Running after Covid

[Paddymatt]

Hi there,

Just recovering from Covid, two weeks in now. Want to start running again.

Any advice out there please?

Thanks,

Joe

[nowster Graduate]

How far had you got before? I notice you joined the forum last Autumn.

Maybe just get out and do a short gentle slow jog and see how it goes. Perhaps 5-10 minutes maximum, with a bit of walking beforehand to warm up.

Or if you need structure, you could do the first run in C25K. Be prepared to need to cut it short and don't try to be a hero.

The virus will have sapped your energy. It may have had other physical effects too. You won't find out your limits until you've had a try.

[Paddymatt in reply to nowster]

Dear Nowster,I started in September and managed 5k by Christmas. I was dead chuffed then Covid kicked in and my breathing has not been the same. Will follow your advice.

Thank you,

Joe

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Take it easy, have extra rest days if necessary.

This article may help yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/yo...

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.

[Paddymatt in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for your advice. I guess starting from the beginning makes sense. I shall read the link you gave me.Thanks,

Joe

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Paddymatt]

I have restarted C25K after chemotherapy and it is far better to build up gradually than push hard.

[Paddymatt in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Sound advice.Good luck with chemo.

Joe

[RollerDisko]

I just saw your post and have joined so as to reply...we are all different of course - I'm probably way older than you for a start (!) but just to say I started C25K after Covid last march 2020. I had recurring symptoms for about three months. Thought I had seen it off. Thought - I'm going to shake it off by getting really fit. It took me a three months of trying to get through all the podcasts and I then was running ok every other day 4/5k. Then I suddenly started getting strange new symptoms. By mid december I could no longer run. 23rd December in bed limbs shaking like jelly for no reason, headache joint ache. Extreme breathlessness at reast or just walking upstairs. Five days later could not get out of bed and ended up in casualty : -(. I hadn't caught Covid again I realise now that I had severe post viral collapse and had to join a long covid clinic. My body had been telling me not to run but I ran through the signs, so sick was i of feeling poorly. The point of describing all this (!) is to tell you to take it easy. I mean really easy. Watch your breathing - ie dont overbreathe - there are many good videos on this on youtube and it's really important for wellness because we aren't always aware that we're breathing too quickly and upsetting the O2 CO2 balance. Know your 'red line' - if you feel fatigued when running or doing anything else (e.g. lifting heavy objects can still make me feel dizzy) stop and rest, you're not being a wuss, you've just had a virus. Take care and best of luck.

[Paddymatt in reply to RollerDisko]

Dear RollerDisko,Thank you so much for your thoughts.

I am 59 and usually in good health but this Covid business has hit me for 6. Feeling frustrated because my C25K programme was going so well and it made me feel energised and mentally fit too. Now I find it hard to breath and cough continually as I move out of Covid but really want to get fit again.

I will follow your advice and take it easy despite wanting to get up and go.

I wish you well in your own recovery.

Joe

[Comfortnotspeed]

I wish you well with your recovery. Be kind to your body and take it gentle. Took me a while to return after Covid as it affected my breathing for quite a while. Turned out a nasty chest infection had taken route along with the virus. But, after some good advice about going easy from the forum here, it’s back to running.

[Paddymatt in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

How long after Covid did you feel ready to run?

[Comfortnotspeed in reply to Paddymatt]

Please don’t be put off, but I was tested positive mid Jan. It was mid March until I felt well enough to run again. But I had to sort the chest infection out.

[Paddymatt in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

I understand.Guess it will take time to build up strength again for a 5K run. I shall take it bit by bit.

Thanks for your advice.

Hope you get back to full fitness soon.

I count my lucky stars as this Covid business could have been a lot worse.

Best wishes,

Joe

[Comfortnotspeed in reply to Paddymatt]

Exactly how I feel.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Go out slowly and see how you go.

[Paddymatt in reply to Tasha99]

Dear Tasha99Thank you for your advice.

Joe