4 weeks off...

[missathena]

Hello everyone,

4 weeks ago I was SO CLOSE to finishing the programme.

The weekend before day 1 of week 9, my chest had started to feel a bit iffy but I decided to run the first day anyway... I actually think that was a mistake!

I was struck down with a virus which gave me a really yucky chest and cough, as well as nasty cold. I felt awful and I was ill for 3 weeks, just started to get over it after christmas. Either way, I have recovered from it (mostly - the odd cough here and there).

I got a fluo yellow running top and the leggings to go with them - black, with yellow accents and reflective spots! This made me excited about running again!

My only issue is, I am now not sure of my fitness levels since being off for so long!

I really don't want to go too far back into the programme do people tend to lose fitness quickly? or not? I have no idea.

I think I will start from week 7 and see how I go.

Does anyone have any advice?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Really take it steady...maybe a just a, no pressure trial run to start... don't risk setting yourself back...especially in the weather we are having currently!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

I think if I had had a yucky chest infection my first run would be two 10 mins with a 3min recovery walk in the middle just to gauge how it feels. Then if that is ok do the 20 min run next time then start the gradual increase towards graduation when feeling strong and confident. Good luck and sorry to hear you were feeling low over christmas.

Graduation is just around the corner though....

[Rignold]

Well, good that you have recovered and at least you can chalk that down as a lesson learned. Almost all of us learn that "Can I run feeling a bit poorly' lesson the hard way and you've got it out of the way early.

It doesn't really matter how many weeks you have to go back in the programme, what matters is finding the level your body is capable of. an extra week to gradation against making yourself ill again or struggling to regain momentum.

I would suggest just going out and having a run for the first day and see how you get on. If you feel like you have been run over by a horse after 10 mins, then have a break and run some more. If you can comfortably run 20+ minutes, then all well and good. If not then there is your answer. Also run slower than you normally would It's clled a Recovery Run for a reason.

I run very long distances but if I am coming back after an injury or time off for whatever reason, I now keep my first couple of runs right down - 15-20 minutes or so, just to ease my body and system back into the idea.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Rig, as always, offers excellent advice. Your body will dictate how much you should be doing. Running is for life and this is just a temporary setback so just ease yourself back in.