learning to run again

[Molly108]

hi guys

I was a runner pre covid infection. My health and fitness isn’t great due to the impact of covid (wasn’t hospitalised) but I miss my running but every time I tried I relapsed. Any tips to slowing the C25K down so the impact isn’t as harsh as there is no way I can start the way I did before and I just don’t know where to begin.

thanks x

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hello and welcome!Sorry to hear covid caused you lasting issues!

I'm not sure what you mean by slowing C25K down ?

Do you mean breaking the runs down even more ?

What we would always suggest is that you can comfortably do 30 minute brisk walks before doing C25k .

[Molly108 in reply to Instructor57]

yes, as I’ve tried run 1 week 1 and I can do it just fine but then the body says no the next day so is too much

The brisk walk for 30 mins sounds like a good place for me to start as I can do this but it’s been a little while. I did manage a mile walk a day before the last relapse in February, think I’m just a little anxious to try again.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Molly108]

Trust me, I understand the anxiety!I will be restarting soon following a heart attack in February!

You say the body says no the next day ?

Were you trying to do it everyday or having at least 1 day off after a run ?

[Molly108 in reply to Instructor57]

I was only running 1-2 days a week but because I ran before I know I would run my bits too fast. Need to learn to slow right down. The issue with long covid is PEM so do anything that ups the heart rate too high is an issue. It’s starting again but being able to run without pushing too hard. I go to the gym for Pilates classes and intend to do some core strength exercises. But will see how I do trying rapid walks again xx

[backintime Graduate]

Sorry to hear about your problems post-covid.

There is a forum healthunlocked.com/active10 which is quite useful, Oldfloss is one of the admins over there.

Maybe you could try doing week 1 but with 10 second runs then up by 10 seconds , then up again until your body allows you to do C25k w1r1 and be ok the next day.

It may take a few weeks like that to get to W1r1, but might be more manageable? Just a suggestion

[Molly108 in reply to backintime]

thanks. I joined active 10. Will see what they have. It’s horrible to have to start again knowing the health is worse than before. I do find it hard to slow down. Just watching the marathon yesterday and I miss it, the running, being able to enjoy it again I know will be just the tonic I need.