Loss of fitness!

[Ivegottheruns]

I was doing so well with my running but haven't run for almost 4 weeks. I had some big personal issues and then a terrible cold which has knocked me right off track.

Today I bit the bullet and tried a run.

Honestly, I thought that I would definitely find it harder but I was amazed at how much I seem to have gone backwards. I struggled ridiculously, ten minutes was all I could manage and that was a huge push. I think I'd aimed for 20 in my mind and thought that would be perfectly realistic... I was up to about 40/45 mins runs before this unplanned break.

I know there's no magic recipe for recovering my fitness. I'm thinking of going back to c25k week 6 or so and seeing if I can go from there. I'm just really deflated by how difficult today has been, I'm amazed that things can deteriorate so quickly.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

You are absolutely not alone on feeling like this. It was exactly the same for me restarting after a break. The good news is it passes.

It’s totally up to you how you get back out there. Some love couch to 5k for a reset. Week 5/6 is probably as good a place as any to pick up from. I just go out every other day 15/20 minutes until I feel like myself again. That usually doesn’t take too long-just a week or two.

You’ll get there-consistency and bearing with feeling out of practice will reap the rewards. Just remind yourself every run is getting you closer to where you want to be.

Good luck!

[Annieapple Administrator]

🍏 It’s hard when we compare today’s effort to our previous runs on a comeback run. First of all well done for getting out there and giving it a go! You have had a hard time recently plus health issues plus some days are just not our best run days. Perhaps some help and inspiration from the coaches on NRC the free Nike Run Club App may be helpful. You can choose a guided run of any length even 5 or 10 mins. However even if you choose a 30 min run you can always walk some of it while you build back fitness.

Have a little explore! Keep in touch & we will encourage you all we can! 🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

I feel your run-lessness ! It feels horrible...BUT.... as MissUnderstanding says,, you are, most definitely not alone!

I honestly think, after reaching 10K again last month... I may just be doing all, if not some bits of C25K yet again...

Or, I may just carry on with way I am doing which for me is working. I am using the Nike guided short runs and I mean, the really sort ones.. ! I even did a 7 minute one the other day.

They are worth it, whatever anyone else thinks.. I have been doing a few, up to 30 minute ones... I have done nine minute, fifteen minute, ten minutes.. and I fit them in as and when I am able.

They are keeping my strength and stamina up and my mind set too, benefits. My legs are strong and I know when I do get the chance to do a longer run, I will be able to do it

Go with it... acknowledge, ( how you feel) accept ( that this is just as it is, now) and adapt, ( alter your runs to suit the current time).

Let us know how you go on!

[nowster Graduate10]

Due to family problems I had a period this past year where I was running less and less, including a two month period with almost no running at all as I'd dropped something heavy on my big toe.

I'm having to build back gradually too. The strength is still there but the stamina is not.