How to restart after a break

[markbrom]

If I have to break for health, injury or other reasons do I pick up where I left off or go back to beginning? I know the length of break would have a bearing but wondered if anyone has any advice?

[itselenax Graduate]

As you say, the length of the break will need to be taken into consideration. Anything under 2 weeks should be fine to continue where you left off, if it was over 2 weeks then again it would depend on exactly how long.

[itselenax Graduate in reply to itselenax]

I will add that I recently took about 4 weeks off from Covid and it didn't affect me too badly, I can do 20 minutes easily and am building up to 30 again.

[markbrom Graduate in reply to itselenax]

Thank you 😊

[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.

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.

[nowster Graduate]

As others have said, it all depends on what you were doing before you had the enforced break, how long the break was for, and whether you were able to do other activities during the break.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Very much a suck-it-and-see situation and also depends where you up to when you had to stop.

Maybe try a W4 or W5 run and see how you go. As always, take it nice and easy.