I finished Couch to 5K in the summer and since then have been trying to build up both speed and distance. However, every time I seem to be making some progress, I then come down with a cold virus which stops me running for a week or so. Then I have to start building up my running again and the next bug hits. I've had a cold and then a fluey bug in the last three weeks, and I'm getting frustrated. I feel as though I'm taking two steps forward and three steps backward.
Could the running affecting my immune system? I thought that running would make me healthier! Does anyone else have this problem, and can anyone offer some advice? Thanks.
Written by
Limawhite
Graduate
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hmmm it sounds like your immune system isnt too happy. Worth getting checked by GP for anything underlying.. also make sure you get enough rest between runs. I swear by Berrocca... perhaps take a supplement to help ward the bugs off?
Thanks ju-ju. I’m thinking of doing that. I had had periods of recurring colds (one of the blessings of grandchildren, I thought) but have been very well over the past few months since starting Couch to 5k. So it’s depressing to start getting ill again.
Yes, activity can affect some immune systems in a less than positive way A few of us (especially those of us with a variety of underlying health issues) find that we can't manage as much activity as we would like for that reason.
When you say you get a cold virus, what are the symptoms? Irritant nasal discharge?
The last one was more of a mild flu, with chills, aches, exhaustion plus abdominal cramps. The previous one was a standard head cold. I thought I was over it after a week, so did a 5k run and within a couple of hours I was feeling really ill again. So that meant another week off. Very frustrating!
Hmmm, yes, sounds like beefing up the general self care is called for and maybe experimenting a bit with how much running you can really handle... Realfoodieclub is an expert on this and still manages to achieve all sorts of feats.
Ha, thanks for the advice. You may be right on being realistic about how much running I can manage. I used to run about 30 years ago, and recently found a photo of me finishing a 10k in 52 minutes, back in 1989. However, the decades have rolled by, and I have to remember I am no longer that person, sigh ......
Oh I feel your pain and totally understand it. I have to wiggle my training around and it is a very fine balance. Doing too much for me will lower my immune system and not eating enough will do the same.
I am lucky enough that I have a slight weakness in my throat. (Left over form a radiation burn) and it niggles when I am overdoing it so as soon as I feel that I ease up a bit.
I have also found upping my distances but not paying too much thought to my fuel (food) saps my energy and lowers my immune system
For me it has just been a combination really getting know my own body and giving it what it needs which gives me the ability to know just how much I can push it.
It also might just be worth getting some general bloods done including iron just to make sure that everything is ok. If you explain to your GP your concerns they should help to put your mind at rest.
Hi, that's extremely useful advice, Realfoodieclub. I read your profile after another poster mentioned you, and you are an inspiration! I have never considers a triathlon, and would be happy just to be able to get to 10k as I did in the past.
I had blood tests done a few years ago which showed lowish white blood cell counts, for no real reason, and I know if I overdo life in general, I will get ill. I always got the 'teacher's cold' - the one that pulls you down from early November, but doesn't come out properly till the first day of the school holidays - ha!
On reflection, I did three runs last week that were 'pushing' what I could manage, and am also on a diet! So what you are saying rings bells on a number of fronts. Being more sensitive to what my body needs (rest, food etc.) is clearly crucial.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences with me, and others.
I need to update my profile, 😀. if You go with your body and listen to it I am a firm believer there isn’t much you can’t accomplish within your own limitations. This year I was fortunate enough to donate a kidney to my other half and for all my profile looks like I struggle I am the fittest I have ever been and all that has been confirmed by the doctors. My point for sharing is once you learn exactly how much to push your body it will repay you in bucket loads . Be healthy Rfc x,
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A few of us (especially those of us with a variety of underlying health issues) find that we can't manage as much activity as we would like for that reason. 
Worst run yet..!! 
A very cold W3R3!
Cold stopped play :-(
Another post, another question 🙈
