Why do I seem to be going backwards!?!

[Over60sRunner]

After Covid/super flu last October and taking 5 weeks off running, I got back on it and was doing pretty well - even managed 3 full 5 k runs, my first 5ks ever!

In mid-December I had a set-back with PVF (post viral fatigue) that knocked me sideways and stopped me running for a further fortnight or so. Now I'm back running again but I just seem to be getting less and less fit and running shorter and shorter distances before this horrible fatigue takes over and I have to stop. The last fortnight has been a nightmare with only one run each week - one of 2.5k and one of 2k - before I had to stop or fall over (literally!).

Has anyone else suffered these kind of problems and, if so, do they have any pearls of wisdom to share? I was really getting into regular running, but now this virus seems to have stolen everything from me. My blood pressure and blood sugars are on the rise again,as is my weight, and I really don't want to end up back on meds sat in chair exhausted, but I don't feel I can do much more just now after a hard day at work

Sorry to be so negative, but I've never felt this ghastly for so long in my whole 62 years of life!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Everyone's experience of PVF could be very different as with COVID.

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[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you 🙏 A helpful read Instructor57

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Hi, sorry to hear that you feel like you are fighting a losing battle. I empathise. I’m in a similar situation and just having to wait til I’m better. Have you got any music in your life? When I was first on the injury couch I bought a cello. It’s too big for my home, so I’m now on the guitar. It helps me focus on something other than eating biscuits, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It makes me feel better. I’m afraid music, rest and good food (if you e got the energy to prepare it) is all I can suggest. Wishing you a speedy recovery x

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

I do have music in my life, but not in the sense of instruments, but more music to dance to and thankfully the PVF hasn't impacted to much on my jiving just yet! I appreciate any and all suggestions - and the time you took to suggest them. Thank you 🙏

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

We all have to celebrate what we can do and accept with good grace that we are where we are and devise plans to take us forward.

It is a very small proportion of runners for whom their performance and fitness trajectories are ever upward.

Keep up the habit but don't make it a slog, or you will get disheartened. Do what you can and don't constantly compare with what you formerly did.

PVF can sometimes take many months to overcome.

You will get there.

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your wise words. I think I'm just disappointed that I was doing so well, then PVF came along like a big pin and burst my running bubble!

There's lots going on in my life that needs changing - and much is to do with my mindset and self-care so I'm going to sit in the wolf moon's glow tonight and think on....................

[Poppdog Graduate]

So sorry your having a tough time but you are not giving up. Just be kind to yourself. Getting out there is a big achievement after being ill. I have started again after Covid and I am on Wk2R2 in the treadmill this time and finding it tougher than I did first time round but I am determined to be back. Build up slow take care you have got the willpower to do this, the virus as robbed us of so much don’t let it take away your love of running.

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to Poppdog]

Thank you. I have invested in a folding running pad that doesn't take up too much room and am planning to do some short runs on that as and when I can fit them in.

I'm also thinking long and hard about whether I still want to work in a very intense job that was manageable 15 years ago but is now utterly knackering me out....lots of contemplation under the wolf moon and beyond!

We will both just keep plodding away - let's be virtual plod buddies huh?😀

[Runawaytrainer Graduate]

Take care. Listen to your body. I have CFS/ME and also want to run for my blood pressure and diabetes prevention. I graduated but had a sore hip last year. Physio stopped me running. It's so hard to get back! I've finished week 1 over the last 3 weeks, having done several half runs. I decided Active 10 was a good baseline. I can walk briskly for 10 minutes even if my legs hurt too much for anything else that day! And my work is gentle. Take care now and I hope you will feel totally different by the time the summer comes!

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to Runawaytrainer]

Thank you 🙏 It's encouraging to know I'm not alone and not everyone is making AMAZING progress 🙂

[PandaCory Graduate]

I know it's hard but you need to be kinder to yourself and let yourself be less than 100% for a bit. I can totally sympathise as I've just come out of covid, but I'm still wiped out - I have massive brain fog (just arrived for my uncle's funeral a week early), and my legs feel as if they have lead weights attached. Like you, I've tried a couple of short runs, but they've been so tough & I know how frustrating that can be when you're used to doing more/better. Try to be relaxed about it- your fitness will come back, but you've been ill & it will take time. Now I just need to follow my own advice 😁😁!

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to PandaCory]

Thank you 🙏 and I can relate to not listening to my own advice 😆

I have made a huge step forward today and have cut back on my hours at work for the next few weeks to give myself some breathing space......feeling proud!

[PandaCory Graduate]

That's the ticket - work is overrated anyway 😁😁

[JetsNanna Graduate]

I don’t have any words of wisdom with regards to getting you back ‘where you were’ so to speak but I’d advocate embracing where you are. You have the desire to get fitter and now you just need your body to heal so that you do just that. You will, all in good time. Be kind to yourself and if running is a step too far at the moment try some brisk walks just to keep you breathing fresh air and getting out of the house.

Wishing you a speedy recovery 😊

[djwake]

I sympathise so much with your position!I had just started when I received a shock diagnosis- I have cancer in my oesophagus- it’s actually not the cancer itself that’s the Cto5k problem- I can still do my running- but I’m about to start my treatment and I am not sure how it will affect me.

I’m already telling myself to listen to my body- not something I have been good at in the past🤪

But do just listen to your body (do as I say, not as I do 🥰)

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to djwake]

OMG, I'm so sorry to hear that 😔 I wish you all the very best for your treatment and recovery 🙏🙏