I feel your pain!  I, too, am a mom of two small children and work full time.  It is so hard to readjust when you are thrown a curve ball that forces you out of your routine.  I can also attest to the fact that "momma doesn't get any sick days"..... and you probably live your life at a fast paced tempo when you're NOT sick, am I right?  I am not the queen of balance by any means, but I have found that a small break from the usual demands that life (and I) place on myself gives me more energy to get all of the work done.  Especially if you have had the added stress of being sick recently.  Junk the log book (just this once) and go for a run outside (don't time it...and don't predetermine a distance as a goal that has to be met)...... just do it for fun.  Look at the scenery, listen to music, let your mind daydream and just run.  Let the endorphins kick in and quell your frustrations .  It has worked for me before, so maybe it will work for you.

Best of Luck to you!  It sounds like you are already doing a fantastic job!

".....but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.  Miles to go before I sleep."    Robert Frost

Hey Carey, I hope you begin to feel better soon From my experience (no kids yet) with being sick or getting injured, it helps me appreciate my health that much more when I finally begin to feel better or heal up. That doesn't mean we don't experience negative feelings when we're in the thick of it, but it simply means recognizing the good days for what they are.

I have a hard enough time taking care of myself so you have inspired me and I have to give you major props for doing what you do. Get healthy, stay happy and let us know if you need anything--even if it's just a place to chat, vent or hang out. We're here to support you

Carey,

You were off for 3 weeks and sick besides. You cannot just jump back in after that, like nothing happened. I expect it will take you 3 or 4 weeks to get back to "normal", to regain your fitness. Like Liz said, just go out, relax and run, with no time or distance goals. Just take 45 minutes and stop pushing for a while.  Good luck.

Len

Carey,

Look forward to that run as a chance to get that well deserved break.  We all need a break from our daily routine.

Mike

Lots of good words have already been said in this thread. I'll just add that despite one's best efforts, life sometimes gets in the way of running. Try looking at the big picture: in all your running years to come, a three week gap isn't significant. All runners go through some tough times on occasion, whether due to illness, injury, stress or problems. It happens. You recover and then you move on. Hang in there - you will indeed get through that wall.

Just a thought from a medical perspective.

That sore throat, it may have been a really nasty virus, like mono or another similar virus.  These will often cause your body to not feel right for much longer than one would hope. It may still be making you tired.  Then you add a round of dehydration (stomach flu), your body really took a significant hit!

I understand the desire to get back to normal and how pressing that desire may be, but can I suggest an alternative course?  Accept that your health just took a beating and that you may not be back to normal and that it's not just because you're a slacker.  With that in mind, think in terms of recovering rather than being back to normal.  Go with short easy runs when your schedule allows.  Don't allow yourself to stress over the missed miles.  Enjoy the relative down time that this gives you to work on family or other hobbies or even cross training lightly.  Most important, rest is critical to recovery.  Get sleep when you can.  Diet is also critical.  You know the drill...  especially enough hydration.

Ok, now that I look at my advice and picture my wife's life... you Moms never have a moment to yourself, running is your only excuse to get away from the busy.  How are you going to do all the above?  I'm not sure how my wife would, but it probably means saying "no" to a thing or two.

Good luck, you'll be back to normal and this will all be past you soon.