CULT VALUE

I haven't caught a cold in over a year, so this one was a little surprising, but then not when I take into consideration the link between working (out) and getting sick. It's actually working too hard that causes the problem--pushing the body too far, using up the reserves to the point of depletion. Years ago I noticed the link between doing an intense exercise session to the point of exhaustion (usually when I hadn't exercised in a while) and coming down with a scratchy throat, followed by a full upper respiratory virus soon after. Being ill would then force to delay the next workout session, and it was hard to get a routine going. But eventually I figured out that exercising below max allowed me to continue longer term which had the most benefit in the end. It was difficult because it felt frustrating to be 'under-performing' as it seemed then, but it made the most sense in terms of long-range performance and improvement.

I started feeling ill this time when I pushed myself past a sensible point working on the thesis last week. Was it Friday? I was really wiped out and felt like crap at the end, but felt I had to make the most of this precious 'me time' away from the family. Silly guilt-tinged recriminations. Anyway, I started to feel the first stirrings of the cold I'm now suffering from that day. So it's time to take stock and remember that physical and mental strain are all one as far as the body's immune system are concerned and that if you don't train for the marathon you will suffer!

Now, I'm taking a break and resting up -- body and mind. And I'll resume work on my thesis after regaining my forces. Next time I'll do it properly...