Will I forget how to run?

[Emlist29]

Hi everyone, it’s so nice to read about everyone’s fantastic runs. As for me, I graduated last Wednesday and haven’t run since.

I decided to give myself 2 rest days but then didn’t feel great (a cold) so 2 days become 5 and now I have a sore foot (old war wound from breaking it 10 years ago), so haven’t run in over a week.

I’m so disappointed and am feeling sorry for myself. Since I started running my foot hasn’t been a problem but with only a few days away from my trainer and I’m falling apart.

I should be enjoying my graduate runs but instead I’m worrying My body will forget everything I’ve worked towards in this program.

How long before I forget everything?

[JaoJao]

Don't leave it longer than 2 weeks Em... xx

[SlowLoris]

Just go for a run. Short one is fine.

[_wayneLad Graduate]

Hi congrats on graduating last week ! Over my time on C25K I've had to stop running for 2 weeks with a knee issue around week 5 run3 after the long run ! Managed to get going again straight into week 6. Then the other knee did the same thing at week 8 so had another 2 weeks off ! On both occasions for me it didn't feel like I had lost anything or got behind. I'm sure when you feel able to run again you will be fine 😊

[caroldavies071969 Graduate]

I had 2.5 weeks off due to a very painful ankle and started back just over a week ago, I was worried about whether I'd still be able to run but it all came back to me quite quickly! Hope you're feeling better soon.

[Elisabetta Graduate]

Like JaoJao suggests, if you run again within two weeks, you won’t have lost any stamina. I felt similar this week, things cropped up and I dragged myself out last night after 6 days off. I put on week 5, run 3 and thought i’ll just do 20mins.....after 20, I ran through the warm down, and then thought ‘might as well do another 5 🤔’ Be kind to yourself, start back with something you know you can do and you just might surprise yourself!!! 😀👍 x

[theoldfellow]

Let's just remind ourselves that humans have evolved to run, the 10,000 years or so since we started farming instead of chasing antelopes hasn't changed us much fundamentally. Most people find that 2 weeks without a run is okay, but anything more than that and you will lose muscle tone.

I have recent experience having had 3-week flu. As it happens I forced myself to run a Parkrun after 2 weeks, and after the 3 weeks I honestly think my muscles tone is unaffected. So that's 2 weeks off, 5K in 35m, another week off, and back to the 3 times a week.

Having said that, there is clearly something you need to manage in the foot pain. I would say try a very short, say 15 minute slow-jog, and see how your foot holds up. Try and do that 3 times before extending it gradually up to 30 minutes. Even a very short run will help keep the muscles supple, but under 30 minutes won't help much with Cardio or Calories.

God bless.

❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏

[Hidden]

Don't run on an injured foot Em.

It's about 2 weeks before you start to notice a drop in fitness, but that's not your base fitness, that lasts a lot longer. After 9 weeks you've built up a good base level, which means even if you do lose some fitness, you'll find it A LOT easier/faster to get back to your best.

But even if you do lose all your fitness (you won't.. this is a joke) it just means another 9 weeks with Michael 😍.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Could you re-employ your trainer to help with your motivation for a run? I’m sure they wouldn’t mind!

[Granspeed Graduate]

So annoying, isn’t it? I’m working back from a gardening injury & have found the “slow run & see how it feels” method works well.

I’m sure you’ll be fine quickly, but if the war wound persists in clamouring for attention, it may be worth getting some professional advice. A sports physio will have a good background and can often suggest just the right things to help.

You’ll be running fine soon. 👍😊

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Well done on graduating!👍 I saw a sports physio who said I can run with my dodgy ankle without doing any damage, which gave me the confidence to continue. Might be a good plan? I had a month off after I'd got up to 10km and came back able to do a slow 5km straight away. Even if you lose a little fitness it will build back up quickly, so make sure you're well then get back to it. The idea of a slow test run is also a good one. Good luck.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Don't worry, you won't "forget". It's like riding a bike, once you've got it, you've got it.

Your body doesn't lose fitness for at least 2 wks but that just fitness.

I had to have 6 weeks out with a broken toe last year. You don't forget, it just feels a bit odd for the first 5 to 10 mins.

The biggest battle, as with so much is the mental one. Not giving in to the doubts or the gremlins that want you to give up and go back to the sofa.

Make sure your foot is ok and then get out for a little run. You'll be pleasantly surprised 😉