Getting back to training after Long Covid
I recently came across @chrissilver_triathlete page and I was immediately inspired by his story. As a dedicated professional triathlete, Chris was on top of his game before developing Long Covid. We got chatting and I was so captivated by Chris' determination and holistic approach to healing that I wanted to share his story with you all.
As a result of his LC journey, Chris has combined his experience as a professional athlete with his knowledge as a Performance and Wellbeing Psychologist to start @well_being_first. Through his coaching he supports athletes to thrive, achieve and perform. Chris shares more about his path to recovery below:
"Almost nine months ago I contracted COVID-19. The initial symptoms were very mild (thankfully!) - just a bit of fatigue, brain fog and a tickly irritating cough. At the time I actually thought it was a flare up of glandular fever that I had in July 2019. After a week or so I felt 'ok', so I tried to return to training. As I slowly built up training volume I would always 'crash', meaning I'd experience debilitating fatigue and was forced to rest for days or weeks. This cycle repeated itself for about three months, even though I was going very very easy.
At three months my physical condition began to massively deteriorate. Fatigue was so debilitating I could barely walk up the stairs and wasn't able to look after myself, I also had a whole host of other symptoms and developed lots of allergies and intolerances - including histamine/exercise intolerance (a lifelong medical condition).
Four months ago I was sure medical professionals would diagnose me with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to exercise again, let alone race or train. As a professional athlete this realisation was totally devastating.
But here I am four months later, back training (albeit very easy) with little to no fatigue. This is me 30 mins into a 45min bike session I've made many changes to over the last months. One change I‘ve made in particular is being wary of everything I put into my body and the effect it can have. That's why I chose VALA. Thanks to VALA for supporting me in my recovery and my journey back to the top!
As a result of his LC journey, Chris has combined his experience as a professional athlete with his knowledge as a Performance and Wellbeing Psychologist to start @well_being_first. Through his coaching he supports athletes to thrive, achieve and perform. Chris shares more about his path to recovery below:
"Almost nine months ago I contracted COVID-19. The initial symptoms were very mild (thankfully!) - just a bit of fatigue, brain fog and a tickly irritating cough. At the time I actually thought it was a flare up of glandular fever that I had in July 2019. After a week or so I felt 'ok', so I tried to return to training. As I slowly built up training volume I would always 'crash', meaning I'd experience debilitating fatigue and was forced to rest for days or weeks. This cycle repeated itself for about three months, even though I was going very very easy.
At three months my physical condition began to massively deteriorate. Fatigue was so debilitating I could barely walk up the stairs and wasn't able to look after myself, I also had a whole host of other symptoms and developed lots of allergies and intolerances - including histamine/exercise intolerance (a lifelong medical condition).
Four months ago I was sure medical professionals would diagnose me with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to exercise again, let alone race or train. As a professional athlete this realisation was totally devastating.
But here I am four months later, back training (albeit very easy) with little to no fatigue. This is me 30 mins into a 45min bike session I've made many changes to over the last months. One change I‘ve made in particular is being wary of everything I put into my body and the effect it can have. That's why I chose VALA. Thanks to VALA for supporting me in my recovery and my journey back to the top!