14 day day holiday break. I'm back and wondering how best to resume.

[SamiaT]

Forgive me runners for I have abstained. I went on holiday and haven't run since W8 R1 exactly 14 days ago today. I got home yesterday and must admit wasn't looking forward to attempting to resume C25k. So I figured I'd start the Nike Guided runs to ease myself back. Todays run was 20mins, even though I'd been doing 28mins during week 8. The next will be 22min, 27 min and 35min. I'm thinking to resume W8 after the 35min run. Anybody have any thoughts? Should I continue with the Nike runs or attempt W8 R2? I don't want to set myself up to fail. I was doing so well before my break, I guess I don't want to attempt it and my body/mind tell me I can no longer do it.

How soon can you build back form after a 2 week break, does anyone know?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As stated in the guide to the plan, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you lose no significant condition in the first two weeks of non running., so pick up where you left off.

After that loss of condition is gradual.

All any of us can do after a lay off is to go out and see what we can comfortably manage, then build back up gently, using C25k or something similar as a guide to weekly increase.

[joggo]

I wasn't as far in the program as you so not sure how helpful this is, but had 18 days off recently due to an injury (I got to W6 R2) and started back on that same last successful run, and it was all good! I was really surprised. I think overall my fitness felt the same, although my body ached a lot more the next day! So maybe go back to your last run, and see how it goes? Either way, don't beat yourself up - 14 day holiday sounds amazing!

[SamiaT Graduate in reply to joggo]

Thanks for this positive message! My only concern is my over indulgence during the hol impacting my runs. My 20min 'easy' run today was hard work towards the end but the stats were similar to what I'd been achieving prior to the hol. I'm going to continue with the Nike Guided runs for afew more runs until before I resume W8 R2, just so I'm mentally prepped to believe I can do 28min again. Hopefully, by then the weather will be cooler too which should help.x