I'm coming back!

[Whydothis]

Today's post from Gwenllian has helped me no end - I only started running in June, and graduated C25K in August, and then did the Magic Plan to 60 minutes, and was enjoying myself.

Then, since 15th December, I haven't run at all, for a mixture of some good reasons and some excuses - so I need to get going again and you have given me the incentive.

I promise I will start running 3 times a week again on Saturday morning - and I want to be chased up to make sure I do it! (I really do have a good reason not to start tomorrow, honest!)

I was wondering whether to start by doing each C25K week once, so doing the first 3 weeks in a week - but perhaps I will try your idea of 15 minutes out and then back, walking as needed. Hopefully I'm not too unfit, as I have been walking 5 miles most days, but I expect to find the running muscles that think they have retired!

[Hidden]

I once read an article that the easiest plan to run is, to just run and walk when needed. Over time your walks will become shorter and less, as your fitness level rises. It is talking again plans like C25K, but you have done that and finished it. You can try this too. I know that if I need to stop for a longer period of time, I will go with that principle to get back into running. G'luck!

[Whydothis 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - that's encouraging.

[nowster Graduate10]

You could do one run from each of weeks 1-3 for the first week, as a warm up. I wouldn't skip forward beyond that, though.

After a month off due to injury just after graduating C25K, I started back with something even less strenuous than Week 1 at the physio's insistence, and then gradually worked back up doing the equivalent of two of each week's runs up to week 5, then continuing on from there.

It's all about finding your current level then building on it gradually.

[Whydothis 60minGraduate in reply to nowster]

Thank you - fortunately I have not had an injury, so as you say, it is all about finding the right level.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Welcome back and well done you... I am still here and still advocating slow and steady I have just started C25K again after a blip which stopped me running from October until January...I am doing the whole thing though.maybe do Week 1 , all the runs and then if you feel strong and fit and ready then 1 run from each week over the next weeks?

Your body will tell you... Head across to the Strength and Flex forum too for some great ideas to get those running muscles back up to scratch!

[Whydothis 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. Yes - I really should make myself start on more exercises as well as running - my walking is what I really enjoy, but I need to improve my strength.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10]

I am so pleased to hear you are getting back to it too! I think the secret is to ease in rather than jump in. I’m taking the view that all runs are progress and if they are slow or a mix of run and walk that’s fine. My big commitment to myself is to go out three times a week. Bound to see improvement then! Good luck. I’d love to know how it goes for you!

[Whydothis 60minGraduate in reply to Gwenllian1]

Thank you for your encouragement - it was your post that made me admit to myself that it is time to get going again!

[Whydothis 60minGraduate]

Well I did go out this morning - 5 minutes walking, then run/walk for about 15 minutes (mostly running but with frequent short walks when my knees asked for them) and then turned round and walked home - total outing 2.3miles (almost 4.5k). Not far, but it did feel good afterwards, and has reminded me why running is a good thing! Now I have a bit of an idea about what I can do, I will work out a bit of a structured plan to get me back where I should be.Many thanks for the encouragement!