How long between runs is too long?

[JacquiAM]

Hi everyone - it’s my second time of completing this programme. I seemed to have lost my running mojo over the past few months so back to it 😊. I was due to run week 5 run 3 on Monday but the snow happened! The pavements are like skating rinks at the moment so I won’t risk running until they’re clear. My question is should I start week 5 again (or go back further?) as it could be up to a week before I run again - and I’m thinking 20 minutes straight off could be a bit much after a week off...? Any advice gratefully received 😊

[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]

If you're concerned about inactivity, do something else when you're not able to run. If you can do walks, do. Something to keep the joints moving and the muscles active.

For confidence, when you do start running again, you might like to repeat the run you most recently completed.

After a long break (more than two weeks) you're best breaking things in by working up to the level you previously were at, over a few running sessions.

[JacquiAM Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thanks for the response ... I am walking and also doing online exercise classes so attempting to keep the fitness up 😊. I think I will do the first two runs of week 5 again when the snow and ice disappears ...