Starting over...

[PotterBook]

Hello everyone!

I graduated the program in May. Very proud moment for me... since running my first complete 5K race I have completed 3. (2 running, 1 walking). I'm ashamed however to admit that I haven't been running in between anymore. I have slacked off to once a week, or less.... and my weight loss has slowed as a result. I even had my first gain this week! Yikes.

I was thinking... Although I have completed the program, what if I went back and started again? But instead of doing the first few weeks to see if I can run for 90 seconds.. 3 minutes.. etc. etc... I see if I can run FASTER than usual during that time.

For example.. I do most of my running on the treadmill. I trained at a speed of 4.6 mph. I now run at 4.8, and occasionally 5.0. What if I started up week 1 again, but not allow myself to run slower than 5.2... or even 5.4 ?

It's got to be better than not running at all.. and it should help me learn to pick up my pace a bit... What do you all think?

[PippiRuns]

Welcome back, Potterbook. I haven't tried it myself, but I have heard it recommended many times. If Laura can get you up and running - run with her

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Great idea. You could keep your current run per week as is and then do this. It keeps things interesting and will improve your speeds.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

You could start again but then again I don't think you've been absent from running that long to warrant it. Why not try a gentle 10 minute run to start with and build from there? I think you'll be surprised at how much you can do.

[jt24 Graduate]

I agree with you. I think anything that gets you back into doing it is better than nothing.

You certainly physically don't need to start from scratch so the faster speed would be a good challenge as long as you gauge it carefully and avoid injury.

We all know that running is mental too though and I think having Laura back would be great support.

Go for it

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome back...whatever ypu decide..the run is the thing☺

[Slowstart Graduate]

Just get on the treadmill and try it. If it works great, continue with this plan....if not try something else. What ever you do you'll feel better for doing it.

[Shivani05 Graduate]

That's my plan too! I graduated in April and did well with running regularly for a while, but off late it's been once a week. I was thinking of doing the whole programme again, but doing fast runs when Laura says run and a slower jog during recovery periods. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks this might help

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

In order to shake things up a bit I've done W1 again trying to do the running bits a lot faster. In the first run I ran fast and just slowed down in the walking bits. I didn't actually manage the full 8 mins at top speed! The second time I walked and ran, just as Laura said. It wasn't actually planned that way - I meant to run slowly in the walking bits, but Laura obviously has me programmed and I didn't realise I was walking until I was on the second cycle! Of course I wasn't particularly fast, but I wasn't slow either. It's like doing intervals and was quite fun. I will try to incorporate it into my routine.