Running after Headcold...any consensus?

[FestB]

So after graduating c25k I was relieved to be moving towards 10K training, then struck with cold/flu so I've not been able to run for a week since it went down the respiratory tract going on the advice it's ok if just upper symptoms and not lower.

I'm a little gutted as it's also coincided with a weeks annual leave where I imagined getting a 4 runs in by tomorrow :/

Does anyone have tips on when it's ok to run again afterwards? I don't want to put myself further back just to move along an encroaching deadline (as that's stupid) but would value the consensus of you guys 😊

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

The way I look at it it's just fast walking. You can either do it or you can't so best bet is to go out for a jog and if you end up coughing up a lung then go back to bed.. simple as really

[FestB Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

Didn't make it out...more congested than previously which is maybe my body sending signals to not go & pound round the park 🙃

[pinkaardvark Graduate10 in reply to FestB]

Probably the right call. In my 42 yrs I have only had the flu once I think and I couldn't even think about eating, never mind going outside lol, so I wouldn't be out running if I'd had that. But I do run through head colds, though my head cold usually just means a streaming nose so I just get through more tissues than normal and sometimes a sore throat. So neither really affect a run.

[FestB Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

Yeah I haven't got off that lightly this time & whilst it's not like flu I had years ago it certainly crept up to bed rest over the weekend, peaked mon/tues & hit again 🤧 i wouldn't be in work if I wasn't on leave so that's a good marker I guess, just ruining my plans to have clocked up some km's over the last few days 🙄

[Lordi Graduate10]

My post-flu runs were hard work, so I just stopped when I'd had enough. My heart rate was elevated for a few runs afterwards which just shows how much more difficult it is for the body during recovery. Do a test jog and don't expect anything?

[FestB Graduate10 in reply to Lordi]

Thanks! This makes sense & similar to my pro running friends advice, no heart rates above aerobic level!

[Whatsapp Graduate10]

There is always general advice out there, but the fact is you know yourself best. Go for a run when you feel like it. Expect to take it nice and slow, and if you want to stop early do so.

Its irritating, but get used to it, things will always get in the way from time to time.

[FestB Graduate10 in reply to Whatsapp]

True the irritation/frustration was the guiding feeling this morning over the signs from body not yet recovered!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

My advice is to get well first, then go running. You will know when it feels right. Your body will benefit from the rest far more than the exercise when you aren't 100%.

You will still make your targets don't worry..

Hope you get well soon😊x

[FestB Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks 😊 body has spoken despite my itchy feet! Have a hen weekend to survive & need to be fit for that too so the running is parked for a couple more days & I'll have to spend my annual leave on something else 🤔