How to get going again after injury?

[Panda2012]

I have not done a proper run (that I have completed) since 17th September as I was suffering with shin splits. I tried running a couple of times between but it didn’t go well so I gave my body a rest. I’ve done a little bit of low impact cardio as I was worried I would lose loads of my fitness if I stopped altogether, but I’ve not worked to the extent I would if I had carried on with the programme. My question is, how do I get back into it? I’m better and ready to run again but do I just pick up where I left off? Or would it be better to complete some of the ‘easier’ runs I have already done to get back into it. I am just worried that if I pick up where I left off I won’t be able to do it and it will put me off. I wanna stay motivated but I feel like I’ve lost so much progress. Anyone been through the same? For reference my next run would have been week 6 day 2. Thanks in advance.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Either is possible. If you start straight back in, take it at an easy pace and allow yourself time to build up stamina. Ideally stay off hard surfaces like tarmac or paving: your shins will thank you for the reduced impact. If you do decide to do some repeats, remember that’s not a failure but a sensible strategic choice. Personally I’d go out and redo 1:1 in a spirit of cheerful investigation and see what it said about my health and fitness, then base the decision on that ? Happy running, whatever you decide 😀

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Your call. You’re at the point where fitness will just have started to reduce, but only just so it will be minimal. You could just resume where you left off and go slow and gentle (always good after an injury anyway) or you could back up a little if you need a confidence boost on your comeback run. Good luck either way.

[Downtwo]

I've had to start again a number of times. Up to two weeks off you can resume where you left off. I think this was advice from admin graduate Oldfloss. Any longer than that you might want to repeat at least the week before and then carry on. Depends on your age and general fitness. Either way, take it a bit easier than usual till you are feeling more confident again. What ever you decide, I wish you luck and that you can get back and enjoy it all again. We need more soft surfaces to run on. And have you checked out you have decent running shoes. It's worth the investment.

[Panda2012]

Update! I went back and did week 5 day 1 and smashed it. It was hard but doable so I’m feeling good and think that was the right decision. Thanks for the advice guys!