I'm back.....almost!

[Pegix]

Morning all. Well, inbetween CHristmas and New Year, I went to Uganda for 10 days. I fully expected, on my return, to be able to do W9 and be very proud of myself!! However, as things turned out, I have not run a single step since CHristmas. Why?? Well, when I was out there I caught what was initially diagnosed as malaria, but since returning home has now been diagnosed as a parasitic infection. Whatever it was, it totally knocked me for six, and I have been unable to do a thing for a month. Been very unwell, but am now bouncing back, and I want to get back into my slow jogging. But where to start???? I can't possibly think about W9 yet, but would I have to go right back to W1 again? I managed to walk the dogs in the fields for about an hour yesterday, so I'm getting there, but obviously not totally 100% yet. But I'd be grateful for any advice as to how you think I should do this..... Please. And thank you. Oh, and a belated Happy New Year!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

So glad to hear you are on the way back up !All any of us can sensibly do after a break is to go out for a no pressure gentle jog just to see what you can comfortably do without pushing it .

Then build up gradually again from there , maybe seeing where that fits in with the c25k weeks and continuing back from that point .

I'm in a sort of similar position after 10 weeks not running due to health issues.

I started back again last Friday with a 2km run/walk

I will be sticking to this untill I can gradually remove the walk sections .

It's worth remembering that as well as loosing aerobic fitness, we also loose our resistance to injury so you may also find some strength training useful as well.

Good luck

[Mothmoss Graduate]

Hi Pegix - I restarted from week 2 after getting to week 8 after having a crazy November/December and doing no running. It seemed like a long way to go, but 9 weeks isn't that much and it was more satisfying feeling like the initial runs were easier rather than jumping in at week 4 or 5 and not feeling ready. I am now on week 9 and it doesn't seem like it took too long and on top of that - all running is running 😁. Maybe do week 2 run 1 and if the first run is way too easy, then go to week 3 run 1 until you find your ideal place. Sorry to hear about your crazy parasite and glad you are feeling better.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Oh poor you! That sounds absolutely miserable. Hoping that you’re fully recovered soon. I totally agree with what Instructor57 has said (as usual!). Take it slow. It might be a bit of trial and error to work out what’s best for you now. I’d always err on the side of taking it easier and finishing feeling like you can do more next time rather than pushing it. Then you can see how you feel on your rest day(s) to help you judge whether it was about right. After a virus, it’s not uncommon to be extra tired the day or two after you’ve upped your activity and you don’t want to end up yo-yoing between doing too much when you’re feeling good and exhausted the days after.

Really good luck to you. ❤️

[Cmoi Graduate]

Oh Pegix , what bad luck! I agree with giving a gentle run a go and seeing what happens, erring on the side of slow and cautious. You can always increase time as you go on. Hope it goes really well for you!

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

I was hoping that you would reappear as you were so close to completing.

That sounds beastly for you. I’m glad you are feeling on the up again and able to even think about running.

It would seem sensible to do a few trial short/slow trots to see if you are really ready and don’t get exhausted. Then find the point at which you can resume C25k without upsetting your recovery .

Good luck and I look forward to hearing all about it here.

[Pegix Graduate]

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments, and encouragement. I did W2R1 this morning, and found I could run further than Laura said, so on Wednesday I'll attempt W3R1 and see how I get on. And maybe I'll conquer W9 yet!!!!