Flu stopped run

[Moove]

Hi all looking for some advice, I have been enjoying the couch to 5k and got up to week 3 run 2. However last week I’ve had flu and still not quite over it. I now haven’t run for 9 days. I feel like I could have a go tomorrow. Wondering if I should drop back to week 2 or the beginning of week 3 or just hope I can do this last run and press on to week 4. I’ve been really enjoying it but now I’m worried I’ve lost place a bit

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As it states in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you don't lose any significant condition in the first two weeks of non running, so you should be able to pick up where you left off, but do make sure you are fully recovered before heading out again.

[Moove in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you didn't think to look back at the guide!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

If you had flu..wait a bit longer...as IannodaTruffe says...you need to be fully recovered..and flu takes a while.

[rainbowpurple]

I missed a few days last week due to snowy weather and ice. Yesterday when I went on a run I was due to start week 4 but I decided to do a week 3 run just because I felt like I’d left it a little too long. I guess it’s all down to how you feel. Personally I was already struggling with week 3 and didn’t want to push myself too hard going for week 4 when I may not have been ready

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Never run if you are injured or have any illness such as flu, hopefully your flu will be over soon and you will be able to resume your journey with C25K.

[Moove]

Thanks everyone! I will see how I feel Tom

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I always say try a fast walk before a run after being injured or ill. It can give a good indication if you are ready. I have had a stinker of a cold, went out yesterday for a fast walk, felt exhausted in the afternoon, so I know I’m not quite ready to run yet but probably by Monday, Tuesday. Extra days rest are better than coming back too soon.

[Runawaytrainer Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

That's helpful. I've not run for 2 weeks because of flu. Still aching. Tried to run but it didn't really work. Walking will give me the clues I need.

[Gottatry]

I too have had the flu, day 10 today, not run for 2 weeks, did a walk yesterday v breathless....might need to walk before I run, very disappointed to get I'll as just started running conseqative days...any advice? 🤔😘

[JoP61 Graduate]

Don't run again until you're fully recovered. I had to stop around week 4 due to injury and then bad weather, and was surprised that I could pick up where I left off without any noticeable drop in fitness. Best of luck and go carefully! 👍😀

[Chester01 Graduate]

I was in a similar position a few weeks ago, I started running again but really knocked my pace back (probably by about a third). Weirdly i’m glad it happened as with hindsight I needed to slow my pace a bit when I started doing the longer runs so have ended up taking the enforced break as a positive!

[CarolineLF]

Hi I am the same, been out for 7 days, and I can't believe I'm about to say this... but I can't wait to get out running again! I have the flu last week, had the whole week off work, really knocked me for 6. I feel a lot better in myself but my lungs I'm pretty sure could not handle a run, or even a 30 mins walk.

Was thinking about redoing the last week that I finished on when I start again, but maybe I don't need to reading others comments....

[Contentlycon Graduate]

I had the same, I missed time due to snow and then had a really bad cold after finishing week 2. So I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up with week 3 but hated the idea of losing progress. So I thought I’d go with week 3 but if I found it impossible go back to week 2 for a session. However it went really well and I felt I didn’t lose any fitness, if anything my body had recovered better from some of the impact good luck!

[Toridon Graduate]

This happened to me before Christmas, I had managed to get to W2R2 and got the flu...then Christmas and New Year so I just started at the beginning again, which has worked for me. I have just started W5, good luck whatever you decide to do.

[Ugogirl Graduate]

Make sure you are fully recovered or you will be coughing like crazy after a run. I was running with my son and his girlfriend. They got I'll. It was a good excuse for me to repeat wk 5 rather than do wk 6 on my tod. When they got better they dropped back a week too and repeated week 4. Best thing we all did. I have finished c25k now and they finish next week.

Get well soon and best of luck.

[Larrykat Graduate]

I had a really nasty cold two weeks back and did not run for 12 days. I then did run 1 of week 5 to see if I was ready to run again, that went better than expected so I did my usual park run yesterday. Unfortunately, I was not as over my cold as I thought and combined with a headwind for the 2nd half of the run I ended up walking. If you don't feel comfortable slow your pace, the only person who is bothered by how fast or slow you move is you. The best thing you can do is take it slow and steady, when it begins to feel easier push a little harder, improve your pace gradually and you will get the feel good factor without risking injury.