Starting again after months

[Sezza2u]

I started my journey in June 2015. I completed the program and graduated not quite managing 5k in 30 mins but I could run for 30 mins. I built up to running 5k in 45-50 mins but I wasn't happy that it wasn't 30 mins. Then with one thing or another I found myself running less and less till I was hardly running at all. I missed it but life got in the way/I got lazy/found excuses etc.

This time last year I decided to take it up again and a friend wanted to join me. We did the programme together but I found running with a friend restrictive - It would impact on the time I wanted to go out, we had to run at the same pace etc but it was great to have the company. However in May I discovered a lump on my heel and it seemed I had injured my Achilles tendon. I had physio and did the exercises etc. I was reluctant to start running again till the lump had gone, even though I was told I could. Today, I still have the lump/thickness on the tendon but no pain or other symptoms.

I have missed running and so thought s** it I'm going to start again. I haven't told my friend I'm running again, she has her own health problems and is now walking for fitness. I know she wouldn't mind if she knew (she is a great supportive friend) but I still feel bad. I started W1R1 today and before I started, in my head, I thought I can skip a week or two but thought, no I'd do it proper and start at W1R1.

I'm so glad I did, it all started well and I felt really healthy and fit. Until the 5th 60sec run!!!!!! By the end of the workout I was feeling it and realising just how much fitness I have lost. I look now at what I used to do (5k in 45 mins) and how I wasn't happy. Now, I'd love to be doing that again - running 5k - no matter how long it took. I'm not worried though as I know I did it once and I can do it again. I just hope my ankle doesn't go on me again.

I'm feeling great after my first run and looking forward to getting my mojo and fitness back. Running makes me feel happier and healthier and with a busy family it's great to have some time on my own to myself....

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

Well done for getting back on it after a long break. I got to wk9 in dec 2015 then xmas got in the way, then I joined a gym and focused on that instead of running. Nearly 2 years later I cam back to it though and I found it so much easier to get through as I had already gone through the mental challenges which to me were 70% of the journey.

So here's hoping you find it that bit easier this time around

[Sezza2u Graduate in reply to pinkaardvark]

Thank you. Your right about the mental challenges, I had not thought of that

[Virginia60 Graduate]

Well done for coming back to running. I am a recent graduate and cant imagine now not running and seeing as I only started in May and never ran before, this is amazing! I look forward to following your progress x

[Sezza2u Graduate in reply to Virginia60]

Thank you. It's surprisingly easy to fall out of it. I loved it and couldn't see myself not running either but life has a funny way of getting in the way lol. I'm going to try harder this time to not miss any runs or if I have to then trying to be disciplined enough to get back to it the first opportunity x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back.

Running with others can be problematic for all those reasons that you mentioned, but worry not, we will be your virtual running companions, never slow your pace, always be here to chat to and ready to cheer you to the finish line.

Have you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... that was recently produced.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Hidden]

Welcome back! I only graduated last July and recently the weather/work has made it difficult to get out as much as I would like. Your tale is a salutary one and a reminder of how quickly we can fall out of the habit. I have not yet gone longer than a week without running and can't wait for the weather/light to improve so that fitting it all in becomes possible. I wish you well on your journey