Oh no, have to start all over again...back to week 4

[MariaSpain]

Hello All

Thought I should come in for some inspiration and motivation. I "graduated" two years ago, learning how to run with Nhs. i loved it, in fact I was running 5k and then 10k, but for health reasons I gradually stop running and now i am so totally out of shape, I cannot even run for 5mm..depressing.

I started again today. I hopped on to the threadmill, usual settings (incline 2.0 and speed just 9 ) and to my surprise I couldn't run at that pace, had to slow down so much that it is clear that my level must be week 4. How awful! I used to run 30mn easy! And now I find that 5mn is too much. Left the gym crying like a bloody idiot.

But ...i will be back on Friday. Will try week 4. Wish me good luck!!

[Lauracorin]

Good luck! You've done it before, you can do it again!

[MariaSpain in reply to Lauracorin]

Thank you! Appreciate it..I guess I thought it will be easier..but it is not..thanks a lot!!!

[Davoda Graduate]

That's what I was going to say!!!!

[MariaSpain in reply to Davoda]

Thanks Davoda. Let's run then! 😊

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Why not go right back to the beginning and build up your confidence? Do week 1 and if that is easy move on to week 2. Most people struggle with week 1, so if you can do it easily you've got a head start and obviously have some residual fitness. Good luck - you know you can do it!

[MariaSpain in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Thank you Jay, appreciate you taking the time to respond. I was in a "hurry" to get my shape back, but I see your point and it might be a good idea doing just that- thank you

[Razouski]

That's what I was going to say JaySeeSkinny. Starting at the beginning will help you develop your confidence, and you will quickly see the progress you make. Don't forget to share your runs with us.

[MariaSpain in reply to Razouski]

Will share them, thanks a lot for stopping by Razouski..

[runswithdogs Graduate]

You're fine! Every time I've had to stop I go back to week 1 for a run or two. Then maybe skip to week 2 for a run.... Then week 3. It's a process sand a journey, you know you can do it, it'll just take some time to ease back in. You'll be in fighting form in no time, but for now cut yourself some slack!

[MariaSpain in reply to runswithdogs]

Thanks so much, your words are very inspirational...I guess we all get a bit emotional when we feel we are "underachieving" but thank you, very helpful

[Flossie22 Graduate]

Be kind to yourself. Start at the point you feel comfortable with for you. It does not matter if this is week 1, 2, 3 or 4. Celebrate your achievements, however small they may feel to you, to us they are huge. Share your run reports and we can all encourage you on your journey. Well done for picking up the gauntlet a second time. Happy running to you! 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻😀😀👏🏻👏🏻

[MariaSpain in reply to Flossie22]

Thank you Flossie22!! Running is such a "lonely " sport but the running community is wonderful. I like your approach and i need to learn how to "celebrate " achievements. Thanks a lot!!!!! really useful

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to MariaSpain]

You are most welcome 😀

[Kmcm66]

You are where you are so try to just accept that. Your body is saying it needs you to start out slowly and by listening you will protect yourself from injury. I bet you will be surprised to see how your fitness returns. Starting out again is the hardest bit and you have done that so just keep going. Let your body catch up with where your brain wants it to be.

[MariaSpain in reply to Kmcm66]

Didnt think about this, but there is a huge truth in this. I had a pretty bad injury that stopped me from running for nearly 6 months - piriformis - aghhh...so yes, I take your point, thank you Kmcm66 thanks for stopping by!!!!

[Celtprof Graduate]

Hi- your post struck a chord with me! I've built up to 5k then beyond and ran a couple of 10ks in the summer. Switched gears and concentrated more on HIIT and resistance then, but the last month has been crazy so I'm going back to basics and picking up C25K at week 4 this evening. Will be interesting! Good luck- you will be fine in the end.

[MariaSpain in reply to Celtprof]

Hi, well yours struck a chord back!! I too switched gear for a while, trying HIIT but somehow lost it all, even my estamina.. So glad to read you are back again, that's the difficult step , knowing and accepting that one has to start again (don you think) Hope your Week 4 goes well. Let us know

[Celtprof Graduate in reply to MariaSpain]

It went well! A nice evening- cold and crisp- and I enjoyed it. Will aim to build up to 5k again and do a couple of park runs in January. Hope you are getting on ok.

[MariaSpain in reply to Celtprof]

That's the spirit. Happy running

[MariaSpain]

WoW, thank you so much you wonderful people. yesterday I was feeling like a sore loser, and totally demotivated. Today I am armed with a more positive take on my running. Thanks to all of you - thank you for your insights and your support. It really means a lot to me.

Im looking forward to my next run now!