Back to basics (ish)

[Crolla]

I started C25k in 2018 and graduated before I found this website.Since then I kept up running three times a week. Following an injury last October when I broke my toes, I have struggled to get back to running the 5k. I run round my park - each lap is 0.8k so I need to run 6 and a bit (I'm so scientific!) to run the full distance. But since I restarted running in January, I have really struggled to get to that distance. I knew it would take some time, but the maximum I could get to was 4 laps (so 3.2k) and it was bugging me so much.

But I had a bit of a rethink, and decided I needed to go back to basics. The idea is that you can keep going for 30 minutes, right? But what I was doing was trying to run it all and then getting despondent when I couldn't keep going. Yesterday was even worse to start with as my shins were hurting so much that I nearly stopped after three laps. But it was such a glorious day, with the sun shining, and despite my legs hurting, my lungs felt good, so instead of stopping, I thought about walking for a lap or two.

In the end, I walked half a lap, then ran another two and a half ... completing seven laps in total. I'm so pleased about it and felt amazing afterwards. Also pleased that this morning my legs and shins feel fine.

Never thought two years ago, I'd be so happy that I'd completed a run!

Happy running to you all.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you haven't run regularly or not for some time then it is always recommended to start the plan again and build your strength and injury resistance back up again nice and slowly, as I am doing myself after a break of nearly a year.