Bad time to get the flu - Triathlon Week

djstaskal · 08-18-2005, 03:29 PM

This probably isn't considered an "injury" but this group seemed to fit.
I have my first 1/2 iron man on Sunday and yesterday I got the flu. I felt pretty bad yesterday and today with 101 degree fever.

Anyone have any advice for being race ready by Sunday or should I just try to post-pone my registration to next year? I really don't want to do that because I feel that I have worked pretty hard this summer to get ready. But at the same time I don't want to have a major dissapointment by not being able to finish.

Thanks
Duane

**daphne** · 08-18-2005, 04:49 PM

Although I have never been in your position, my gut reaction is don't do it. If you choose to participate be ready to accept a DNF. You know your physical limits, but the fact is (please any real experts here correct me) that your body is using all it has to fight off the virus, therefore you might be in not so good fitness to maintain and perform at an anaerobic level. The only advise is to rest now and on saturday do 10-20 min of each sport and see how it feels.

sfricks · 08-20-2005, 12:49 PM

Rule of thumb is, if it's from the neck up, do a brief warm up, and see how you feel. If ok, go on if not, skip it. However, if you have symptoms below the neck (sore muscles or joints) don't do it. I have never raced under these conditions but have done 15 mile runs with a head cold and albeit more difficult, it was not impossible. Good luck!

djstaskal · 08-23-2005, 11:06 AM

Well I ended up doing the race after all and it went pretty well. I was concerned because I felt better on Friday but not better enough for my confort. On Satuday I still had a slight fever but was doing pretty good. Sunday came and I felt great! Did the race and had a little bit of fatigue on the bike but had a ton of energy for the run. Problem was that my knee gave out half way through the run so that I ended up walking about 5 miles. Still I beat my time goals so I have no complaints (or fewer at least). Yesterday I was pretty tired and still have the sniffles hanging on ..... gee I wonder why :)
Now for some research on the old IT band

Thanks for the responses.
Duane

sfricks · 08-23-2005, 12:34 PM

Congrats! I'm impressed!