Have I lost it

[Lulu64]

Like a lot of others I haven't been running as much due to colds / beast from the East x2 - back in January I made 10k (a very slow 10k) went out Sunday intending to do 5k and could just about manage 1.5k - I have a 5k run run booked mid way and bow worrying if I can complete. Do I just go back to basics and build up slowly or again attempt the 5k and push myself ? Can't believe how much it's slipped

[Lulu64]

Meant "fun run mid May"

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Use it or lose it.

From about two weeks of non running your condition will begin to diminish, so if you have a break longer than that, for whatever reason, you will have build yourself back up again. Anyone who has run for a few years will be familiar with this. Use the 10% rule as a guide.

I also have a theory that many have a tendency to get pacing wrong and push too hard after a break. You will soon get back to speed.

[Lulu64 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, so slow and steady didn't realise the impact it would have - lesson learnt

[Razouski]

It might be worth doing a run with intervals to get you back into the groove, maybe choose a run from the programme and use the podcast or the lovely Laura to help you.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I'm sure you can do it, plenty of time so long as you keep getting out there.

[Hidden]

Just start some intervals again - I read a piece of advice on here ages ago, that said try one of the week’s runs - for example W5 R2 (illustrative only) and if you manage that okay - try one of Week 6’s the next time out. This will give you a benchmark as to the start point and for sure, take it nice and slow...

[johnm12 Graduate]

I think Ianodatruffe theory is right. I had a break of 2 week and then blasted off way faster than normal. Silly really. Take it steady

[Lulu64]

Thank you all - new week ahead - so will get back into it and not push it 😁