I'm returning, although super scared!

[SammiN3]

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?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back.

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?

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you xSorry to heart about your struggles too. I wish you the best of luck for your health aswell x

Fab advice thank you

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

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

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you x

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Very simply, start from the beginning, W1R1 and go from there.

But you WILL need to change your mindset re: pushing yourself and chasing PBs.

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Something im not very good at ha! Last time I was running for my mental health, this time my physical! Slow and steady.Thank you

[tmbtrain Graduate]

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 🙂

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to tmbtrain]

Thank you, I feel more confident already xxWatch this space 🤞

[tmbtrain Graduate in reply to SammiN3]

Following you now 🧐😂

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to tmbtrain]

I have to do it soon then 🙈

[johnm12 Graduate]

Hi Sammi,I'm pretty sure that you have definitely decided you want to do this again so...........WELCOME BACK fellow runner. Take it steady though.

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to johnm12]

You're right thank you x Final hurdle- getting out the door. Will make it my goal for this weekend!