This past week I was all set to put the pedal to the metal and start down the road to getting back in proper shape for my upcoming fall races. I’ve got about six weeks before the Big Cottonwood half marathon drops in Salt Lake City and a lot of work to do.

Apparently somebody forgot to send my body the memo.

Last Friday I woke up and began the first measure of the “Coughing Concerto,” which consisted of me hacking, wheezing, sneezing, sniffling and groaning.

It was quite the symphony of suck.

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I skipped working out that day and figured I’d rest and be better in time to go for a long run on Saturday.

Nope.

Sunday?

Nope.

Monday surely?

No way Josè.

This stuff just couldn’t take a hint that it had worn out its welcome.

Not only was I feeling rather icky, I had some weight in my chest, leading me to believe it was a chest cold as opposed to just hay fever or allergies. And I followed the old adage:

Cold above your neck, workout and say “what the heck.”

That crap is in your chest? Watch Netflix and get some rest.

Okay, maybe it’s not an adage… and I made it up… but you get the idea. I’ve been told over the years that working out when your chest is heavy can make things far worse.

Chest cold= no run.

So I spent the majority of this week popping Mucinex (one of the worst names for medicine ever) like Tic-Tacs, power-snorting Flonase and shotgunning Vitamin C. I also considered sacrificing a goat to appease the chest cold gods, but Ralph’s was fresh out of live goats and I’m not buying a six-pack of ’em from Costco (the rest would probably spoil).

Anyway, after several days of being a big cranky, sniffly cough monster I think I’m finally human again. And thanks to my lovely lady Lindy for putting up with my nightly cough concerts and not smothering me in my sleep.

I think I am finally ready to get back to pounding pavement.

Yup, my road back is going to be a tad bit longer and a bit tougher. But hopefully from this point on “cough-free.”

Hack up.. and Run on!