Any advice genuinely appreciated 😩

[Shutthefrontdoor]

So completed Couch to 5k then went on to completing 10k runs. I then got Covid in October and have since been diagnosed as having long Covid (hence no running)

On to my question, would you go back right to the beginning of Couch to 5k or just head out and see what happens?!

I have missed just being able to get out there and my daughter kindly informed me the other day that I was “definitely more miserable” when I am not running 😂

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

This post about returning to exercise after Covid may give some guidance, yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/yo...

I am following a similar route to returning to running after chemotherapy, which has knocked me for six. I restarted C25k from scratch, despite having nearly eight years of running on my legs.

In general terms, as stated in the guide to the plan, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you lose no significant condition in the first two weeks of non running.

After that loss of condition is gradual.

All any of us can do after a lay off is to go out and see what we can comfortably manage, then build back up gently, using C25k or something similar as a guide to weekly increase. Better to err on the side of caution.

Always better to follow a gently, progressive return rather than push hard. No pain, no gain is an outmoded philosophy.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Shutthefrontdoor Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much for getting back to me.I think you are right with your suggestion of going back to where I started. I completed it once and am sure I can do it again!

I wish you well on your continuing recovery 💕

[Pugwash Graduate in reply to Shutthefrontdoor]

I can't add to IannodaTruffe 's advice - comprehensive and sensible. Start small - little victories. Good luck and welcome back to running! 👍🏴‍☠️

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

So sorry for getting Covid 19 then Long Covid, I am afraid that once you are able to run again, I hope that won't be too long, you will have to restart the course, I wish you well.

[Shutthefrontdoor Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you for your kind words. Life’s a bugger but onwards and upwards!I think it will be best to restart once again but just looking forward to getting back out there 🏃🏻‍♀️