I think it's sweet how Sparkle was trying to encourage you up the hill, and I understand you wanted to give her your best effort.

But if you haven't gone for a while, you'll be out of shape; it's not a moral issue (good on you for getting back into it!) but it *is* a practical issue. You aren't starting from where you left off, so you shouldn't expect too much of yourself.

Plus being sick can drag down your abilities quite a lot too, obviously.

Gentle exercise is okay when you're sick--but maybe a bit more gentle than this? If you run yourself too far down into exhaustion there is the possibility of making yourself sicker.

I hope you feel better soon.

*hug*