Struggling back after bronchitis - has pushed me close to throwing in the towel but dogged determination beginning to finally pay off.

[parkbirdy]

It felt so unfair to get a nasty virus within weeks of graduating. I haven't been this fit for years! But five days in bed, two weeks away from running and several weeks of wheezy accordian breathing have been tough.

Sometimes as I've slogged round feeling trembly lipped I've been sure people thought I'd just started a week or two ago. I felt like writing on my t-shirt - I'm better than this honestly.

I've struggled to breath properly, soaked countless hankies stemming the tidal flow from my nose, and on a couple of unexpected slopes had to slow to a walk for 20 seconds to ease my tight lungs. I felt like a failure. Who the hell was I kidding that I might one day run 10k.

But do you know what - I think things are looking up. Today I did the whole of stepping stones and covered the same distance as just after graduation. And what's more I enjoyed it for the first time for weeks.

All I need now are a few dry, slightly warmer weeks to build up my stamina.

[mojo58 Graduate]

Awww much sympathy. I've been in a similar boat. I completed B to 10k week 1 and have been ill ever since. I'm so unhappy about it. I'm sure that we'll both get fully back on our feet soon and return to full fitness.

Happy Running

[parkbirdy Graduate in reply to mojo58]

Roll on spring and summer when there's less chance if getting ill.

[spinrek Graduate]

Well done at getting back out there. There is hope for me too then! Lol I've been the same maybe one run a week since new year (ill and snow, then ice, then school holidays) and I'm trying to decide if going back to week 5 will break me in slowly

[parkbirdy Graduate in reply to spinrek]

Why not - better to get back into that 3 times a week and if it feels abut easy skip on to week 6. I did them both a couple of times going through the programme and I'm sure that in the long run it gives you more stamina.

[Jeddahpm Graduate]

I know how you feel a little bit as my lungs are still in a state after a nasty asthma attack and a week of steroids before Xmas. Running outside makes it instantly hard to breathe and I have a 10k race in two weeks

Well done on keeping going through such tough times

Jems x

[parkbirdy Graduate in reply to Jeddahpm]

Good luck with the race - and fingers crossed for warmer weather for you. That cold air is like a big chilly hand round the lungs! I've ended up with an inhaler, even though I'm not asthmatic but just post virus wheezy. So I'm full of admiration for anyone who is and is running.

[Jeddahpm Graduate in reply to parkbirdy]

Ah thanks so much

[Pearsey]

Well done getting back in there parkbirdy, but take it easy! You have been very ill, and your poor dolly body needs time to recover-no wonder you have all the symptoms resulting from pushing yourself. Take it slowly-this is not a sprint, it's a marathon :-). Be kind to yourself. You have achieved so much, and you don't want to destroy it by pushing yourself beyond the wall. Restart at week 5, and build on it.

I've been out since October with a dodgy knee. I am not going to be silly and restart until my knee has recovered fully, and then I will restart gently.

Take care

[gdeann Graduate]

Hopefully, it gets better soon! I have had allergies for hmmmmmm...several months now! Not near to the extent of your illness, but I know what a struggle it can cause with running. Wishing you a complete recovery and a successful running future! Gayle

[parkbirdy Graduate]

All the encouragement really helps - I've learning how to run. But also how not to give up! The whole experience so far has so surprised me - me running! - that I'm willing to keep plugging away. I had hoped to do a park run by now - but hey, after 30 years of not running a few weeks won't make a difference.