Went on holiday after completing W7, got a cold which developed into a chest infection. It’s been 2wks since I completed W7 and I don’t feel I could do W1 at the moment. I’m soooooo upset and frustrated.
What do people do after a bout of illness? Launch into where they left off when they feel up to it or build up gradually from a few weeks back?
I should have graduated by now and wish I’d never gone on holiday! 😫
Fitness remains longer than you’d think... a week off probably leaves you stronger, the muscles were still building from the last run. Two weeks is the point we’re you’re where you were. After that there’s a gradual deterioration. You’ve been off two weeks, so in theory you can start where you left off. If the cold was on your chest, maybe do the 10 minute intervals from W6R2 as your symptoms may go before the virus is finished. Your choice and I hope it goes smoothly.
I’m nowhere near recovered so think I’ll have to step back a few weeks when the time comes and see what happens. It’s so frustrating.
Noticed your GRADUATE badge, congratulations 👍🏻🎓🏅
Thanks.
Ok when the infection has apparently gone I’d give it another day and then go out and just run. Time or track the run, go nice and slow and see how long you’ve run for when you’re spent... then you know where you are in the plan.
Hi. Well done on getting so far in the C25K programme but sorry to hear about the chest infection. We all suffer setbacks at some stage and it's important that you listen to your body and are patient. I get sinusitis a lot in winter and am a cold weather asthma sufferer too (there are quite a few of us lurking on the forums!). It can help to focus on what you can do and not what you can't. Take a look at some of the stretching and strengthening exercise on the NHS site to keep up what you've steadily built through the first 7 weeks. You'll be surprised how your fitness has improved even though you're feeling rough now and shouldn't worry too much about a pause in the programme.
When I last had a chest infection I waited til I felt I could manage a short run and went out without a watch or plan just to ease myself back in. It doesn't matter if you walk lots and run a bit - do what you can then work out where you might slot back in the plan. A tip I picked up from other asthma sufferers which also helps for other respiratory problems is to wear a buff round your neck and mouth when you first start out (if the air temp is cold). This warms the breath up and helps ease a tight chest.
Don't be hard on yourself - you are doing brilliantly and will graduate soon. Keep positive and good luck starting back again. 
Thanks for that, you’re right ... focus on what has been achieved and what WILL come, not on how I feel at the moment. When I feel ready, I’ll just go for it and see what I can do and take it from there. 👍🏻
Get well soon!
Thanks! Sorry to read you had a bad run. It was bound to happen, that’s how our bodies work. You’ll crack it next time and onwards to graduation! 👍🏻🤞🏼
Yes we will get there, it will just take us a bit longer.
