So today I woke up with a sore throat. It’s a cold with a cough but still not my favorite thing! Everything is a little cloudy so I won’t write long. I just wanted to write this one question to the crowd. Lately I’ve been doing so well with the exercising and eating right. Suppose I get sick for a week. In the past such an event has ruined my attempt to get in shape. How do each of you stay committed to your fitness regiment while you are recovering from illness? How do you know when you are ready to push yourself and begin exercising again? I am hoping that by resting today and more tomorrow I will be able to exercise Tuesday even if it is for just a little bit.
Tomorrow is my recital that I’ve been working for. I’m nervous that I won’t be able to perform. The only thing that I have to hope for is that the song I am singing is Adelaide’s lament from Guys and Dolls. This song is perfect because Adelaide is sick when she is singing it. The song is about how because her man Nathan Detroit won’t commit Adelaide is getting sick. It is supposed to be done in a squeaky New York accent. I’m not great at it but I have come a long way. Here is a recording of me singing the song. Please be gentle in your critiques. A few of the notes aren’t perfect but I’m working on it. One of the hard things about singing is there is so much to concentrate on- pitch, tone, words, acting, diction, vocal dynamics, correct breathing, posture etc. At least I can honestly say I am improving particularly in my belty tone.
You won’t get the full effect of the performance by just the vocals. I plan on wearing my fluffy bathrobe and having a box of tissues in my hands. Plus I always get lots of praise for my acting ability in recitals. I wish I could preform in a real play again (haven’t been in one since high school) but it hasn’t worked out yet. The local plays in Utah are so darn competitive and I get super nervous in auditions (although I haven’t done one since high school so perhaps I am better at them now? Who knows?) Let’s just hope I am feeling well enough to be in the recital. I will update the blog tomorrow to share with you what happens.
Here’s the original broadway version of the song. Like I said, I know I have a long way to go but I am improving!
Rachel's Musings 
I like to keep exercising unless I am seriously ill, like in bed with body aches/fever/chills type of thing. If I just have a cough or a cold, I like to keep exercising. The most important thing for me, I have found, is just making sure to get enough (and extra) sleep when I’m sick. So if I’m up late and have to decide between getting up early to run or getting enough sleep for the night, then I will usually choose the sleep over the exercise; when I am feeling well I usually choose the exercise over the sleep. But of course, it’s always best…and I certainly try…to get both in! Getting enough sleep, by the way, can actually really help with maintaining a healthy weight…so it’s great that you’ve been allowing yourself naps during the day. If you can fit it in, more power to you on those naps! The main thing, I think, is just not to push yourself too hard during your workouts if you’re not feeling very well. Something is better than nothing anyway. I hope you get better soon, and…as per your request in your previous post…I’ll keep you and your efforts in my prayers!
Thanks for your comment. I think you are right about exercising while sick. I am going to try and do 3 times this week even if it is lighter. I just don’t want to lose my momentum!
Hi Rachael,
Your song is great! I loved listening to you sing! Congratulations for pursuing a dream and being brave–inspiring. When I’m sick, sometimes I take a day or two (or three) off exercising if your body really needs to recover. Even if I’m sick, though, stretching, a little light yoga, or short walk feels good. Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks Miriam for the comment. I especially appreciate your kind words about my song. I think I am going to tough it to the recital. I’ve worked too hard to miss it.
My goal for this week is to exercise at least 3 times even if it is a light walk or some yoga as you mention.
By the way, I keep thinking of calling you but it is always too late. Hope things are going good. We definitely have to catch up soon! Miss you!