You have all been such a big help! I AM 45 (Holy Hannah!) and I do believe some allergies are creeping into my life. For instance, I never used to get poison ivy, didn't even need to know what it looked like, and now I do need to know.

But when these symptoms (congestion, headache, fatigue) come with a fever, it's gotta be something else. I did take it easy the long weekend (no choice), and will add some training back in GENTLY when I'm fever free! A friend reminded me today that though it seems like it's been a long time to me, this lifestyle change is still pretty new to my body and a body needs time to adjust to changes. It's really easy to get over-ambitious when you discover the joys of challenging yourself physically - I have to remember that balance is the key. No matter how much I do, I tend to beat myself up over not doing/achieving more. I think the mental exhaustion might be taking it's toll even more than the physical.

Thanks again - and I will forever be interested in your insight and advice. This is a strange new world for me. Despite this blip, I'm loving the change.