W8 failed

[Di72]

Hi all, I need advice. I was very busy at the weekend as we got a new puppy, so I didn’t get to do my 3rd run of week 8 till Monday. 11 mins into the run I felt so weak, my back was hurting really badly and for the first time since I started c25k I knew I had to stop. I woke up on Tuesday morning with a chest infection which explains why I was unable to complete R3. I’m going to give myself the rest of the week to recover and start again next week. Do you recommend starting week 8 again from the beginning? Or just R3?

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Aah sorry you feeling poorly but glad you had the sense to stop! (not fail!)

Rest with lots of fluids & when you really feel better just pick up where you left off. You only lose fitness after 2 weeks. Get well soon 🌸🌹

[Di72 in reply to Annieapple]

Ah brilliant, that’s good to hear. Thank you for that. I was worried I may lose fitness sooner. So close to graduation too. Fingers crossed I’ll be up and running again by next week. Enjoy your last 2 runs Annie. I’ll keep my eye out for your graduation 👍

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to Di72]

Thank you!

[LeeU Graduate]

You never, ever fail a run, unless you fail to go out. Look, we don't even use the F word on here, consider yourself told off.

There are times when you don't realize you are ill but are, the deck was stacked against you so to speak.

Take your time to get better, make sure the chest infection is gone and then try W5 R3, then W6 R3 and then back to week 8 just to ease yourself back in, no point in rushing it.

If it takes you 2 extra runs then who cares? It's all running mileage under your belt.

[Di72 in reply to LeeU]

Thank you lee that makes sense. I will try that next week

[Buddy34 Graduate]

It's said you will loose no fitness for 2 weeks . Don't worry look after yourself that comes first . Good luck 😊

[Di72 in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks buddy ☺️

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Poor you, no run is a fail, especially not when you are so I'll. Dont rush out till infection well and truly gone you dont want it lingering around too long. Wishing you a speedy recovery

[Di72 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thank you 😊 it’s good to hear from other people I haven’t failed. I think I was beating myself up as I was doing so well before the infection. On antibiotics and steroids now so fingers crossed 🤞 I’ll be good to go again sometime next week

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Di72]

All the best, you are doing great

[steviej99 Graduate]

No fails on here they are just extra training runs. Well done getting to week8 that's amazing. Main thing is to make sure that you are fully recovered before you head out again, don't rush it

No need to take a step back, take it really slow and steady at the start and enjoy the feeling as the time passes. You'll love it and then you can move on to your graduation week! Good luck and enjoy your running

[Di72 in reply to steviej99]

Thank you stevie. Yes, I’m going to listen to you guys and recover before I rush back. It’s just a little disheartening when I was so close to graduation. There is no time limit and I WILL get there 💪

[steviej99 Graduate in reply to Di72]

I know exactly what you mean! My c25k was going great but had setbacks with unexpected injuries. I heard a great podcast from a coach and an Olympic athlete both of whom said "us runners" 😊 have to accept that injuries are a part of running, just accept it and as you do in life, pick yourself up and keep going! Hope you have a speedy recovery from your illness

[Smelliepoo Graduate]

Listen to these guys, you did not fail! You are not well and this is only a temporary pause to recover. Don't rush back into it too quickly either. A chest infection can really knock you and just because you finish antibiotics and feel a lot better does not mean you are ready to strain your lungs when they have had a massive beating! I would do a little tester run that is not too strenuous first, just to make sure you really are ready for going back to the plan. If you are not ready to go back yet then your body needs more time and you will only be worse off for not listening to it, if you get ill again due to lack of recovery time then you will not be able to run for an even longer period! Take care of yourself.

[Di72 in reply to Smelliepoo]

Aww thank you. It’s really knocked me for 6 this infection. I’ve spent 2 days in bed which is not me at all. I will do as you suggested and do a small run first when I feel stronger and see how it goes. Thank you so much for your advice 🤗