The not so bad worst case
Follower of my IG Stories and weekly updates know this already: On April 18th I got a covid infection and my Western States preparation got pretty much derailed.
Short version: After 1 week of acute symptoms I was at first very hopeful when I slowly picked up running again. I increased volumes cautiously and generally felt good while running. My body, especially my lungs and my heart, were speaking a different language though. No matter how easy the effort, my heart rate was up by +20 beats. I played around with more rest, longer and shorter, faster and slower workouts, but this condition remained unchanged for 4 weeks now.
Needless to say, that my WSER preparation could not go on as planned. Yes, I am running. Yes, I am doing ok volumes. No, this is not a structured preparation as it should be for a 100 Mile race. In addition I had to cancel all possible preparation races, including MIUT, which is not only unbelievably sad, but also a major throwback on my training. Races are perfect to test nutrition, practice aid station routines, work on your pacing, deal with heat and most of all being on your feet for a long day. But even more so they give you confidence, that it is in fact possible to run 100 Miles.
As for right now, recovery proceeds slowly, but steadily. However, with only 5 weeks left until WSER I am forced to make peace with not being in peak shape on that starting line in Squaw Valley. There’s even a chance left that I won’t be able to start at all, or to start but not being able to finish.
One part of me is very frustrated for being thrown back so badly in the most critical phase of my preparation. Another, more rational, part of me is much more humble and relaxed. First of all: Timing could have been much worse. A covid infection shortly before hopping on a plane, or, even worse, when being in the US already, would have immediately killed all chances to run WSER at all. Second: When talking to other Covid afflicted runners I witness a broad spectrum from "After 10 days everything was back to normal." to "I’ve been struggling to get out of bed for over a year now. Running is completely out of reach for me.". I realize that I am somewhere in the middle of how hard long- and post-covid symptoms can hit you. Therefore I am very thankful.
So what’s the plan? Well, that’s a good question. As far as training is concerned, me and my coach Karim take it from day-to-day. If I keep on recovering there still might be time for 1 or 2 quality weeks before tapering. Regarding the race itself I have made the decision to do it, as long as it is medically justifiable. I have a sports medicine appointment with a performance diagnostic coming up on June 1st. If the acute risk of a heart muscle or lung inflammation is finally off the table, I will make the most of the remaining workouts and will simply work with what I’ve got.
I hope these words don’t sound too negative, because I am not. I am able to run. And thats of inestimable value for me.
40 days left.