Who's had the flu then?? How long to recover?

[Lapsedyogi]

So, my bold promises for January are all out the window. I've been wiped out with flu and unable to run at all (struggled to walk at one point!!). I've changed my 50 mile challenge from January to February but to do it in a short month I need to get back on it and up to speed. Any advice? I think I probably need another few days rest but would appreciate hearing from anyone been through it on how best to approach returning to running without risking a set back. I've got the fear!!

[Notsoslothfulnow Graduate10]

Hi, I've got no medical qualifications ... and very little running experience - but my hunch tells me to 'listen to your body' and not force anything. If you start back too soon, you may risk the speed of your overall recovery. Good luck😊.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Viruses are a pain... I’d say give it a couple of days after the symptoms are gone as you’ll still be fighting it and that takes some energy. Just a nice, slow, no targets and no expectations run when you come back. You shouldn’t need to change your running plans if out for less that 3 weeks or so. Get well soon.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Sad to hear you’ve been unwell Lapsedyogi. ☹️ Flu is nasty. 🤧 Hopefully you’ll be up and running soon, but don’t rush. Let your body tell you when it’s time to get out there again, and when you do, make it a super slow relaxed run with no expectations. 🐌

It’s because I had the smallest cold a few months ago, and felt a little under par for a few days. Nothing much at all, but when I ran again I had zero energy and I barely made it around my friendly 4k circuit. I’d underestimated how much even a sniffle could take out of me.

So rest up, then take it easy. Plenty more running to be had in 2019! 😀

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Think it is time for some restorative yoga!

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

With good food! 👍

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Sorry to hear u not well....take it easy and get well soon. Don't rush things

[RedFred]

I've had flu. It was awful, for 3 weeks. After such a whack to my system it took 3 months for me to get fully better. I did improve over that time but my body was desperate for rest and recovery. Sorry.

[Cathkinboy]

Sounds like you had real flu. I had it over Xmas period and tbh felt pretty bad before and after which prevented me running for 5 weeks. I got good advice on here and just returned last week. I had got to a stage of 3x5k per week but decided to go back to repeat week 6 of R25k which went ok. I managed 5k (30mins) in the final run (should be 20mins) but was quite stretched by that. So, my experience would say wait until you REALLY feel like running and start slow with a view to building up . Forget your 50k target and just focus on feeling good about your health and running .....the 50k will be achieved soon enough anyway. Good luck and keep well

[Purpleandpink]

If it's proper flu you've had (which it's sound like from your description) then take it very slowly to return to running. Your body will need more rest than a 'bad cold'. Like cathkinboy said, forget the 50k target for the time being and gradually build up. I had proper flu before Christmas and was a good 2 weeks after symptoms went before I even tried. Then started with walking more, then just did some run/walk sessions for a week. It is really frustrating but you'll be even more annoyed with yourself if you push too hard and set yourself further back. Flu viruses are nasty blighters so give your body time to recover.

[Lapsedyogi Graduate10]

Thanks everyone. I'm not quite ready to start back yet but when I do I think I'll just try walking on the treadmill (to avoid the cold air getting into my lungs). It's been over a week now, and I'm impatient, but I do not want any set backs. I had forgotten how miserable it is to be ill!!

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

I had a bad reaction to the flu jab and ended up with paramedics having an asthma attack and then very unwell. I really feel for you as I know I didn't have full blown flu but it certainly felt awful and it took me a while to recover. My advice is to ease back very gently starting with very short test runs with plenty of rest inbetween, lots of nutritious food and plenty of sleep. I really hope you feel 100% soon, take care

[Lapsedyogi Graduate10]

Thanks for all the advice and good wishes. I did NRC’s Coneback Run tonight which is just 15 minutes. I felt I could’ve done more but also felt that’s a good way to feel on a comeback run. Did it on the treadmill to avoid the cold air in chest feeling. I think I’ll do Just a Run next time and see how I go.

🙌🏃‍♀️