Back in the saddle..

[poulet]

A stinking cold knocked me out for the last two weeks and I didn't run at all during that time - I didn't even have the energy to get up stairs without stopping for a coughing fit at the top.

It's amazing how quickly I lost the urge to 'get back out there' - and how much of a kick up my own backside it took to get me up and out yesterday (first day of feeling my energy had returned) for my 'first' run again. I felt like I did in the very early stages of C25k - lacking in confidence, thinking of reasons not to go.

I decided to aim for 20 minutes and anything extra would be a bonus, as I was convinced I'd set myself back weeks. I chose my best time of day (first thing, before breakfast) and did a route I was comfortable with but varied it a bit half way for interest, once I'd proved to myself I wasn't going to keel over after the first 5 minutes.

In the end I surprised myself by keeping going for 30 minutes, not very fast - about 4.17 k according to MapMyRun, but I was pleased my fitness hadn't plummeted. And actually I enjoyed it. A bit achy of leg today, but that's to be expected after 2 weeks of little exercise.

An added bonus was the cooler weather - feeling definitely less summery and more autumny - but nice not to overheat so quickly.

So, I'm determined to plan it into the new termly timetable again for 2 or 3 times a week - thinking of it as a scheduled appointment with my legs, so I'm less tempted to skip it or put it off

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I reckon the disappearance of the urge might have been a post-viral thing.

I've had a rubbish cough too. Got myself out for one pre-holiday run and noticed I didn't cough the whole time, nor did my nose run. Went on holiday and got myself out in the rain on the beach which was a great experience and again, no coughing. However I judged it politic as much as prudent not to do it again as I was keeping everyone awake coughing and having active (for me) days doing holiday stuff. Plus the rain meant that other than the beach there was far too much slippy mud about.

My t shirt had arrived when I got back but I've still not got out there yet - tomorrow I hope and I hope it goes as well as yours did, lots of encouragement in your blog, thank you.

[poulet Graduate]

Thanks GoogleMe - hope you had/have a good one! I'm sure the t-shirt will help - presumably this is one of the C25k ones you are referring to? Wear with pride