Frustrated by flu

[Diddidi]

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!

[MikeJones68 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to MikeJones68]

Thank you Mike, that's definitely encouraging!

[51mc Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to 51mc]

That's great news! Thank you for sharing

[Irishprincess Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

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 Graduate in reply to Diddidi]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to HeadInTheClouds]

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