Post-viral and miserable

[msanni]

A fortnight after being struck down by flu just when I was about to start week 5, I have been out and failed to complete week 4 run 3. Twice! I am desolate. Will I have to go back to the beginning?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

A fortnight is just about the length of time when you might just begun to feel a drop in condition, through lack of running, so if you get back in the next week or so, then there is no way you will have to start back at Week 1.

It is tough, but happens to just about everybody for one reason or another. Get well first otherwise you will not enjoy your running, regardless of the week. Then set out to find out what the damage is, with a very gentle run out, with the maximum duration of the last run you did. You might surprise yourself, but if you have to drop back a week or two, so be it.

Just about every experienced runner on this forum has had to do something similar at some point. It is part and parcel of becoming a runner.

[Hidden]

I feel for you...i had to start again twice due to ill health...but the second time i only dropped back a couple of weeks...& that was after over a month!!!you will be fine 😊

[damienair Graduate]

I’m a graduate since June last year. I feel your pain. Don’t be discouraged at all. I took a 2 month break during November and December. Then worked really hard in January, walking and running 5K every day for the month and at the end of January was back to running 5K in about 32 mins.

Like you I got a bad cold and had to rest for 2 weeks. My next run was awful and I could only just manage 2Km. But my next run I took my time and managed 4K. Now I’m back to 5K. Just take your time, don’t be hard on yourself. You have a base and will be back there in a week or two. Keep running.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Maybe you need a bit more recovery time? There is a difference between being better enough to cope with everyday activities and better enough to run. Don't be discouraged, you will pick up your running again. I really sympathise- I have had flu immediately filled by a really nasty flu-y cold- I have realised that there is no point trying to run until I stop the endless coughing. Take care x 😃

[RainbowC Graduate]

Sometimes it’s your head stopping you rather than your legs - especially if you’re coming back from illness and didn’t manage the run the first time. Why not do a week 3 run next time - if that all goes fine, you’ve then got a positive run behind you and you can decide whether to do another w3 run or two, or to move on to w4. Be kind to yourself - it takes time to recover fully.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Take IannodaTruffe 's advice.. and if starting again is necessary.. don't worry.

I have..two years on...

A spell on the IC... with a really painful issue... has taken me from running 10K back to the beginning.. and it is fine.. slow and steady building back up

You, are going to be just fine