How do I get back on track?

[Mogafun]

Hi all, I was about to star week 8 of couch to 5k and was LOVING it but, for the last 2 months I could not run for a number of personal reasons. Any advice on how to get back on track? Doing the week 8 run seems very daunting and going back to week 1 is a little demoralising. Any advice would be most helpful!

[Impetuous]

A pragmatic suggestion rather than an informed one - but why not just go out for a nice gentle jog and see how long you last for, then pick the run from the plan that roughly aligns with what you can comfortably achieve? It’s win-win as you tackle the ‘first run after a break’ hurdle and also re-baseline yourself.

At very worst you’ll pick a level that’s a bit easy for you and you’ll spend an extra couple of weeks well inside your comfort zone. Nothing wrong with that at all!

Good luck picking up the plan again and powering on the finish line. 🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Morning... Just simply head out.... a little jogette... no particular idea of time... just see what the legs tell you. Listen to the body , it is your best guide,

If it is feeling good, then just, slowly and steadily just carry on for the time.

The longer runs are just perfect for relaxing into so see how you go?

If you feel it is a struggle, then slow down more. and if that does not feel right, then, maybe head back a couple of runs, but I do feel you may be fine

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

As it states in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... all any of us can do after a break is to do as advised by Impetuous and go out to see what we can comfortably achieve, then build from there.

Err on the side of caution though and take it nice and easy.

[TuxCatLady Graduate]

I've been in a similar situation - graduated in May, everything going really well but then I moved house and with packing, moving, settling in, decorating, etc., my running has gone out of the window. Don't stress about it too much - you've done it before so you can do it again. Just get out in the fresh air, no plan, just relax and have a gentle run. It's a victory just getting back out there after a break. Once you've had 2 or 3 gentle jogs, pick up C25K wherever it feels manageable and get back on track. Good luck!

[Mogafun]

Thank you all for great advice and encouragement, I went running this morning and it was AMAZING... suprised myself as was not as unfit as I feared!!!