Getting back on track

[2girls]

Hi Everyone,

I completed the couch to 5k last year and loved it but due to life and personal issues I haven't run since October. Has anyone else had a massive break and come back to it? and do I start again or dip back in mid training and see how it goes? Advice much appreciated as tomorrow is the day I get back on track.

Thank you x

[Landesman Graduate]

I think it probaby depeneds whether you have lost fitness or motivation or both. If I were you I'd be inclined to try one of the weeks and see how it goes. If you breeze through it, then skip a week or two and see how the next one goes. You'll soon find out where you are in fitness terms.

[Burstcouch Graduate]

Just use the podcasts again to build yourslef back up again.

I did this after injury and it really helped me define how fit I was.

[2girls Graduate]

Thanks guys, I have lost motivation mostly but guess that naturally leads to a loss of fitness! Will dig out the podcasts and start again!

[didntrunthat Graduate]

I had 6 months off due to injury. I've re-done the whole programme and have one run left, I found it very easy fitness wise until week 6/7 and the longer runs and started feeling it in my muscles then (the very first couple of runs hurt a bit after too). I may have skipped over some runs or weeks, but because my injury was in my foot I wanted to make sure I built my strength up gradually again.

Try week 1 to start with and if you want to skip forward as you go along go for it! I think the podcasts might help you keep your motivation up, rather than just going back out there and running.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

See it for what it is and what it will give you... Re- establishing that control. However you may see it now, it's going to give you confidence, a boost, more energy, and that feeling of being alive... I know you can do it.... Go with what feels right for you now..Good luck xx

[unfit Graduate]

I was exactly the same as you. I graduated last August, carried on running Until beginning of October then for all sorts of reasons, starting with a bad back, did not run again until 3weeks ago. I did not want to start at week 1 so tried week 4. Was pleasantly surprised how I got on, remembering how I had struggled with each week first time round. So I continued from week 4 and built up again. I have just done week 7R1 and am really enjoying getting back into regular running . Good luck .