I finished my couch to 5k, which I learned to love last year and progressed further. I was loving my new confidence, new running ability and never felt better... until covid hit.
I got poorly in Sept, took a long time to recover and had heart problems since. My medication seems to be right now and I've been given the all clear to exercise after lots of tests (infact encouraged, to help strengthen heart) but for the past month or so ive just been scared to!
My asthma is awful again with lack of exercise and I know I need to start slowly rather than try and beat PBs like like time. I have a feeling I will find it infuriating finding it harder than I did before when I could run so freely.
I am writing now, not because I'm going to put on my shoes and go now but knowing that i loved this forum last time and hoping this will get me that step closer to dusting off my clothes.
Anyone have any advice about running after an illness or how to start a fresh and not compare to last time?
Written by
SammiN3
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
You need, as all runners do, to accept that you are where you are in respect of performance and respect your body by building it back up again in gently progressive steps, forgetting your former pace.
I recently completed C25K from scratch, after chemotherapy. I could have jumped back in part way through, but there should never be any impatience in training as that leads to injury, so was happy to work through from W1R1 and it was a great experience, with other strengthening exercises alongside.
Be kind to yourself and pursue fitness, not numbers. Who knows, in a few months you might well be up to your pb pace, but if you are not, does it really matter?
A friend I’ve followed on here came back from Covid, she started at week 1 and took it very gently, she’s graduated again and running well now, so take it slow rest when you need and we will all cheer you on
Hi SammiN3, the very fact you're thinking about getting back out there is positive and part of the journey to getting out the door with the trainers on again. Keep your expectations in mind that you're recovering from a major illness and go gently with yourself. The beginning is not a bad place to start 🙂
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.