Post lurgy and niggles - update

[Fionamags]

Well Covid got me and the runs had to take a back seat for a while. I tried a short run the week after and it was such a puffer I had a word with myself and took another week off for recovery. When I next set out for a 20 minute session at a slow plod (I should say, even slower than usual 😀), I started to get a twinge in my left knee. So I thought I'd better be a bit cautious on the next one as well - but horrors - it got worse and I stopped at 15 mins and walked the rest of the way.

So this meant another couple of weeks off until I was confident that whatever it was had sorted itself. I was so disappointed as up until Covid hit I was on a complete high. I had completed the programme again and was working on gradually getting up to 5k. When reaching the 5k I even got close to 40 minutes - which for me is pretty good. I am sure it was because I had fallen into a solid, consistent pattern of running 3 times per week. (Something I wasn't always good at maintaining in the past.)

But now, thank goodness, all is well and I am back to it again. Slow, steady and cautious! That is 3x20 minute runs in the tank now and I'll move on to 25 mins next to see how I go. As you all are painfully aware, patience is not only a virtue - but hopefully a knee-saver too!

[dijep Graduate10]

It's really weird reading this because I also had a left knee niggle when I started out again. Thankfully mine eased off.Well done though you obviously did the right thing too rest up a bit more. You'll soon be chasing that 5k again.

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to dijep]

That really is weird to hear. I was wondering if it was something to do with Covid. Probs not - but I have never had any problems with injury at the shorter distances. It was only round about the 7-10Km mark that the niggles and aches used to start. I suppose I'm 2 years older though....

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Recovery takes time and you seem to be recovering well

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks Sue. It's a relief to be back to it and building up stamina again.

[Jericho2332 Graduate10]

Left knee niggles are my Achilles Heel....that makes absolutely zero anatomical sense but you know what I mean 😂

Slow and steady, walk if you need to. Rest it if it persists. Mine usually goes of its own accord after a few days.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Great to see you back here and building back... Gosh, so many of us doing similarly !

Listening to our body is just so, so important, It really is our best friend and our best advisor. You have had a rough time and slow and steady really is the best way,

Tweaking too as you move forward can be so useful... I used to regularly run three times a week and that familiarity was enjoyable ...but I have learned, after the set backs over the last year, to be kinder to myself and not worry too much if it does not happen. My body has thanked me for it

You will get back where you wish to be! Looking forward to your posts too!

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss. You are absolutely right - we just need to take it as it comes and be kind to ourselves.

[drl212 Graduate10]

So good to hear you are back after what seems like a lot being thrown at you health-wise.

Sounds like you've got a plan for a slow and steady return. As folks have said, go at your own pace and listen to your body.

I was out for two weeks with a really terrible sinus infection. I'm back to running regularly, but I'm still going at slow paces just to edge back in.

Good luck!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Argh Fionamags we need a covid club at the moment! Sorry to hear you’ve been done with it too. I had knee pain for the first time in ages just before testing postive. I think it’s related-I’ve had that same thing before.

Glad you’re on the way back. It’s extra hard in the heat isn’t it!!

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Wow another niggly knee linked to Covid.... Hmmmmm.

[Gthants 60minGraduate]

I think of running as a life saver. Three years of long Covid purgatory, followed by a year of running. I got Covid again a while back and it triggered lots of my symptoms, but I've run a couple of 5k recently and managed 6k with a bit of a stroll in the middle this morning.

It's much better to take it easily and build back into it. I had got into the habit of 3 times a week too, but have recently joined the gym and started pilates too, so I am trying to fit everything in without overloading...

Set backs are just part of the process, so you are wise to nurture your knee and work your way back up to running longer and further. I really notice that though I got ill again, I didn't;'t get as ill and I bounced back slightly faster. Stamina is improving. So you are on the right track with your slow, steady and determined work. Really excellent progress!

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to Gthants]

Thanks for that. It's good to have that reassurance. It is hard to rein it in sometimes and take it slowly.