Question: Running after Covid. What was your experience?

[Anonymous]

I am an older runner (55) and am toward the end of my first bout with Covid.

Mostly feeling short-winded and periodic coughing spells over last few days.

If you are an older runner or someone who stays pretty active, how long did it take you to return to your regular aerobic activities after Covid, and what's your age?

TIA.

[Anonymous]

I am 42 and I had covid in August 2022. I think that was a month before I turned 41.

I didn't run during the 10 days of covid. I think I started walking towards the end of that. I think I went back to my regular running schedule after 10 days but it's not that hard core. I run 30 mins two mornings a week and then a 5 mile run on the weekend. You could start with walking, and if that goes ok - add in run / walking. And when that is ok - do running.

[Anonymous]

44F, had covid for the first time 3 months ago.

My Covid timeline went like this:
Day 1 (mid-day): whoo I'm feeling really tired and cold.
Day 2: fever and fatigue
Dqy 3: fever and fatigue
Day 4: Feeling a good amount better, time to clean the house and do laundry
Day 5: went for a long walk (90 minutes)
Day 6: went for a walk and ran 1 mile to see how I felt
Day 7: back to normal (running about 3 miles)

Listen to your body. Don't go right into your regular routine, but test the waters and see how you feel with incremental activity. I felt fine after cleaning the house, going for a long walk, and my 1 mile test run.

Do little actie things and see how you feel.

[Anonymous]

It takes awhile (weeks, plural) to recover fully and regain running stamina and pace. But that’s not even Covid specific. I had a bad cold in December and am surprised how long it is taking to get back to where I was.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It takes awhile (weeks, plural) to recover fully and regain running stamina and pace. But that’s not even Covid specific. I had a bad cold in December and am surprised how long it is taking to get back to where I was.

I guess I should say it CAN, not that it will. But better not to push it IMO. I felt great a week after having Covid and then completely crappy a week later because I overdid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It takes awhile (weeks, plural) to recover fully and regain running stamina and pace. But that’s not even Covid specific. I had a bad cold in December and am surprised how long it is taking to get back to where I was.

+1

Some people recover immediately. For others, recovery is a weeks or months long process.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for sharing, all. Very helpful.

Be well.

[Anonymous]

It got better! Every time I worked out, I struggled. But it improved with each time.

I don’t feel it anymore and got to a new PR (for the age-decade I am in).

[Anonymous]

44F. It took me 5 months to even do more than walking, and I was in good shape before getting Covid.