Q: "I am training for Chicago and have recently gotten sick. I am not out for the count, but my motivation is gone and I feel really sluggish. I am drinking fluids, taking multivitamins, etc., but I want to know what to do about my final weeks of training! Help!"

A: Coach Patrick: Well, Chicago is right around the corner and you are almost there!!! I am willing to bet that your current illness is directly related to the high-volume training load you have been carrying around for the last few weeks. You have also started to taper, and as your body cycles down to fully absorb your training, things will likely get worse before they get better. Here are a couple of thoughts:

• First, make sure you are doing everything you can to care for yourself: stay hydrated, take your vitamins, eat lots of fruit, get a full 8 hours of sleep a night.
• Second, don't sweat the training...all of your work has been done by this point. You aren't gaining anything from working out now and you are actually losing very little fitness. Take the rest.
• Third, use the time you would have otherwise been training to plan out your race, etc. Instead of sitting around moping, think about your strategy, etc. This way when you return to running you'll have a laser-like focus on race day and you'll be ready..mentally and physically...to have a great race.

Good luck!!!