I stare at my friend as we sit on the yoga mat next to each other and I say: “Hi there, you. Have you gotten a little heavier over the past few months? Because it certainly feels like it.”
Before you ask me if I’m lost my ever-lovin’ mind, don’t worry. I haven’t. My “friend” is a 10-lb. medicine ball. And I’ve just finished reacquainting myself with it through a series of sit-ups while holding it and pivoting side to side.
This particular “friend” has not been too hard to reconnect with, but damn—the other dynamic duo I met up with this week, Kettlebell and Burpee, well they are just mean girls. I had forgotten just how mean.
My frequent blog visitors know I had elective surgery last fall. My surgeon put a 12-week ban on exercise.
Just as he lifted it and I began to work out, a visit from an old friend in February brought me what my doctor now thinks was coronavirus. Another 12 weeks of no exercise as I got rid of the cough, fatigue and shortness of breath. All that, with no pre-existing conditions. I’m a healthy gal who drew the short straw, I guess. Don’t believe the people who say fear causes you to get this virus. I had no fear of it—we didn’t even really know what it was back then. Aerosols in closed spaces? Now those can give you this virus. Listen to science.
Do the math and you find six months of a more sedentary life—half or more during a pandemic. Oy.
Add to that scenario that some of my symptoms came back in July—and you have a woman who usually channels some Tigger energy feeling a bit more Eeyore-paced. And for you worrying types, don’t fret. My heart and lung scan came back clean. But fatigue is hard to shake with this virus—at least for me. I wish doctors could prescribe three months in the French Riviera. Except the French (wisely) wouldn’t take me right now due to my U.S. home address.
So here I am, humbled yet again by these old “friends” who usually help me get in shape. I had three good workout days and then exhaustion. While I’m itching to get started again today, my body says “wait.” This Tigger, internally, is about ready to bounce off the walls.
On the plus side, I’ve lost 10 pounds in five weeks. I’d like to lose another 15 to 20. We’ll see what Kettlebell and Burpee have to say about that. They’ll need to weigh in on the matter. (Go ahead. Groan. Pun entirely intended.)
I have readers just heading into summer (shoutout to the Kiwis and Aussies), while others—like me—are heading into autumn and winter with some trepidation. I won’t be sharing a lot of indoor air after two skirmishes with this bug. I feel like those skirmishes give me some leeway to give you a bit of advice.
Regardless of what season you’re in, my unasked for advice is to mask up and keep yourself active at home or in the great outdoors. And good food matters. You don’t need the sugar. Many of us don’t need the gluten or dairy, either. If you pay attention to what you eat and how it makes you feel, you really will gravitate toward what makes you feel good. And by good, I mean healthy. Energized.
Hopefully I won’t become one of those people who is no fun to go to dinner with, when we can finally do that indoors together again. The one that eats in spartan fashion, asking about every single ingredient. I’ve railed against the salad girls before. It’s less what they eat than the way they approach life that I think I chafe against. My zest for good food goes will with my zest for good wine and good music and a good time.
Now I just need to combine those with my zest for hanging out with Kettlebell and Burpee. And see if my body wants to attend this party.
Even if you haven’t been ill, I know the pandemic is doing a number on daily life for many of you. Here’s to channeling our inner Tigger, friends, for whatever your particular challenge is. Maybe slowly. Maybe in choppy, intermittent fashion. It may not be pretty.
But let’s get there. I could sure use some company on the ride.
candidkay 
I hope you are feeling better!
Thank you! When I take it easy, I usually do. I just want to be 100% no matter what :-). That might take a bit of time.
Kristine, I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough go of it. On the bright side, do you think you might be immune to Covid now?
That’s the kicker. They really don’t know. The fact that I had a couple of symptoms come back in July could me know or could mean yes. I think we’re all just gonna have to live on into the answers collectively. But thank you for your good wishes. Regiment of quercetin, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc is certainly helping.
Oh that’s good!
I’m sorry to hear you’ve had such a challenging year health wise Kristine, wishing you lots of Tigger energy so that you feel good in yourself again.
Thank you, Andrea! Quercetin regimen definitely helping. Fingers crossed.
So sorry to hear you’ve gone toe-ta-toe with Covid, not once but twice! eeks! Wishing you well and that you feel much better. I love your posts, and like an old friend come to call, they make me smile.
I’ve been away for a year but heart is mending and the mind, well working on not giving into this new mindset. Meditation happens more now these past 4months, than in my entire previous relationship.
Sending good🌈✨✨✨ vibes for your continued health.✨✨✨✨
It’s so good to see you back! I have been checking your site for updates and yes-you’ve definitely been missed over this year. I am hoping that you are mending body, mind and soul. And meditation? I’m a huge fan. If you haven’t checked out Sacred Acoustics, it’s one of my faves. It adds the right tones and frequencies to your meditation. Here’s to you mending and to my continued health!
Ah sorry to hear you had Covid kristine☹️ Thank goodness your immune system is in top shape and you don’t allow fear to play a part in shutting down the immune system AND you are back working out, you must feel great! I’m sure we’re going to be hearing more of your life adventures that are always a breath of fresh air. Sending you love x Barbara x
Thank you for your positivity! Much appreciated, Barbara:). And I’m looking forward to new adventures despite the pandemic . . .
Yes in the midst of this pandemic as it’s not going away❤️
Love that positive outlook Kristine. You can either worry yourself into the grave or get there in equal time imperfectly and having a laugh.
I should do a bit of gym work to supplement my running, but it ain’t gonna happen now, at 67.
Yeah I felt most peculiar there for ten days or so recently but not with the Covid symptoms. I don’t know anyone who has tested positive, but we’ve been lucky on our border-controlled island. The biggest nuisance is the constantly-changing status of other countries (and regions within countries) which makes travel problematical and is hurting our hospitality industry badly. Stay safe.
You’re a little bubble is a really nice one to have right about now, I’m sure. It would be so nice to be able to run more freely and know that it wasn’t around people who had been out partying or being stupid. Stay well and stay running!
My brother-in-law had it. He managed to recover at home but had a fatigue relapse several weeks after the symptoms had cleared. It took him a couple months to feel normal again. Glad to hear that you’re getting to the other side of this.
I’m so glad that he was able to get to the other side of it! I did too before the relapse. And I’m sure I will again. But wouldn’t it be nice if we knew more and could tell people what to expect? We are the lucky ones who had it and weren’t hospitalized for days on end.
We were just laughing the other day about gaining the COVID 19–kind of line the Freshman 15 but with more virtual meetings. So happy you’re on the mend. I don’t know anyone who had COVID but I hear it’s way worse than any flu.
The odd part is ending I’ve actually had flus that in the moment were far worse. But the fatigue is like someone dropped a 100-pound blanket on your brain and your body.
What a tough time you’ve had of it! I don’t know anyone who has had the virus and survived. Gosh that sounds horrid, doesn’t it? Of course, all those who did get it were in their 80’s and 90’s, and suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, to boot – so not the same situation as you, at all.
Still, do keep listening to your body, there is no rush. Be gentle with yourself. This bloody virus will eventually run its course and we can go back to living in a somewhat normal way again. The travel thing is really bugging me but in the grand scheme of things is small, isn’t it?
Thank you! Kind words. And I’m sorry you know anyone who passed away from this, regardless of age. Just not a great way to go. The travel thing – I hear you. And we will be adventuring again, I’m sure. As my mother used to say, to everything there is a season.
Yes, to everything there definitely is a season. This one might last longer than we desire but hey, as that loathsome expression goes: it is what it is.
I’m so sorry you have suffered from this (and still do)…. Sending hugs!
The virus really latched onto you. And doesn’t want to let go. I’m sorry to hear about that. There are so many unknowns and unpredictables about coronavirus. Another scary thing is that scientists feel that the vaccines that will be put into use will not provide 100% protection.
I would agree that the most frustrating thing is that doctors are trying to treat symptoms but they can’t really tell you anything. Because they just don’t know.
These past six months have been hard enough without surgery and going up against the virus. I hope all that is behind you now. While I haven’t battled the virus, it is having an impact on my morale, energy and desire to work out. So I try to change it up: walking, yoga, gardening – whatever will get me moving. Stay well!
Your form of exercise sounds far more reasonable than mine :-). I am thinking maybe I will have to move more toward yoga and gentler things as I give my body time to completely get back to 100%.
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had to battle this horrible virus. Keep listening to your body and being kind to yourself.
Thank you! As you always say, Kia Kaha❤️
Add wahine toa — strong woman. You’re surely that my friend. Sending aroha.
🙏🏻😊
That isn’t good dear lady, the fatigue etc really does drain the brain, body and zest for life. I’ve has Ross River Fever and 18 months of the fatigue really does drain you beyond sanity so you have my full sympathy 😀 🙏🏼
As for those weight thingy-majigs, aren’t they what you use to chase the dogs that pee on your front door step…or burglars…or in-laws that are out-laws? I didn’t think you had to actually use them for what they were actually designed for 😂 🤣
After my bout of fever I could barely climb my front 4 steps, I had to rest a bit then attempt to open the door 😂
My heart goes out to you my friend, along with some fresh Australian air and a little Aussie energy I think will do a Superman and smash through any virus around you and pump you up for anything you wish to challenge. Just go gentle with the 10lb’ers 😂 🤣
I’ve never heard of Ross River Fever but it sounds horrendous! I am so glad you came through the other end in one piece and found your energy again. In terms of that Aussie fresh air and vibe, Send it my way! I’ll take it😀.
I’ll send it in an oxygen bottle for you, nothing like a quick breath to start each day 😂 🤣
Cheeza Louise, Kristine. I had no idea. I’m so glad you are getting better. I’m totally high risk with preexisting conditions so I never go near anyone. All outdoors for me. Masked up like a Democrat. Not taking any chances. Hugs to you,
Hug accepted and right back ‘atcha, John. You’re wise to be cautious. It’s not worth the risk. In this truly is a season, I believe. I do think a vaccine will come and we will return to normal life. We just have to get through the months in between now and then.
I agree with you. That is why I’m being careful
I’m sorry you’ve had to wrestle with the grand dame; covi-2. But glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself, listening to your body, and resting; all good RXs. I hope you’re up bouncing around ready to travel soon. Take care Kristine.
When this whole thing is over and we can all travel again, I have my bucket list priorities at the ready :-). We will see if my pocketbook agrees. But I cannot wait to see more of the world.
Kudos for making plans and priorities. I’ve mostly given up on all that.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear you’ve had this battle, and hope you are well on the way to a full recovery. We are in a much better position here in Australia because of the tight restrictions we are living under, and I am as vigilant about masks and sanitising as I can be while still having a semblance of a normal life. Even some (local) travel, from time to time. But it’s terrible thing, and not to be taken lightly. Stay safe, my friend x
Your government has been so much smarter than mine. And hopefully your citizens have been too. I always told you that I wanted to travel more. When we are done with this pandemic, that is definitely happening. Aren’t you glad you’ve had so many grand adventures?
All good advice. Glad you are on the mend.
Thanks, Jan. Me too😀.
I am beyond sorry that you have been, and are, going toe to toe with this hateful virus, Kristine. I remember talking with you about it in early March. At that time it seemed to be a flu that just wouldn’t let you go… I agree wholeheartedly with your perspective and wish that everyone everywhere would heed your advice. May you recover completely, my friend, and soon. Sending much love and all my sincerest wishes for your swift return to perfect homeostasis. xoxo
Thanks, Amy! It’s really odd, isn’t it? I feel great sometimes and then the fatigue can just set in. The first time, I bested it with lots of rest, super healthy food, no alcohol. Your body tells you what it wants, right? I’m glad you’re staying well and continuing to make your gorgeous creations. I love seeing them on FB!
So sorry to hear you’ve had this bout of COVID, Kay. More people need to understand just how serious a virus it is. It’s not just another flu. Try to be patient and not overdo as you’re getting back in shape. You’ll get there. Meanwhile, you’re practicing what your energy will be like when you’re my age! 😉
Sound advice! Thank you:). And I probably do need to focus more on yoga and less on burpees . . . stay well!
That’s reassuring in an odd way, Kurt. The more I hear about healthy people who take some time to combat the lingering effects, the more I think this is a normal part of the process for some of us. But vaccine can’t come soon enough!
Kettlebell. Oy.
Glad to hear you’re getting back to normal, albeit somewhat slowly. Friends of mine who had this have similar reports about effects lingering much longer than anticipated.
Take care, kiddo.
That’s reassuring in an odd way, Kurt. The more I hear about healthy people who take some time to combat the lingering effects, the more I think this is a normal part of the process for some of us. But vaccine can’t come soon enough!