Advice please

[Chewy73]

Hi everyone, can anyone give me some advice please! I started 5k app earlier this year! I had 3 runs to go to complete 5k! Then back in July I started back to work after the first lockdown but found it difficult to keep jogging and working! Now it’s the 2nd lockdown and Iv started again from week 6! But! I’m feeling dizzy and light headed when I stop jogging, should I continue further back the weeks, To get my fitness level back? Or just carry on from week 6? anyone with any suggestions please?

[Ian5K Graduate]

Do you think it’s related to your migraine problem?

Are you still running before breakfast? If so, try another time of day, just a couple of hours after food.

Could you be going too fast? I read that intensity of exercise can bring on migraine in sufferers not up to fitness. Moderate is better for starters. 🙂

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Ian5K]

Never thought of that! Yes I run before breakfast, and drink plenty of water for hydration

[Ian5K Graduate in reply to Chewy73]

Energy wise, I run best before lunch. I do run before breakfast but I find it more draining - almost 10 hours since food! I enjoy a hearty breakfast after though. 😁

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Ian5K]

Thankyou so much, I always thought it was best to run early in morning before breakfast but now I will definitely leave it later on during the day, Hopefully I’ll run better 👍

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Do you eat anything before you go out? I normally have a banana and a drink about 30 mins before I go out. Week 6 should be ok, but it’s down to you, choose whatever week you feel comfortable with. Good Luck and well done for running again, it’s hard when you have to work too but it’s do-able 👍

[Hidden]

Hi Chewy and welcome back. Lockdown has really turned things on their head for so many people, but it is great that you are back here.

Where you restart really depends on what you can comfortably manage during your run. Feeling dizzy after your run can be caused by a number of things, including those already mentioned in previous replies to your post. Pushing too hard too soon is another cause.

I was out last year for 6 months after injury during week 9 and I restarted back at the beginning in January. I graduated in March on the first day of the lockdown and ran my first 10k last month. Be patient, do a trial run and see what you can comfortably manage both during and after the run, and go from there. Good luck.

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou so much and congratulations on your achievement!

That’s why I asked for expert advice, Iv tried w6r2 4 times! (2x 10 min runs with 3 min walk) And only completed the run once but I thought I’d try the run again but started to feel dizzy and lightheaded, so was wondering what the experts suggest, do I carry on w6r2 run til I feel comfortable with it or go back to w5 or even w4

[Hidden in reply to Chewy73]

You are right to ask for advice. I found this forum and it's mentors so supportive when I restarted and when injury struck again they were so helpful. I pop back here ocassionally to catch up with VRBs who are currently on their reruns.

As you have already suggested, going back a couple of weeks, perhaps to week 4, would be a good place to restart. It will enable you to get some comfortable interval runs under your belt as well as boosting your confidence as week 6 has been a bit tough. It is important to enjoy your runs rather than them feeling like a battle or a chore, so ease yourself in comfortably and have some fun. Happy running 😊

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou, I hope Youv fully recovered from your injury. I have a weak ankle after I badly sprained it some years ago! It’s just a little disappointing as I was on W9R1 3 months ago! And having to start all over again!

It is very good on here! The support you get can be an achievement in its self. Thankyou so much again for your advice 😊

[Hidden in reply to Chewy73]

Currently injury free just now (touch wood!), thank you. Spending time on the injury couch certainly makes you very mindful about listening to your body, knowing your limits and looking after yourself. I hope this time everything goes smoothly for you; good luck.

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Chewy73]

Probably why I’m going dizzy and lightheaded!!! 😟

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

I agree with the comments about having something to eat. I used to run before breakfast but found I ran out of energy quickly and felt sick and dizzy. Now I have a piece of toast about 45 mins before I run and I’m fine. I also feel dizzy and sick if I go off too fast. Hope you figure it out soon and get your running legs back

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Thankyou! I will get it back I’m sure! I’m no quitter haha! Think my breathing needs to be more controlled too! First 5 mins I’m gasping for air but then I try n concentrate on my breathing! I’ll soon get it all back eventually 👍

[Luvlollyboo]

Thank you for posting this - and to everyone for your replies. I too got to week 8, Run 3 during first lockdown but everything stalled when I went back to my outdoors job. I haven’t done a run since Start July.

I’ve had a lazy eye on this site.

But you may have motivated me to give it another go tomorrow.

I too will go back to week 4, Chewy73.

Slightly nervous that I’ve now committed again 😬🙏🏼

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Luvlollyboo]

Oh Thankyou! 😁 it’s a good feeling Iv actually done some good to someone else! 👍

Starting back to work in July was tough going! I was too exhausted when I finished work to fit my runs in!

We can do this! We have to complete 5k!

Iv bought some new gear! With the weather change! I’m all set!

[Luvlollyboo in reply to Chewy73]

What did you buy? I’m about to order winter running gear!!

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Luvlollyboo]

Warmer socks and more bottoms and long sleeve tops! Bluetooth earmuffs too! Theyr brilliant!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Chewy73]

You don't have to do 5km, you know. 30 minutes is sufficient.

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to nowster]

I know, but 5k is my own personal goal and hopefully try and better myself and run for charity next year

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate in reply to Luvlollyboo]

I’ve struggled since returning to work too. 3 runs a week is an aim that I rarely achieve. My available energy is far less too after a busy day/ week at work.

I try to do at least one quick run during the week, about 20 mins and I make it an interval run to try to work on speed. Then I try to squash in a 30 min run in but it rarely happens. I keep my longer 5k run to the weekend, whatever day has the best weather. 2 runs is manageable and it’s better than none. It’s tough though - I hear you 🤗

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

It’s so hard adjusting isn’t it, but my job is active on its own and all I wanted to do was kick my shoes off and put my feet up, even on my days off I’m recovering from work haha.

Think I’m going to try and do what you do! Try to fit at least 1 run in! Iv just rest the app and started again from w4! Finding it easier 👍😁