6.5 weeks break

[Knittingrunner]

Advice please. The last time I ran was the 21st March. 6.5 weeks ago! I have so missed my runs but because I’m being shielded I’ve had to stay indoors but 🤞I will take delivery of a treadmill today! I can’t quite believe it!!

So my question is how do I go about getting back to running at least 5k x3 a week? Before lockdown I was working towards a half marathon in June. I have to admit it was a step too far for me I think but if I can do 5k again I will be really pleased. I can then work back up to 10k.

The other problem is I haven’t run on a treadmill before! Any tips advice will be much appreciated. Thank you. 🏃🏻‍♀️😊

[Coddfish Graduate10]

I don’t have a treadmill but have used them in the gym from time to time. The surface is easier than what you are used to, and of course there is no wind, the gradient is what you want it to be and you can hold a pace. I find boredom creeps in very easily so I generally only use them for a technical run - i.e something where I am changing pace and / or gradient at frequent intervals. You should be able to work on increasing your pace, for example. Don’t worry about 5k or 10k, you may just find that’s too long to reasonably stay focused on the treadmill. As with any restart after a break, take it easy at first and be willing to have walking blocks. It will be worth knowing what your usual running and walking pace is - the first time I got on one, when I started C25k - I cranked it up far too fast and almost shot off the back.

[Knittingrunner Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Thanks for that. I will be careful then!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I don't run on treadmill so good luck choosing that option- which I understand under the circumstances. I'd say take it easy to begin with, opt for slightly slower pace than usual and just see how it goes. You'll know how you feel and can up the pace and distance next time - just dont push yourself too much after 6 weeks no running. Good luck and let us know how you get on 🤗

[Knittingrunner Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thank you I will. It’s quite exciting. We have it all setup ready to go but I’ve hurt my chest this morning somehow so I will try it out tomorrow. It did feel strange walking on it so I’m certainly going to start slow. But I have my Garmin all set for an indoor run so I’m ready! 😆

[TheTaffSnail Graduate10]

I found that if I was "just doing a run" on the treadmill I covered up the speed and just went with how it felt. Sometimes I was surprised at how fast or slow I was but it means you listen to your body. Also I found the Nike Run club app treadmill runs useful. I think it was called Running Highs - really improved my speed on the flat. Take it easy and listen to your body!

[Knittingrunner Graduate10 in reply to TheTaffSnail]

Thank you. That sounds like a really food idea and I will take a look at the app. I already have it but haven’t ever used it! 😀