The Week Before

Living with The Runner the week before the race is a nightmare. Firstly, he's running less cos he's tapering down and is a right grumpy so and so. Secondly, he's paranoid about catching a virus. This one is more risky as he usually comes down with a cold/flu type virus when he's not working or not running. Every December he gets a major virus as he cuts down on his training and builds up the partying!

Over the weekend we have already had a serious viral threat. He woke up on Saturday with a sore throat. Now the boys and I have already had a bit of a sore throat and a few sniffles at some point over the previous week, so it really shouldn't have been a surprise to him. The conversation went a bit like this:

Him: I've got a really sore throat. What will I do if it gets worse before Friday?
Me: Drink plenty of hot drinks, take your multi-vitamin tablets and 2 paracetamol. Don't worry, it'll be fine by Friday.

He complained on Sunday that he could feel a bit of a niggle in his hamstring.

Him: This is quite sore. What will I do if it gets worse before Friday?
Me: Do your stretches, make an appointment with your Crazy Physio and take 2 paracetamol. Don't worry, it'll be fine by Friday!

Last night he complained he was feeling really tired and sluggish.

Him: I'm feeling awful. What if I still feel like this on Friday?
Me: Have an early night and take 2 paracetamol. Don't worry, you'll be fine by Friday (said through gritted teeth)

He came home from work tonight with a bit of a runny nose.

Him: I think this could be developing into something serious. What if it's worse by Friday?
Me: Phone Mr Race Co-ordinator, tell him you're too ill to run and I'll get a good night's sleep on Friday!!!
Him: Well, maybe it's not that bad.......

And I've still got 4 more days of this!