Graduate. Parkrun. 2 month break...

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn]

I completed C25K in February and also did my first Parkrun. I then went to Canada for 6 weeks and got plenty of exercise skiing (the reason for taking up running was to get fit for that) but was only able to run once because of the ice and snow. I came back with a cold/chest infection that I couldn't shift. A course of antibiotics has finally cleared that up and I ran what was supposed to be a gentle 5K today. The good news is that I did it without real difficulty - all the C25K training paid off - but I need to regain my sense of pace as my split times were all over the place with over a minute separating quickest (much too fast) and slowest.

I was afraid I'd be back to W1R1 so I'm very relieved to find that it seems that the changes involved in becoming a runner seem to be permanent and I can get back on track with a couple more runs before the Parkrun on Saturday

I wonder what my legs will feel like tomorrow!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Well done! Glad you are feeling better, great you managed your 5k!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I remember your great photos of the snow and ice

Sorry you have been on the IC, but it is good to know you are not only recovered but well on the way back to full health

I think the running does stay with us and we accumulate far more than we realise.. i did a long bike ride, ( for me) up some very steep hills yesterday and could not believe the strength in my legs

Your 5K sounds just the ticket, and what you needed to reassure you...Good to have you back

[Joy57 Graduate]

You have been at altitude so your exercise tolerance has increased (chest infection notwithstanding). Make the most of it!

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate in reply to Joy57]

Yes, but my "altitude training" was in Whistler and that's only a little over 2,000m at the peak so I don't think that had much effect C25K prepared me to ski non-stop for 60km and 7 hours one day when the snow was particularly good, that has stayed with me despite a month-long lay-off since I got back.

[Joy57 Graduate in reply to Now-runner_NeedsAttn]

It does make a difference though​, I find after just a week's skiing that my exercise tolerance is better, for example I burn more calories for the same time on the cross trainer. You will temporarily have more red blood cells.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Love this post as it just reinforces that running really is for life and not just to get through the programme.

Well done to you for getting back to it after a break. Apart from the very first run I think that's the hardest thing.