Not a great run...but a run all the same!🙂

[Sandraj39]

Following five and a half weeks 😮 out due to cold/flu virus, infected sinuses/cough which needed antibiotics to clear and finally a bad back cause by all the coughing (!😂😩) I actually got out for a run before breakfast this morning. Beautiful sunny morning and I felt so happy to be out again - but oh my goodness, it felt so hard!😮 I expected it to feel tough after so long off but wasn't quite prepared for how rubbish I would be!! Never mind, onwards and upwards, hoping to slowly progress and get back to my running plans now which are to focus on speed and 5/10ks during the summer before increasing distance again for my second HM later in the autumn. Feels like a lot of hard work ahead of me after this mornings effort but these things have a habit of coming together (I hope!) The next few runs however, will all be about slow and steady and just being grateful to be back out there.🙂 Happy bank holiday running!

[misswobble Graduate10]

It's behind you already 😊 You have a plan now so it's route one. All systems go! Set co-ordinates 👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Yay!!!!

Go you.. great that you are back on track Slow and steady does it.. as ever

So....one route done.. you are on the way! And, as our Laura says... ".. any run, better than no run ")

Huge Hugx

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh, I am definately slow and steady at the moment...!😉

[Hidden]

It's good to have a plan! Once I get my 10k out of the way in the next month or so I would like to do a 10 mile or hm. What plan are you using? I am suffering a stinking cold now so no running at the moment and it feels rubbish. Total sympathy from me!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I looked at several plans but used them to inform me rather than to follow (if that makes sense?) as I like the flexibility to listen to how I am feeling on each run. Went from 5 to 10k by using the 10% rule, just increasing my weekly long run. Similarly with 10 to 16k. For my HM training, again a weekly long long run(!) but also extended my 'shorter' runs to increase my overall weekly mileage. Worked up to run 2 x 21k before the race (as I really wanted to feel secure in the distance before race day!) and also remembered to fit in a good two weeks plus of tapering. Tapering did mess with my head a bit but I think was probably why I managed a PB on the day🙂. I am now so unfit compared to that day in March🙁 but hey ho - that is the running journey! Hope you get over your cold soon and enjoy your 10k next weekend - I know you have worked really hard for it! 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Ok I think I will work out a plan on the 10% rule and see what it looks like. I tend to run two runs one week and three the next so will factor that in. Thank you.

[aliboo70 Graduate10]

That's great news Sandra!you'll soon be back in the swing of it!😊

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to aliboo70]

Hope so - have missed my trundles along the local trails!🙂🏃🏽‍♀️🙂

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Oh that is great, back out there I am sure your fitness will improve steadily and you will be back on track. All the best

[ancientrunner Graduate10]

Woo Hoo!!! Just go slow for a couple of weeks and you will soon build it up.

[Irish-John Graduate10]

No matter how short or slow our Run is Sandra, it is still us going Forward....the Couch days are well behind us even on those days, or weeks, we cannot legitimately run at all. Very happy for you that you are up and about again, and for us also to have you back running with us.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Irish-John]

Thanks John. You are right, of course and the main thing is - I ran!!🙂

[Irish-John Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Yep - I kick myself whenever I start feeling ungrateful because I run 'too slow' or whatever. Just being able to run at all is a gift

[Katie204 Graduate10]

Hi Sandra - I quite understand about how disconcerting it is to have a few weeks off and then find out how much fitness you have lost.

I think, though, that your "slow and steady" plan is the right approach - I'd suggest focusing on distance/endurance first, then when the running is a bit more comfortable, look at your speed.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Katie204]

Thanks Katie, you are quite right - I certainly won't be pushing the speed until I feel good and ready.🙂

[Millsie-J]

Sandra, you are back! Fantastic!

Slow and steady, and I always love a plan!

Go girl🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

[Tomas Graduate10]

Great that you're back to running Sandra. And let's be honest, it's not surprising that it's hard work initially, but if you persevere it won't be long until you're back where you were, and then from there it's onwards and even further upwards. Welcome back!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Tomas]

🙂

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Oh I'm so pleased to read this Sandra. You'll be back to whizzing up and down your trails in no time 🏃🏃🏃

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

I do hope so IP! Reading everyone's posts on here keeps the dream alive! 🙂x

[Hidden]

I recovered from those winter bugs and worsened asthma after about 2 months back running so definitely have faith that it will all come back Give it another week even and it will already be a completely different story. The body remembers

[poppypug Graduate10]

Oooh Ive just seen this Sandra !

I am so pleased youre back out there , mustve seemed like yonks !

Yep , slowly build back up like you say. Wont be long until youre back on it .

Great news ! xxx