Frustrations and getting back running!

[Ljb71]

I graduated in July and consolidated up to 5k. I started Juju's plan in November but only got the first 2 runs done as I hurt my calf. I had to stop running for about a month until it healed. When I started back I took it easy but was able to restart running 2km, so felt I hadn't lost too much fitness. I had worked my way back up to over 3k and then I took the flu. It totally floored me and I was unwell with various things for a month and was generally exhausted! This week I have started to have a bit more energy so went out for my first run in over a month. It is so beautiful and sunny I couldn't resist! My fitness levels have definitely dropped. I ran for 5 minutes, walked a bit and then ran for another 5 or so, running 1.3 km ( not counting the walk part). While this is less than I was doing I am still encouraged that it's much more than I could do when I started C25k in April. I think I might redo a few of those weeks again to give me a structured recovery. I have also signed up for my first ever race - The 3k Fun Run of the Belfast Marathon with my whole family to raise money for a hospital in Ghana. I have an incentive to keep going again! Sorry for the long post.

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

This is a mini post compared to some of mine! Well done you, continuing after so many set backs. All the very, very best for your onward running journey. How lovely that your whole family have signed up for a race together. Wonderful! 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏽🏃🏻‍♀️🏃😊

[Ljb71 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Running with my son's was one of my motivations at the beginning, so it will be great to run together 🙂 and for a good cause too. Thanks for your encouragement.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Welcome back to running Ljb, and please don’t apologise for writing a long post. You’re in good company (hello 👋😅)

Sounds like a sensible plan working you way back up through the distances gradually, and the fact you have a worthwhile cause to aim for is fantastic.

Happy running! 😀👍

[Ljb71 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks for the welcome back! I think it will be more sustainable and encouraging to work back up as it is such a good plan. Slow steady increases! Yes definitely a great motivation to keep going now!

[Bridget007]

Welcome back! Well done for carrying on after so many setbacks! Your family race will be great fun and will keep you on track 😃😃😃

[Ljb71 in reply to Bridget007]

Thanks 🙂. Everyone is so kind on this forum.

[O505k Graduate10]

Welcome back. Your in good company. I have done the C25K plan twice (2nd time after a break from running), and then I did a modified version of it a 3rd time. I liked the fact that there was a sense of achievement after each run and week, I found this very encouraging.

Good luck with the family run.

[RuthMargaret 60minGraduate]

Your experience sounds a lot like mine. I had an injury, and I've spent the last couple of weeks ill. I really felt the need to build my confidence up again though, so I've started the programme again. It's brilliant that you've felt able to go back under your own steam.

Congratulations on booking your first run - it's a brilliant atmosphere at these events, you'll do great!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

It will all come back - stick with it! I have also had flu this winter and like you, it TOTALLY floored me!😫 I have found some of my recent runs really tough (see my post further down for a good example) and was quite low about the decline in my fitness. However, after soaking up some of the positivity on here and getting back in to my routine, I can now feel my fitness returning. Best thing is that lovely post-run buzz that I missed so much, on return! ☺️☺️☺️

I think the charity run is a great idea as it always helps to have a goal to work towards. Good luck🙂

[JoP61 Graduate10]

I'm sure you will get that fitness back - re-doing part of C25K is a really good idea. Best of luck with your charity run, and I look forward to hearing how it goes. Happy running 😀👍👏👏👏

[JonathanP Graduate10]

I'm sure you'll soon be back up to your previous running routine ljb. What a lovely family thing to do! 😀