Frustrated by flu: So, having graduated just... - Couch to 5K

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Frustrated by flu

Diddidi profile image
DiddidiGraduate
10 Replies

So, having graduated just before Christmas and managing a couple of 30 minute runs after that, I came down with flu. Apart from missing out on the party fun, I also ended up in bed for a week and am still struggling with a horrible cough and complete lack of energy. My last run was 2 weeks ago now and my head is telling me to get out there before I forget what my feet are for but my body is complaining every time I go out in the cold to walk the dogs. Anyone else had the same problem and when is a good time to get back into running? Is all my pre Xmas effort gone to waste? I was doing so well and now I just want to weep on my silk pillow!

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Diddidi profile image
Diddidi
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10 Replies
MikeJones68 profile image
MikeJones68Graduate

I feel your pain. I reached week 9 at the end of November and hadn't had any problems, but then sustained a calf injury during the first few minutes of run 1. About 10 days later I did manage to complete run 1, but then my leg didn't feel right on run 2 and I had to abandon that. Then I caught a cold etc. over Christmas. After 3 weeks without running I was worried about how far I'd have to go backwards in the programme, but I decided to give it a go and went straight back into week 9. It wasn't easy, but I did it and completed run 2 and 3 last week.

If I can do it, then I'm sure you can :)

Diddidi profile image
DiddidiGraduate in reply toMikeJones68

Thank you Mike, that's definitely encouraging!

51mc profile image
51mcGraduate

I have been in exactly the same position as you with the same symptoms. Started feeling better yesterday, so decided to try myself out today. I was actually dreading it, fearing that I would have gone so backwards, so just set out with the idea of running for 10 mins. I was amazed to be able to complete 25 mins without any problem and covered almost the same distance as I had been doing during 30 mins! So once you get over your flu, just go out and I am sure that you will be back to your previous level. Good luck!

Diddidi profile image
DiddidiGraduate in reply to51mc

That's great news! Thank you for sharing :)

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

Don't underestimate the effects of flu, it can hang around for a while after you start feeling ok. Why not try a walk/run and see how you feel? If you feel ok on the walks then you can break into a steady run.

I haven't run in 10 days because of a hacking cough and cold but will venture out tomorrow to test the body 🙂

Diddidi profile image
DiddidiGraduate in reply toIrishprincess

Good luck Irishprincess! I must admit the walks with the dogs have left me out of breath which is so frustrating after doing 30 minute runs.....oh well, slowly but surely....:)

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate in reply toDiddidi

If you are out of breath walking the dogs then your body is telling you something!! The running will be there, give yourself time to recover. 😀

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

I did walk/ runs after time off for injury. I just tried cautiously, listened to my body & built up the time over several runs. 😄

HeadInTheClouds profile image
HeadInTheCloudsGraduate

You have my complete empathy. I’m on day 14 of this bl@@dy flu virus. Hacking cough still and knackered. My last run was Christmas Day. I’m not even considering a run until I’m 100% fit. It’s not worth the set back, there’s plenty of time to build up the running again.

I really hope you feel better soon.

Diddidi profile image
DiddidiGraduate in reply toHeadInTheClouds

It's horrible isn't it? You are right, it's definitely not worth the setback. Hope you get better soon too!

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