Bit of a setback

[HelsyM]

Hello All

I did week 8 run 3 on Sunday and had hoped to do all three runs of week 9 by this coming Sunday.

I have had a bit of a hiccup as unfortunately my husband had a heart attack yesterday, so is obviously in hospital and although he is ok, I cannot see I will be running in the next few days. I just wonder if anyone has any thoughts on how long I can leave it between week 8 run 3 and week 9 run 1 without feeling the effects of too long a gap? If I stop for a week would I need to go back to the beginning of week 8 or even further back?

I really struggled with motivation since week 7 so the thought of repeating any runs is not an exciting one!! But I've barely had time to drink a glass of water in last 24 hours let alone drink 2l or think about any kind of preparation. But I have come so far - I never thought I'd get to this point - and I don't want to give up.

Helen

[tara-j Graduate]

So sorry to hear this, not sure on the running bit, I am sure others will. I hope you are ok it must have been quite a shock. Hoping all goes smoothly. Tx

[Hiphop2]

So sorry to read this. Hope he will be ok. X

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

Oh no what a shock - sending positive vibes your way and hope your hubby has a speedy recovery. On the running front I’m sure I’ve seen people say you can go a week without losing your fitness level- but someone with more knowledge than me will advise. 🤞🏼

[Brunsamarathon Graduate]

So sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he has a speedy recovery. It must have been a very stressful 24hrs and you must be worn out!

I have had a few stop start moments during the programme. I have had a week between runs before and found I could still manage. I maybe slowed it down a little to make sure but soon got back on track. It would be much better to be rested and wait a few days than go out worn out and make it a harder run for yourself.

Take care of your self too 😊 x

[Oliverunner]

Oh no - sending best wishes for a speedy recovery for your husband and what a horrible shock for you! I too had some hiccups but found that a week off didn’t do too much harm and I managed to pick up where I left off xx

[HelsyM Graduate]

Thanks everyone. He’s spent lockdown getting fit and healthy so it was a shock indeed. Really grateful for your kind comments and advice re running. Maybe I will give myself a week off and start again next week x

[Skibunny69]

Hello I wasn’t sure whether to reply or not as I don’t know you but my thoughts are with you at this tough time. I had a break of 2 weeks with illness at week 8, and didn’t suffer too much or repeat any runs.

I appreciate you don’t feel you have much time at the moment as looking after your husband but I do think a walk or run is the head space you may value over the coming weeks. and you need to look after yourself too to be of value to him in the longer run. Keep strong.

[HelsyM Graduate in reply to Skibunny69]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, it’s much appreciated. It’s good to get everyone else’s experiences too. I hope you are recovered from your illness.

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate]

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Second of all, do not worry, you have more on your mind. Also, to reassure you, I had some very good advice from Ian, one of the administrators of this forum, when I hit a bit of a problem with my asthma on this journey. You lose none, literally none of your fitness and stamina within a two week period of time. You are well in to this programme and have done the training so you are solid. For reassurance you can go back and read the guide, in particular the section about injuries (I know you don't have an injury but it deals with needing time off to rest for one reason or another). You are going to be absolutely fine with coming back to this, in your own time, and pick up exactly where you left it. In the meantime, if you do get a little chance to go for a little walk, or a few minutes of yoga or stretches, that will help with your mind and soul, as well as keeping your muscles nice and stretched. Wishing your husband a very speedy delivery. Don't worry about C25K, you have this, and very look forward to reading about you picking back up. We are here to help. x

[HelsyM Graduate in reply to Bloomsbury22]

What a lovely message, thank you so much. It’s so much appreciated x

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Hi, I agree with everything Bloomsbury22 has said. My OH had a sudden heart attack ten years ago and he is all right. It is a very worrying time, and having a week off won't affect your fitness levels, however getting out for a brisk walk or a short run will help you cope. Hope to hear from you soon.

[Catwise Graduate]

I am so sorry about your husband, and grateful he’s ok now. On the running front, I’ve been told you can go about two weeks without losing much fitness, and I’ve done it myself. I went two weeks after W7R3. I came back and repeated W7R3 but only because I’d lost track! 😂. I could’ve easily gone on to W8R1.

As your husband recovers, maybe you can try to look at your runs as a method of stress relief for yourself. I’ve only just graduated, I’ve done 3 post-grad consolidation runs so far, and I already am looking at them differently. They’re for ME, to help me unwind or give me a boost in self confidence or whatever. Since I’m no longer adding distance every time I go out there’s just a different vibe, less “attacking” the run and more accepting of myself and whatever the run is going to give me. I’m setting my watch for 30 minutes and just running. I’ve used my own music and the Nike Run Club guided runs (“Just a Run” is the only one I’ve tried so far, very good!).

Good luck, I know you’ve got so much going on right now, just take care of your husband and of YOU!

[Fionamags Graduate]

So sorry to hear this - you must be exhausted with thecworry of it all. You've already had sound advice about picking up where you left off. I'm sure you'll get back to it soon and look forward to cheering you at yhe finish. Big virtual hugs to you.

[RunGirl1989 Graduate]

I am so sorry to hear about your husband's heart attack. I hope he will get better soon and come back home.

It is probably sooner the better you return to running, it may help to relax a bit and take the worry out of your head x

[HelsyM Graduate]

Thanks everyone for your replies and for your kind words. My husband is doing fine and I managed to get back to running after just a week, and I've just graduated which is a great feeling. Hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying the sunshine X

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to HelsyM]

I'm glad your husband is OK and you're back to running. Amazing that you've graduated as well with all that going on. Enjoy your consolidation runs!!