those runners who is always champing at the bit to run, who eschews rest days, who sees “off-season” as a slur. If it was still frigid, I wouldn’t mind as much, probably. Maybe. But it has been unseasonably warm, and while the long term implications of that are downright terrifying, I am acting like a petulant, spoiled brat. I suffered through those frigid days; I deserve to be running now that it’s warmer. I have to accept reality, because clutching tightly to this frustration is not helping me. Especially since one of the benefits of being unexpectedly sidelined is:

1. I am taking a mental break from running.
   I didn’t have to put on stinky clothes one day this week (sorry, I can’t afford to buy a ton of winter gear, and it is not good for my clothes or for the environment to wash them after every use. I will stink and that’s it). I didn’t have to ponder how slow I am this week. I didn’t have to step aside into knee-deep snow for a biker; or run over someone’s unshoveled, icy sidewalk; or run down a completely deserted road only to encounter the only car I’ve seen for 15 minutes just as I reach an intersection, leading to an awkward encounter where they try to wave me through even though they got there first, or where I got there first and they don’t even see me and then I swear at them. Running will be fresh and new and delightful when I start up.
2. I am taking a physical break from running.
   The twinges in my knees, back, hips, and feet are going away. My skin isn’t exposed to stinging cold. This is a very good thing.
3. I have time to run errands or do other things.
   I went to Target. I got my hair cut. I sat on the couch and did nothing. I don’t have to do an extra load of laundry.
4. I would really feel worse if it was colder and I was sick.
   Going out in the frigid temps with the baritone cough I’ve been blessed with would be torture. I know I said it would be easier to not run, but everything else would be worse.
5. I could be, and have been, sicker.
   I’m not breaking out into a sweat just standing. I’m not out of breath walking from my bedroom to the bathroom. I have been able to work at least part of every day this week, and I am extremely fortunate to have a fair sick leave policy. I am doing the right thing by resting, rather than trying to run through this illness or come back to running too soon. When I tried to do that, I was so out of commission I had to leave what was supposed to be a week-long training in the first hour.

I found 5 reasons to be positive! That’s pretty darn good, I think.