Determination

You know you have the drive and the determination to be a triathlete when you are hurting and you want to hurt some more. You really have it when you are sick and hurting but still want to train. Or is that called stupidity? I prefer determination.

I've had a sore, itchy throat since Saturday evening, which developed into a nasty, dry cough. The rest of my body and head felt fine, so I figured why not workout the legs with stair climbing. My sister was also suffering with a sore throat, so I was in good company. As we climbed her nine story condo in stairwell B, you can hear the sound of our synchronized steps.

Right foot, left foot.
Right foot, left foot.
Cough, cough, laugh.

I was feeling good, so I picked up the pace. Determination, right?

By the third set, the echoing in the stairwell was no longer in rhythm. There was only one set of feet pattering, which was perfectly harmonized with my wheezing.

"Are you okay?"
"Yes. I'm fine! You better hurry because I'm going to catch you!"

Stomping ensued as I raced up the stairs.

Right foot, left foot.
Right foot, left foot.
Cough, cough, wheeze.

"You sound like you're dying. Do you need a ventilator?"
"No, I'm coming!!"  (This was said in a sexy, raspy voice as my throat was parched by now. Actually, I sounded more like Gollum, but that's not very attractive.)

Right, left.
Right, left.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze.

Sigh.
At least no one can ever say that I don't have determination. I did finish climbing five sets, and I was so proud of myself that I took some cough medicine right afterwards. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go cough up a lung.