I had done W6R2 and couldn’t believe it. It took me years to get to that point. I bought my new trainers and was feeling so motivated and ready do start W6R3. Then I took a bad cold which developed into a chest infection. That was about 2 weeks ago. I know that sounds fairly recent but I feel I’ve lost every single bit of fitness I had. I have been eating absolute rubbish and not drinking enough water, and have put on weight. I feel right back at square one, and even the though of starting week 1 again fills me with dread.
I want to try again tomorrow but I don’t know at what stage to jump in at. What do you guys suggest? I know I definitely couldn’t run 20mins again, especially as my chest is still improving (and I’m asthmatic which doesn’t help). I don’t want to hit my body too hard and want to start gradually again.
What week should I start at?
All advice welcome please. This has happened me loads over the past few years and never could get past week 3. I thought I was going to actually do it this time
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QueenGreen
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Poor you, sounds like you e lost a bit of confidence too. I understand you don't want to restart but you also dont want to fail or risk asthma problems. How about setting yourself up for good news and start a speedy C25K by taking 1 day of each week to build your confidence until you find your place again. Just a thought, take care
Morning. Don’t beat yourself up. This happens to all of us. Either through illness or injury. The fact that you’ve posted here means you have the desire to get back running.
I would suggest you start at week 4 run 1 and build from there. You might feel like it’s a step backwards however it’ll give you the confidence to move forward and in a couple of weeks you’ll be back.
Start from where you left it but go very slow. Or maybe a few weeks before. Or even from the start. I started from the start twice, second time I did it after completing the entire program. And why not, we are in no rush. As for the rest of the business (eating/hydration), you need a bit of discipline, self belief, more discipline, determination, positive thinking, lots of stubbornness and finally, even more discipline. It sounds more difficult that it is. Simply go and do it.
As you've not just had a cold but a chest infection, make sure you fell fully fit first. Maybe go back to wk4 just to see if you feel the running is ok. Good luck 😊
As mentioned in the guide to the plan, if you have a break, go out and see what you can comfortably manage and use that as a basic for moving on.
Well done for keep going and never giving up. I think you're amazing.
I am asthmatic too so I have to be careful. I had two bouts of bad head colds whilst on the plan that both turned into chest infections I didn't feel well enough to run during that time. I didn't think about where on the plan I was although I was bitterly disappointed I couldn't run. When I started to feel like I was fit enough, I went out and just took it easy and did as much as my body was able to. Once I checked my fitness levels, I went back to the week where I'd got to but I also took my inhaler out with me. I certainly didn't start back at week 1 and I think if I did that, I would have been demoralised.
You know you can do this because you have the determination to not give up. Have a rest then check your fitness but don't overdo it.
Thanks for all your advice. Just a little update. I considered all your advice and decided to start at week 4 again. I felt going completely back to week 1 would be demoralising though liked the idea of doing run 3 of each week!
However, week 4 it was, and I couldn’t do it!! I done the 3min run, 5min run, 3min run (with difficulty) and just couldn’t do the last 5 min run. It goes to show how a break can have an impact. I don’t think it was my chest that was the problem, I think it was the legs not being used to it, and generally feeling heavy and unfit and dehydrated.
Anyway I’m not too disheartened.. at least I tried, and it was good to feel some sweat on my back again. I’m starting tomorrow being a more disciplined healthier version of myself!
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The dog made me do it ! 
How can I stop myself from going too fast?
Where do I restart from? 
Help, do I go back to square one?
Where have I injured and what can I do to help it?
