Run 92, 2011…how long is a recovery period?

I think it is interesting to note how I am reacting to regaining my level of fitness after my protracted illness and other circumstances which kept me from running for such a long time. For the record, I did no running for 42 days, then I did one pathetic 5 km ‘run’, rested two days, did another, then stopped again for 22 days to focus on getting ready for my grading in karate. Now we have a long 3 week break until classes start again I think January 10th?

So I feel it is now time to begin running again and my first run 3 days ago was 5 km which took me around 46 minutes meaning I walked some of it. Today’s run took me 39 minutes and 15 seconds which means I ran all the way but slowly. Today’s run was better than my last one but I still feel very tired and sore. I felt every impact. I really am amazed how badly I am performing in these first two runs considering I had a good base this summer ending with a 43 kilometer trail run.

My plan is to continue with 5 km runs three times a week to see how long it takes me to regain a good base. So I will be recording how that goes. Hopefully it will shed some light on what to expect if something similar happens to you. So rather than being disappointed, like I was at first, I am actually now quite keen on observing my recovery. I am glad I have been recording my runs all these years because I can use the data to plan the future and compare the past. Next run will be Wednesday I think…until then, peace.