Back after Festivities and Flu

[Vragtes]

Had my first run since Christmas eve this morning. As our house is unpleasant to live in st the moment due to building works, we booked into a hotel for Christmas, Boxing day and the following day. Although pleasant, it was like I’d imagine a cruise to be, without the sea! Being fed every four hours and doing little else!

So much for the festivities but on Christmas day I and my better half both started what I reckon was flu. The speed with which it came on was amazing. From feeling well to having alternate freezing then sweating spells followed by coughing through the night and really sore throats in just a day. Still, we’re over the worst of it and this morning, I felt well enough to go for a run again. Decided to do just 6km. Legs felt like lead so I took it slowly and by half distance, felt better but still an effort.

Did my stretches, cooled down, showered by which time (08:00) the first of the four builders arrived and now, at 8:45, the drills are going and I’m already looking forward to my next run, if only to get away from the noise and dust!

Oh well, have a great weekend all.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

”Just 6k”? Don’t you mean “a fantastic 6k after a decent sized break from running because of illness and crazy busyness”?!! It sounds like you’re being a bit hard on yourself. My usual comeback run is 15 minutes.…

Hope you can find some peace with all the building work-that’s not an easy situation to live with.

[Vragtes Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you MissUnderstanding for your uplifting comment. My run certainly didn’t feel fantastic. But I take your point and thank you!

My better half thought I am Southend (one stop beyond Barking) for going out at 7:00 in the dark and wet but I actually like early morning runs and as soon as the light improves will aim for 05:45 if possible.

Regarding living with building works, keeping a sense of perspective is important. One has only to look at the rest of the world to realise just how lucky we are. Our fears and anxieties, whilst perfectly real to us, must rank pretty low on the seriousness scale.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Vragtes]

I know exactly what you mean about not feeling fantastic-my first run back after a break was really tough. Fifteen minutes of feeling uncoordinated, really out of shape, pretty much like I’d never run before! It got better pretty quickly though. I’m sure it will for you too. Doing shorter runs regularly worked well for me.

It’s surprising how much a bug can take it out of you. You’ll get there. Take it slow and be nice to yourself!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

That flu thing with all the accompanying coughing is horrible isn't it? Glad you can get out for a run again

[Vragtes Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

yes, the coughing especially was bad. All night, pretty much till my head ached. But luckily, it didn’t develop into a chest infection as it did the only other time I’ve had flu. That lasted for the best part of three months and running would have been out of the question. So it really is great to be able to get out.

I surmise you have or have had the flu so hope you’re back to running form again. Thanks for the reply.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Vragtes]

Thank you, I've not run and not quite ready yet, still coughing but hopefully soon

[Vragtes Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Give yourself plenty of time to get over the cough before you start running. Enjoy the lie-ins. Your fitness will still be there. Get well soon.

[Chinkoflight]

The builders turned up, joy!😉 Well done on the recovery run, and yes I get that about cruises too, but they seem very popular, perhaps we're not old enough. Now that may get me in trouble......😁

[Vragtes Graduate10 in reply to Chinkoflight]

Dead man walking! 🤣

[Hidden]

The builders just left my house after 4 months. They are lovely chaps and I shouted 'missing you already' as they left. I think they got the joke.

It is horrible living with dust and why do they have to start so early? But they will soon be gone and it will be really great to have your life back.

It's a bit like the flu- you will never forgat the horror but it's fabulous when everything is back to normal!

Good to be back out there running too!

[Vragtes Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Ha! Know what you mean about missing them. We have the weekend ‘off’ and it’s pure joy not having to be up and about at 7:45 (which is the time they arrive) to switch off the alarm and to let them in.

The house is covered in a fine brick dust which appears again as soon as you’ve hoovered. Can’t fault the builders, they’re very professional, friendly, clear up (sort of) each day and turn up when they say they will. We had to wait for months before they could begin our job. Typical that they started in winter but should be finished mid February.

When I finish my runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as I turn into our street at 07:45, there they are in their vans, hooded and wrapped for the cold, waiting for a cuppa but they have to wait until I’ve done my stretches!