I met with my doctor for a follow-up appointment to check the progress of my pneumonia this morning. Unfortunately I’m still struggling with fluid in both lungs but I’m moving in the right direction toward recovering. She told me I’d lost a significant amount of lung function and instructed me to continue with my laundry list of medications and do lung exercises several times a day.

There’s nothing quite like being told your lungs are ‘out of shape’.

I quietly whispered, ‘Can I still do a sprint Triathlon in March?’ I whispered because I thought maybe she wouldn’t hear me clearly and nod yes without thinking.

‘WHAT?!? Absolutely not. Maybe by the end of summer if you’re lucky. If you push too hard too fast, you’ll do serious damage.’

I’m heartbroken.

Doing a triathlon, specifically this triathlon in an area I love, was a way to prove to myself that I am capable of stretching, changing, and growing. It’s been a nice distraction from my debt reduction path and for now, it’s gone.

It’s time to take a moment and sit still.

I’ve never been good at that.



  1. Kevin responded:

    I have learned, over the years, that it’s better to just take the time you need to heal instead of pushing through it and ignoring it. I know it stinks but that is the way it is. I’m a horrible example of this and even had a Dr. threaten to call my work and inform them that I wasn’t to be on the property.

    For the time being, just get better. You’ll have plenty of triathlons to run later.

  2. Lizzie responded:

    Bummer! Hang in there and GET BETTER!!!

  3. Laura responded:

    That’s so sad. Good luck in the recovery. Perhaps you should find a great destination triathlon in the fall to celebrate with :-)

  4. Nancy responded:

    Hang in there. I injured my hip after running a half marathon in September and still do not have a pain free fully functioning hip. I am crushed and hanging out on the sidelines as well…it’s better to be healthy!

  5. Mar responded:

    They’ll run it again next year and you can do it then. I sympathize, but your health is the most important thing here so get better.

  6. mary kate responded:

    awww that stinks – but you can’t take risks with pneumonia. i was supposed to go to vermont for a much anticipated painting class with my dad when my 5yo got pneumonia, and my doctor told me to cancel the trip – even though my husband was here! i was bummed. you just never know – so playing it safe is the best course.

  7. Gina responded:

    I know it sucks to not participate in the actually event, but given the circumstances, what about volunteering for the event? You could help the other participants and cheer them on while still being a part of the activity.

    I know it won’t be quite what you envisioned – but it seems fitting to me, to somehow give back to an event that means so much to you.

    Hope you mend soon and can gear up for the first even of the summer after the doc clears you.

  8. Jan responded:

    And now you will change and grow by learning to take care of yourself in a different way. It’s hard for an over-achiever to hear “don’t do it!” but….start planning for the next event, and the advice of volunteering at the triathlon is excellent.

  9. AP responded:

    Hang in there! Your health is the most important priority!

  10. emmi responded:

    having the goal is more meaningful than reaching the destination. in the end, the accomplishment was the process getting there. so, fate intervened at the end. that doesn’t diminish things. start again when your lungs are healthy. you certainly don’t want to be on oxygen all the time or anything. that would really be some negative progress.

  11. Nicole responded:

    My, my, my, you need to take a break! I hope your lungs heal quickly!! : )

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