Back to it

Just starting out with Get Running? Chat about the basics of running, what clothes to wear, where to run... anything you like!
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mrdboy
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2011 12:58 pm

Back to it

Post by mrdboy »

Just thought I'd share whats happening with me which is turning into a 'never give up story'
I started (again) 'get running' in August 2013 being overweight and noticing difficulty keeping up with the kids.
I was also almost 40 and the weight had crept on due to taking on a job in which I'm sat down all day and over eating.
Anyway I changed my diet, took more opportunities to walk etc. By December I had lost 2 stone in weight and was running 5k. When I started I really, really struggled with week 1.
In January I got a chest infection which turned into a nasty viral illness which has taken me 3 months to almost recover from - I've been told its post viral fatigue by the doctor. It has been really tough as this came out of the blue really and effected work, social life etc. I had 6 weeks of no energy at all - just sat in the chair. I had to not only stop running but also my main passion (other than the wife/kids) drumming in my band.
So yesterday I've gone right back to week one and got back out there and feel great for having done it. I initially felt disappointed after all the hard work from August but see it as a new challenge. Its taught me to keep on and not give up and that thinking positively can help overcome what gets thrown at us. I hope to be back up to 5k and beyond by June. If anyone else has suffered with post viral illness please let me know how you've overcome it :D
Digbycat
Posts: 71
Joined: Fri May 18, 2012 11:52 am

Re: Back to it

Post by Digbycat »

Well done for getting back to it, I think last Christmas was a popular time for it my daughter had a similar thing which took 2 courses of antibiotics to get over. She is just about back to normal now but I haven't been able to get her out running as she still finds the breathing difficult. She has been doing loads of cycling though.

Don't be too hard on yourself, and do try and build it back up gradually. I completed the programme in 2012, 2013 was full of best intentions but I spent too much time bobbing about in lakes and rivers. Now I have just finished week 1 again (yay). Letting it go was the worse thing I could have done and like you I am in my 40's but still carrying the extra weight.

These viral things really seem to knock you for 6 so don't be afraid to repeat weeks but keep at it. Slowly but surely, when your body is ready you'll know and will be flying again.
fastnetqueen
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2014 6:11 am

Re: Back to it

Post by fastnetqueen »

Bless you. Post viral fatigue is v v difficult and can make you feel very low. I previously got to week 8 ish but had lots of commitments, struggled with a v cold winter and then injured my ankle quite badly. I started again this week. Need to shift weight. Am 48 and it is getting harder. W1 R1 was hard. Today was better but my quads are screeching today!!! Am giving blood tomorrow so will defer run 3 til Sunday so I don't fall over!!
Good luck. I am NOT a natural runner so I will keep staggering..
mrdboy
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2011 12:58 pm

Re: Back to it

Post by mrdboy »

Thanks for your comments, its reassuring to know its not just me!! So far I've completed week one which went well then I've had a flare up of the fatigue/dizziness. I'm not pushing myself when like that so have rested for a few days, today I'm giving week 2 a whirl and looking forward to it. The the other thing I've noticed that helps not being harsh on myself and get annoyed, Been getting out on the bike a bit too which has been great now the weather is getting better. Good luck guys, let me know how you're getting on!!! I know it can be done I tell myself!!! :D
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