IC but for how long?

[IAmCharliemouse]

I have had a horrible cold for the last 10 days. Have missed two parkruns, which considering I did six over Christmas, feels like a massive step down.

I have been slowly increasing my efforts over the last few days, now I feel up to it again. First was a trip to the gym for some strength work. Then a short 30 minute cycle around town, and yesterday I tried running.

I got to about 6km before I ran out of energy, walked a couple and then ran the last km. It was hard work and I was pretty exhausted, more than I was for my 10km over Christmas.

I am interested to hear other people’s experiences running with coughs and colds. It’s my first winter since I’ve been running and active, so recovering from such things is all new to me. I’m sure it’s going to be individual, but all advice is welcome.

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

The trick is not to tire yourself out on the early runs after any break which has cost you some basic fitness, but especially colds/flu which effect your breathing too. Probably you did a bit too much too soon. Your fitness will come back pretty quickly, but don't try to force it. I'd stick to 5k, until 5k is just a stroll in the park again.

Good luck!

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

That sounds like good advice.

I have an ulterior motive. Our local town 10k run is in two weeks time, and the London Winter Run is the week after. I have entered both.

My intention is to fit in three 5k runs each week leading up to these (maybe via treadmill if the weather is bad), if possible extending one of them to 10k.

I am willing to sacrifice my local 10k if I am not up to it - I certainly won't push myself too far for this.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

For weeks I have had a niggly chest cold with blocked airways, shortage of breath asthma....horrible! Last week it felt a bit better, so I tried my hill route. I almost stopped and walked on a couple of occasions, which definitely isn't me! I felt terrible. I did a really slow flattish 14k on Friday, which felt better, and today I decided that it was time to head for the hills again. I breezed through it and came back feeling on top of the world! Chest feels better.....back to business as usual I think. Will try some intervals later in the week. To get back to your question, it does take a while to recover and you are likely to have a couple of tough runs along the comeback trail. But then, almost magically, you feel a whole lot better. I think if you take it slowly to start with, you will soon be back in gear. I don't think that you can get rid of the effects of cold with extra effort; it is more a matter of maintaining a manageable level of activity while your body sorts itself out?

[orangeguy Graduate10]

I did 3k first thing this morning after being off running for two weeks with a cold that felt more like flu 😐 As far as I can see colds vary very much in their intensity, from just a slight sniffle to the cold from hell that I managed to pick up As such I don't think there are any rules as regards running, do what you feel OK with and take it easy. I am planning a walk tomorrow then maybe a 5k on Wednesday, fingers crossed.

[JaoJao Graduate10]

Hi there, since you’ve been running for months and months, did you have any breaks in between, maybe a week or two off every couple months? I’ve seen lots of advice suggesting to build in breaks every now and again, maybe try a different sport during the break.

It could just been a burnout and your immune system is just taking a bashing right now. It will take time, give it a couple weeks and go easy on yourself.

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Actually I think this is a really good point. Since August I have been doing parkruns every Saturday - I think I missed just one. Now there certainly were weeks when I didn't manage two other runs between, but I would usually complete at least one other.

But taking a week or two completely off running is probably a really sensible move.

I do strength work at the gym and cycling, so I do have other options.

Running is still very new to me. Before April last year, I had never been at all active. My life has completely changed now, and I actually feel quite a lot of guilt if I don't run. I think this is at least partly because I fear returning to my old ways.