So this last week was my final ‘build’ week and should of included my longest run and longest bike. Instead I spent half the week in bed and the other half on the sofa. A lovely bout of sinusitis hurrah. Its all been very frustrating but I have to look at the upside. At least this didn’t happen in 3 weeks time.

Today I managed to go for a walk (ta dah!) and actually felt quite good once I got going, despite initially feeling like I was breathing through a straw.

At night you would think I was dying to hear me coughing so thats quite a turnaround from the day. I will hopefully get into see a doctor soon to get some evil but necessary antibiotics. After that I’m keen to get back running and cycling at some moderate level and hopefully just keep up some form of exercise until a few days before my event.

After my last blog I mentioned that I would apply for an FKT (fastest known time). This I duly did but unfortunately my request was turned down. I do understand it though. They have to consider whether anyone else will want to do the same thing and beat the time and then it gets set up as a known route and people can try it out. They’ve said mine is a bit niche and I guess they don’t feel there would many others wanting to do it. Ah well. I’ll be doing it for me.

So last Friday before the bug set in (thankfully) we managed to attend my nieces wedding, which was a really beautiful day in every way possible. We travelled home on the Saturday and were back quite early so I went out for a 20km run (as you do) in the afternoon. It was only an hour or so after that I ended up bed, where I stayed for the next few days.

This Saturday hubby and I went to an ice therapy/meditation workshop. It had been booked for ages and I wasn’t sure whether to go with blocked sinuses. Would it cure or kill me? In the end most of the 4 hour workshop was about sitting and listening or meditating so I figured why not give it a go. It was actually excellent and we learnt so much about the benefits of cold water and breathing techniques. At the end of all the learning they ask you to step into an ice bath thats probably 1-3 degrees and you have to sit down immediately and then stay there for two minutes. Before hand you are prepped by doing various breathing exercises.

I was amazed that we both got in no problem and it really wasn’t bad at all. My hands were extremely uncomfortable but the rest of my body was ok. After we were advised to do some slow warm up moves and we finished off by getting into dry clothes and doing 10 minutes of very basic yoga focussing on breathing. We both really enjoyed it and I would definitely do it again.

Initially I have to say I thought ‘wow I’m cured’ as I felt amazing after. Then the night came…..ok maybe not better yet. Still we are both keen to carry on with the cold water therapy and meditation. It’s really very good for the mind and body and I’m sure it will be even more enjoyable once I can unblock these sinuses. I wonder if a sink plunger would work??