So I had the flu 2 weeks ago. The day before it hit me I ran 7 miles in ~42 mins. I then did not run for 2 weeks, or do any type of exercise. I tried a couple times after I felt fine, but 2 mins into my effort I would start coughing and my lungs would tighten up. The last three days I have been able to run. The most I could even do is 3 miles. During these runs I have my lungs are burning and I am going much slower. The fastest I’ve been able to go is just under 20 mins.
Is this normal after the flu, or have I lost that much fitness after 2 weeks of doing nothing? The 2 weeks off is the longest I’ve gone without exercise in probably 10 years. Other than that, the longest I’ve gone without doing anything is after an Ironman where I take a few days off then do light stuff.
Anyone out there have an experience like this? It’s totally new to me since I never really get sick, except for maybe a light cold.
Thanks
Nah, you’ll be fine. Give it a couple more days.
Well in 2 weeks you will have lot about 1/2 your fitness I think. So there’s that.
Sounds like you might not be fully over it. I get pneumonia like symptoms the one and only time I had a full blown flu. Fortunately I was over it in about 3-4 days, but I remember being weak for a few more after that.
The positive is that I remember dropping 3-4lbs.
+1
The stress of fighting off a viral infection is not unlike the stress of exercise training. 2 weeks off without infection is an entirely different matter. Your normal fitness should return after a few easy workouts.
Nah, you’ll be fine. Give it a couple more days.
Thanks. Feels shitty only being able to run for 20 minutes and be totally exhausted.
give it another day. this just happened to me and made me furious–terrible coughing fits on rides/runs. but I’m almost back to normal; last fever was four (?) nights ago.