Exploding heads

Well, at least I thought my head would explode.  Literally.  The cold that started to rear it's head the other day for my race really blossomed and camped in my sinuses.  And then I thought it would be fun to go to master's swim again.  Seriously, why do I have such a hard time translating what I know into what I do?  Sinus infections probably warrant rest.  Maybe some light elliptical or something else that keeps your head on higher ground, but after today I should put a big warning label on my goggles that says 'DO NOT USE in the event of a sinus infection.'  One flip turn and I thought my head was going to burst.  For some reason I forgot that sensation during the 25 yards and did another at the opposite end of the pool with the same effect (duh).  Then I kept going for a bit because in the past swimming actually does clear my head with a moderate cold, but obviously this was so SO different.  I finally resorted to wall touches, which made me feel like a Big. Huge. Novice.  Master's swim was still fun and worth it and I'm definitely going to attend again, but first I need a fire hose shot through my sinuses.

Anyway, let's discuss exercise when sick.  Personally, if I'm experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms I definitely stick to almost nothing.  Sometimes I find going on a walk or some light yoga is helpful, but if taking a couple ibuprofen doesn't make be feel significantly better and it's all I can do to get out of bed I probably should just stay there and let my body fight its bug.  Colds I generally stick to the neck-up rule: running, aerobic stuff is fine if there's no big issue with the lungs, but as soon as the lungs get involved I go back to the low intensity cardio.  And no matter where the cold is, I still lift weights.  I've also learned that vinyasa yoga is no good for me if I'm all stuffed up; the sun salutations give me that head-exploding sensation as well.  So after today I'll now add flip-turns to my list of contraindicated activities to participate in during sinus congestion and avoid any further risk of head explosions.

And let's get one thing straight.  Pregnancy is NOT an illness, it's an altered state of health.  So the above restrictions do not apply in the slightest to my pregnancies.  If I decide to have another child someday perhaps I'll expound on the wonderful world of prenatal fitness, but right now I've got to go de-stuff my brain.