At just turned 60 I completed C25K mid May this year. Subsequently achieved my 60 minute badge in November even though at 🐌 pace. Before getting my 60 minutes I had three weeks not running due to a cold and possible chest infection but blood tests showed no infection and low Vitamin B12. For the last week have been out of action yet again due to a very debilitating virus, no energy, nasty cough and cold. Feel totally exhausted. Has anyone else experienced similar? I’m on the verge of giving up the running as I’ve felt so ill 🤧 and wondering if at my age it’s having a detrimental effect on my immunity. I don’t want to stop but equally can’t cope with being as ill as I was in October and am again now. My husband by the way is a complete couch potato, seven years older than I am with many long term health conditions and has succumbed to neither of the illness episodes I’ve recently experienced 😭.
Immune system : At just turned 60 I completed... - Bridge to 10K
Immune system
I suspect it's more of a set of unfortunate coincidences and not helped by the time of year. That said, running does put stresses on your body and if you're already stressed, that can open the door to recurring infection.
I'd suggest talking to your GP and also allowing yourself a break just to recover and rebuild. Once you're feeling restored, ease yourself gently back into it.
Sometimes rest is the only and best medicine .
Thank you, sounds good advice. Talking with a GP in our practice is practically impossible even when there is a serious health concern so I’ll rest and get back gently after Christmas
sTrongFuse has wide words. But remember it's just a rest, the benefits of exercise are very far reaching. You could do some gentle yoga just to maintain fitness while recovering from viruses. If you decide running during winter isn't for you look for alternatives. Good like and get better soon.
Thank you, I actually love cold weather running 🏃🏻♀️ but maybe it doesn’t love me plus I have grandchildren aged six and four, they bring viruses to the table as you’ll discover 🤧😷. Just wondered if the running was making everything worse as I feel so unwell 🤒
I think you really need to rest up. Running will still be there. You're right, the grand children will be taking lots of bugs back with them which of course they will shake off quickly. Please look after yourself in the lead up to Christmas. 😀
Thank you, I like Pilates, might try some at home.
Sorry you have been run down and unwell.
It's hard enough to summon up the energy to do the essentials let alone run when you feel like this.
Did you get any treatment for your low B12 levels?
I think a trip back to your GP is in order.
I don't think running will be having a negative effect on your immune system. Running will be making you stronger and fitter, which will help you deal with illness.
That said, you need to get better first.
The runs will wait, even if you have to build up again.
Get well soon 💐💐
I too am a (well) over 60 yr old that started running this year. I have Lupus which means a compromised immune system and my GP is almost jumping for joy about the good the running is potentially doing. So hopefully it’s not having a bad affect for you and the illnesses are just rotten luck. My husband received treatment for low B12 levels so if that’s not happening it might be worth another chat with your GP. Hope you manage to rest up now and are feeling much better soon. Roll on Spring!
Christmas tends to get in the way a bit of our normal routines. Try going on longer walks to maintain fitness when you can't run.
When you can, keep running!
Always keep smiling 😁😁😁
🎅🐱 Xmas Katnap 🐱🎅
Thank you, I do love a good winter walk. Have a good Christmas Katnap x
I think you have been unlucky- sometimes we succumb to the next bug because we haven’t fully recovered from the one before.
I have read that a healthy amount of exercise raises our immune system- so you keep on enjoying that running! - But when you are well enough, of course. 😄
I don’t know obviously but i’m 3 years older than you and have actually felt a lot better, i run up to 5k once or twice a week, maybe if you are running 60 minutes it’s a bit long, be gentle on yourself, I have a messed up immune system though so don’t push myself too hard, Hope you can find a balance and enjoy running
Thank you, I think you’re right. I’ve been trying to push myself to do 10k but I’m really happy I got through C25K and 3-4 k three times a week seems to suit me best
Hi yep I think I am in the same boat. I have been ill all the time lately I could cut and paste your comment and I am 53. I have read up on this and training can reduce your immune system’s effectiveness. But on balance one or two bad winters illness wise are a temporary pain for long term fitness and health. So sitting on the couch might help the immune system recover but will take all that you have achieved and all you might achieve. After my last ill time I did 60mins. I am ill now again but when the virus goes I aim to do the next challenge 10k. Need some VRB along with me are you up for it?
Not been ignoring you, still contemplating. Husband just had major surgery so that’s been my focus as well as taking my antibiotics and getting well myself. No infection found in chest or throat but I was prescribed antibiotics anyway. Having worked in the NHS for 19 years I don’t visit a doctor unless I’ve exhausted all self help remedies. Husband says no more running as he’s never seen me so unwell on two consecutive occasions with very little respite between episodes. I love my running only having discovered it’s something I can do at 59 but I’m not sure I’m up for feeling so 🤧. Might give it one more try after Christmas but if immunity decides to kick me again I’ll wave the white flag and go back to walking/swimming
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