Loss of fitness after break

[Zev1963]

Do you find that as you get older, it takes longer to recover your fitness after a few weeks break? I'm 61. I began running in 2014. This year, up until March, I was running 3 times a week, 10km on tuesdays and thursdays, and 18km on sundays. Then I got hit with a flu/cold. After 3 weeks off, I found the maximum I could manage on Sunday was 12km, before needing to walk run. Soon after, I was hit by another bad cold. On returning after 2 to 3 weeks, I was down to running 6km 3 times a week. I seem to have lost so much endurance. The hills still feel fine. But I seem unable to sustain the distance now. I'm hoping that if I can keep off the couch, then my distances will improve again. It is very dispiriting though to lose so much fitness in such a short time

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

You haven’t had a break-you’ve been ill-twice! That’s definitely not the same. Flu is horrible and it does take a while to come back from. I’m on a slow build after a bad cold-it’s frustrating but it’ll get there. Totally sympathise with you feeling fed up. There have been some particularly nasty bugs around this year.

You will get there. Patience is very hard to find and if you spot a good supply of it somewhere, send some my way! Sending masses of good wishes your way ❤️‍🩹

[drl212]

I find that as you get older a lot of things take longer...

Wow...that's been a rough couple of months. Do be kind to yourself. Set out on your runs with the caveat that it will be what it will be - 6K, 12K or 18K. Listen to your body.

[Sax64 Graduate10]

Like Miss Understanding says, you've been ill. I spent too many weeks over the winter unwell with a succession of colds and any runs were all short, 5k at most, usually shorter. But I've taken time to gradually increase the distance and did the HU10 last week. The fitness will return, but I listened to my body and that worked for me. Wishing you a speedy return to full health from one 60s woman to another