W1R1 again!

[Phdgranny]

Here I go again. After another dose of Covid decided to start again. Determined Long Covid won’t hit again after a 21 month battle with it before. Going to take it really slowly this time. 68 in 2 weeks and would love to get back to 10k again by the time I’m 70! Any tips?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Well done in being back again. There are a lot of us who’ve been knocked out with covid recently-I’m building back myself.

That 10k goal can absolutely be yours. You’ve got a plan already right there in your post…take it really slowly. You’ve got stacks of time and can just take it one step at a time. Couch to 5k and see where that gets you. Build to 5k, and then on to10k. There’s nothing special to do-pick plans that suit and adapt as you need to. There are lots of options and support available over on Bridge to 10k when you’re ready. You’re welcome to join us over there whenever you’re ready. There’s a weekly quest where you set your own goals and get encouragement along the way that may well help keep on track. All you need to be is a graduate-there’s no minimum distance you’ve got to be running. Have a browse and see what you think…

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto10k

There’s going to be a new quest coming from the lovely Mummycav tomorrow to get an idea of what that looks like, and you could even join in if you wanted. No pressure and totally up to you.

Really good luck with your return to running!

[Phdgranny Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you, I did graduate in both before COVID hit the first time but until about 3 months ago was still on steroids and inhalers for the problems it caused in my lungs. Had a discussion with my GP since weaning off and he agreed that building back up really slowly with C25K was the way to go. The first time (2020) I was very competitive with myself, not missing a run across whole program, but I realise that this time it had to be enjoyed and every run is a success. At my worst with long Covid I could barely walk 200m without stopping to get my breath, so this morning’s 3k during the 30 minutes (including warm up and cool down) seems like I’ve succeeded running a marathon!!

[Gthants in reply to Phdgranny]

🏅🏅🏅

[Gthants]

Aw, so sorry to hear this, but well done with the plan to push through ... again! It takes real guts and determination after such a setback.

I had recently Covid too, and as you say, it kicked in the long Covid symptoms. Deeply frustrating! I had reached an hour of running, but had to step back altogether for a while. But I have now convinced by GP of the wonders of fitness and stamina and the beneficial effects on long Covid. So I now have subsidised gym membership and am trying to get stronger both for general health and to aid my running. I was able to do 5k at the weekend and 6k today. 48 minutes is the longest I have run in a few months.

I was trying to build to 10k, but at the moment I am just happy to be out running again.

My own experience with the extreme fatigue, muscle pain, dizziness, brain fog etc of just a month or two back means that I not only know how you feel, but - with you having done this before - I also know you have got this!

I think it's awesome to have the aim of 10k! 👏 But as you say, take it easy and build back up. Oh, and - Keep us up to date with your progress.

Best wishes.

[PeggySusi Graduate]

No tips I'm afraid as I managed to get to week 9 in June and ran 30 minutes, but only once, and haven’t run since! So no help at all.. but wishing you good luck!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

I am so sorry to read this... x

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Ah no, don’t be sorry Floss.. I came back from my holiday super-tired, and so running just dropped to the bottom of my list of priorities.. sometimes some things are just too difficult and have to be let go of for a while! I’m not good in hot weather. I get a lot of migraines, so I’ve used my limited energy for gardening, and dog walks in cool woods, plus a few classes at the local gym.. I’m hoping my Garmin body battery will recover as the weather gets cooler! 🤞

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

That's okay then...you know me...old worrier!Hoping you are not suffering too much...this hot weather can really zap you.

I get a little spaced out...but early runs suit me.

Take care, you x

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

We would both make an Olympic team for worrying if there was one!

I just can’t make it out of bed early at the moment.. I wish..

I’m glad you are managing to fit in your runs amongst everything else.. you take care too x

[drl212 Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

Take good care of yourself, PS!

The heat totally changes things, doesn't it! Perhaps you'll find the running bug when things become cooler as Autumn approaches.

All the best...

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to drl212]

Thank you! 🤞😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run.. MissUnderstanding has given you all the information you need.Slow and steady...as you go....and enjoy x

[Fionamags Graduate]

Welcome back - you did it before and you'll do it again. Good luck and keep posting.

[Phdgranny Graduate]

Thank you all, it’s always lovely to see familiar faces and to receive such warm, non judgemental support xx

[IgaT Graduate]

Well done for coming back 👏👏👏Take is really slow, and if needed repeat weeks several times.

I am just getting out of shingles before returning to running again, but my previous max was 5k

[drl212 Graduate]

It's terrific that you are back and giving it another go! You'll know what to expect. Take it nice and slow and at your own pace.

10K is a great goal to have by in two years - I wish you much success!!!

Do keep us posted.

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

Awesome , let us know how it goes.

Tips? Be gentle and kind to yourself. You’ve done it before so don’t rush through it but pace it all and tweak it to suit yourself-rewrite the programme in smaller stages if necessary as you readjust after your body has had such a battering.

[Phdgranny Graduate]

Thank you all so much for your support!