Return to running after 2 months

[Notdeterred]

I was running week 2 or 3 times a week after completing Couch to 5k in summer 2020. However, my last run was on 20 February 2023. Since then I have been unable to run for various reasons, including cataract surgery.

I am hoping to start running again this week and would like advice as to how to re-start without overdoing it.

Many thanks

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

2 months is quite a break, you could do C25K again but if it was me, before I did anything I'd go out, take it slow and gentle and see what I could do, and take walking breaks if needed. I haven't run much this year and currently following the NRC get started plan to rebuild strength and stamina Whatever you decide to do most of all enjoy it

[Notdeterred Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks - that sounds sensible. I'd prefer not to start C25k again if I can avoid it!

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

I would just go out without any other goal than to just have a gentle jog for as many minutes as are comfortable.Don't push pace or distance .

That should give you some idea as to where you are .

You can then build up gradually from that point.

[Notdeterred Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks - I'll give it a go!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Hi Notdeterred, nice that you’re able to resume your running again. You’re not a newbie, so repeating C25K wouldn’t be necessary (although you could if you wanted!) Just keeping your runs short, slow and gentle to see how your body feels should be just fine, and build up from there.

I recently had 7 weeks off due a coughing bug, and didn’t run at all during that time. Yes my fitness was affected, but my legs and breathing were fine. I was simply slower.

Enjoy your comeback. It’s so wonderful to get back running. 😀

[Notdeterred Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Many thanks. That's really encouraging. I'm looking forward to starting again tomorrow. Just need to avoid my tendency to push myself too hard!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Notdeterred]

Good luck, hope it went well! 😀

[Notdeterred Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Many thanks. Ran slowly for 25 minutes. It was great!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Notdeterred]

Such great news! 👏👏👏

[Coddfish Graduate10]

I have had two large running ‘outages’. The first in 2021, about 8 months, due to accelerating arthritis followed by a hip replacement and rehab. I didn’t need to do anything in particular for that one, I just started run/walking and built back up to 5k running over a few weeks. The second, in 2022, of a similar duration, but caused by treatment for cancer, wiped much more out of me and required me to redo C25K.

[Notdeterred Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Many thanks for sharing your experience - it's inspiring. You must have huge determination. i do hope you are now fully recovered.

I'm hoping not to have to redo C25k but I'll see how it goes today.

[445600]

Hi

I had quite a break last year the best advice that worked for me was take it slow and steady ,you will know when enough is enough . I am the same I push too hard and expect the same results from previous runs. Build it up slowly . Welcome back ! 🏃‍♀️😀

[Notdeterred Graduate10 in reply to 445600]

Many thanks. Ran slowly for 25 minutes. It was great!

[Mumpark Graduate10]

Hi

I have had a few breaks in my running over the 14 years since I started my journey as a runner,

I seem to disagree with a lot of you in the fact that I have been happy to restart C2. 5 K when I have had a significant break.

I didn’t do C2 5K when I started all those years ago ( didn’t even know there was such a thing )

The last break for me was a year ago when I had bunion surgery I was out of action for 4 months but came back doing C2 5K .It was really hard this time as the last break had been 5 years previously so 5 years older But if you want to keep running you will persevere and I really do .

Recently did a bridge to 10K and found that hard as well in fact I run 10K for 2 weeks and then went back and started it again I’m on week 3 of 6 at the moment

I know I can run 10K but it wasn’t at all comfortable.

There is no shame in starting again in fact when I have done that I have come back stronger.

Always carried on going to Parkrun Marshalling,walking and hey my daughter think they invented the Parkwalker roll for me always telling everyone how great Parkrun is and encouraging everyone especially newcomers

Just my views not intended to annoy anyone.

Happy running everyone

[Notdeterred Graduate10 in reply to Mumpark]

Many thanks. I'm sure that starting again is the safest and most sensible option. For me though, it would feel like I'd wasted 2.5 years of running!

I ran very slowly today for 25 minutes and it felt great, so I'm going to build from there.

Well done for doing the bridge to 10k. I hope I can build up to that again.

Happy running