Finding it really hard getting back into it

[Chris--B]

My last run was on 7th July. A busy week made me miss a couple of runs, then catching Covid (again) and the heat wave just made it impossible to even consider running. I dont do well in the heat at the best of time, anything over 25 and I find walking fast a killer.

The dogs can only have a short walk at the moment, as one has been diagnosed with arthritis, and the other has just been spayed. My cough is still hanging on but it felt a bit cooler this morning when I got back from their walk so thought I would have a short run.

A few minutes later, I was changed and out the door. It seemed a lot hotter already. I thought just a short run to start with, but didn't expect it to be that short. Less than thirty seconds in and struggling to breath. Back to a walk for a few seconds and my breathing seemed OK. I started again but the same happened so I slowed right down to a pace about the same as my walk but it was no better. I continued for this start stop until I got home. I had only been out 15 minutes but felt absolutely shattered.

I guess I am not fully over covid as I cant believe I would lose that much fitness in 4 weeks. I think another try in a couple of days may be the best idea.



[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Give yourself a break to recover fully.

This about recovery from Covid may help yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/i-...

You have to accept that you are where you are, so be kind to yourself and build up nice and slowly.

You will get there and there is no rush.

[BrokeyNotSoBusted Graduate]

Covid affects many of us differently which makes it more frustrating to judge where we are on the recovery side. Rest as much as possible and keep hydration levels topped up. I don't cope well with the heat either so shifted some runs to later in the evening when it's cooler. At that stage I accept that I won't be as fresh for a run but more chance that I can complete it even if it's a shorter one.

Don't push yourself. Maybe focus on walking a bit to cover more distance while recovering and gradually add short runs back in. Hope you recover soon.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well done getting back out there… especially impressive determination there as you kept going again. It does sound like your body isn’t ready yet… but everything you write says that when the time is right you’ll hit the comeback trail in style.

[CatPriya]

Covid can take week, sometimes months to properly recover from. Adding in exertion in heat, humidity and high pollen rates will make lung function even more difficult. It sounds like you need to take at least a few more weeks off. From what you say, you’re fine walking. Just stick with that for a while. I don’t do well with heat, so I’ve been keeping to a treadmill in the air conditioning at my gym. When you are ready to run again, if you are not a member of a gym, could you use your local leisure centre until autumn?