Help......I've fell off the wagon'

[MelB82]

Hi everyone.

I've loved every minute of the programme and managed to her to week 7 however since then I have only completed 1-2 runs in the last 4 weeks. This has been due to a number of things mainly illness, a holiday and the massive headache of getting our kitchen ripped out and fitted.

I am finally at the end of this turbulent period and looking for inspiration/words of encouragement/kicks up the backside to get me back on track, especially with these cold dark nights.

So any advice about running in these conditions, where to start back on the programme or anything you think may give me the jump start would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, happy running

[roadrunner168]

Hi Mel. My advice would be to get back out there - some time this weekend if you can. No time like the present! Others who've taken a break in the programme seem to have benefitted from going over previous runs (maybe something like one run from week 2 or 3, one from week 4, then one from week 5 etc until you're back where you were on the programme and so you get back up to speed within a week or two, rather than starting just where you left off which may be more of a struggle and may leave you feeling disheartened. You may be surprised how quickly you can get back to the level you were at last month! Go for it, and don't look back - you're just a few weeks away from completing the programme and getting the badge!

[MelB82 Graduate in reply to roadrunner168]

Thanks Roadrunner, I appreciate your advice. I'll see if I can get an our off from parenting duties and bite the bullet!!

[mrslazy Graduate]

You will be surprised, you will not have lost much fitness in the time you have had off. But you need to get going now. X

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Agree with others get back out as soon as possible, I would go back a couple of weeks to the sessions where you were still having a walk break and build up from there. Good luck

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

I think you have already committed to getting back on to the programme by posting here, so I am sure you will do it.

You asked about running in the dark, not sure whether you are in town or country but I run on pavements and parks which all are lit by streetlights. I do it in the morning as that suits my energy levels (and motivation) best. I always have a fluorescent top on (courtesy of aldi) just so folk can see me... not for showing off purposes but I am totally surprised at how unselfconscious I am now

I think most of us have or will at some time have a break from running because life has a habit of throwing us curve balls but a few weeks break is nothing in the bigger picture. So make arrangments to free up that hour, then get your shoes on and go out... and be sure to 'report' back in here afterwards

Happy running!

[danzargo Graduate]

Hey Mel - don;t worry, you'll be back before you know it. Take it slowly cos there's no rush. I think a run from each week is a good idea, as you'll get some welcome walk breaks as well as a light jog - to get you back into your zone. Then do the continuous runs (week 7 onwards I think?) and then all will be well.

I've had a lay off and found my fitness HAS dropped off, but I'm glad to able to get back out there and let my body do the talking. Good luck!

[MelB82 Graduate]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement. I'll keep you posted how I get on

[Kittychops]

Oh, yes. Not an experienced runner myself, but hope you get back on the wagon. It would be great to complete. You owe it to yourself!