Running after Covid

[Yesletsgo]

Hi all, yes I know this question has been asked before! I've looked back at previous posts and they all seem to be really old so, given how many of us have had Covid recently, I thought I'd ask the questions again: how long should I leave it before getting back to running?

I had my positive test just over a week ago and have been avoiding physical activity since then. The received wisdom seems to be to leave it a couple of weeks or until symptoms have gone if that's longer, then start slow and unambitious. Is this the best approach?

I've not felt particularly unwell apart from a high temperature for the first couple of days but I don't want to overdo it by rushing back. Any hints on how to recover quicker eg supplements etc would be gratefully received

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate10]

Hi, the answer you will get from most people, is there isn't a black and white answer which suits everyone, because we're all different and it affects us all differently. I had it badly about 10 weeks ago and the first few weeks after I tested negative was tough for my running. It badly affected my breathing and I would say that only within the last couple of weeks do I feel almost back to normal.

You have to remember it will have had an effect on your body in some way and you have to take it steady and not expect too much and go by how your body feels, and don't push it too soon. I was doing really well had hit a good PB at ParkRun and then whack got COVID! I was told on here that it would take time to recover and not be too impatient. So really, there is no one size fits all. You need to just take it easy and don't try do too much at once. 😃

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Thanks Hedgehogs123 , glad you're finally feeling better. I'm dying to get out there now it's a bit cooler but I'm going to force myself take it easy. I know that it's not a good idea to overdo it, just gotta keep reminding myself. At the moment I need a rest even if I only do something as energetic as putting the washing out!

[damienair Administrator]

I had Covid back in March. My symptoms were pretty light. A week after testing negative I attempted a parkrun and really struggled. I felt like my legs were full of concrete and my chest was tight. So I left it for a week and tried another parkrun the next weekend. I felt exactly the same and really struggled to complete it. The following weekend I was fine again and got back to running normally. So for me it took 2-3 weeks after testing negative. Hope that helps.

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thanks, this is useful. Next Saturday will be 2 weeks since the positive test but I'm not planning on doing Parkrun. I was still showing positive on Friday but feel better every day so I'm hoping to try a short run tomorrow week.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

We still know so little about this, even though we do know more than we two years ago! As the others answers say, all different, but, with one thing in common,.. this is something that impacts greatly...

Some interesting reading here, if you have time to peruse..

runnersworld.com/news/a3862...

yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/i-...

My advice... listen to your body, read the experiences of others, ( although they will be different than yours).

Anything, this serious may have effects that are hidden, so give it time

Please, wait until you are really feeling stronger... those runs wait... you know they do .

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for these Oldfloss , I read them when I was doing my original search for info. The greater possibility of injury after Covid is a bit worrying.At the moment I'm just alternating doing essential housework etc with lying on the couch staring at my laptop. My concentration seems to have disappeared, hoping it returns tomorrow as I've got a load of work to catch up on.I think the challenge will be judging when I am truly recovered enough to start exercise again. It's much easier to take it easy when I'm feeling washed out, I need to guard against doing anything silly once I'm feeling better.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Yes, when we begin to feel better, is when the itch in the feet starts! Oh gosh...I hope you begin to feel better soon.Just slow and steady xx

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you, I'm actually feeling pretty good now. If it was 'just a cold' I'd consider myself recovered but you hear so many horror stories about long covid etc I'm taking it very easy!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

I got it on a Wednesday, stayed in bed until Friday, got up Saturday for a few hours at least, but although I felt better, didn't do anything. Sunday I went out for a 5k, which was fine, did a 5k walk after with hubby. Went back to work, and daily run schedule on Monday.

I avoided ibuprofen throughout, took a daily vitamin including zinc. I also used my budesonide inhaler daily from the start as although my breathing was OK it has been shown to help.

You can try quercetin and zinc daily to assist recovery. It has been shown to help with "brain fog"

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate10]

Thanks, good point about the supplements. My attention span seems to have disappeared 😐I've not taken ibuprofen, just paracetamol, and apart from the brain fog feel pretty much ok. I'm not sure if I'm tired or just being self indulgent by resting so much.

[Tzushka Graduate10]

Hi there, I had Covid early July and for about a week I didn’t feel like going out at all (plus, had to nurse hubby, who got it a few days later). I then took some supplements (zinc, vitamin C and Bs, inulin) for about a month and I felt they really helped with boosting my energy levels. When I felt the urge to go out and exercise, I knew I was better but decided to be cautious and went for a walk first. I listened to my body and was satisfied I had no breathing issues or tiredness, making me want to stop on my way. The next day I went for a regular run (to me that means easy, up to 5k) and all was well. I hope you’ll run soon and strong!