Back on the road!

[sundaypapers]

I’ve never posted before - but I just thought I’d share my story. After several failed attempts, I finished the C25K last summer, and kept it going into September. For several months I was running 5k three times a week. I was getting fitter and was feeling great.

Then schools went back, the clocks changed, it got colder... and I lost my momentum. And over the winter I’ve felt myself get less and less fit.

But now it’s got warmer, I decided it’s time to get back on the road. I went out for a run on Sunday... and, rookie error, went too hard and without a plan. And have been in sore-legged agony since.

Anyway, I pushed myself out again today - this time going back to Week 5 Run 1 - and it was brilliant. I finished the run feeling fine and ready to progress in 2 days time.

The moral of the story is, just get out there. BUT take it slow and stick with the plan! I know I’ll be running 5ks again before too long.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on restarting.

We are all capable of doing way more than our bodies are conditioned to do, but not without increasing our injury risk. Sticking to gently progressive training plans is the safest way to push our limits, whilst gently increasing our resistance to injury.

Injury often strikes out of the blue and can stop you for days, weeks or even months.

With that in mind, I would recommend that perhaps you spend longer reconditioning your body to the impact, before moving onto longer continuous runs.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[sundaypapers Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Ah, thanks. And yes I'm going to take it slow and steady. I found my level for a bit - 3 x 5 mins will do me fine for a week or two. And then I'll start ratcheting up a bit. Main thing for me was learning that I was being blasé about my abilities - and been able to run 5k four months ago didn't mean that I could run 5k now. But I totally see now that slow and steady - quite literally - wins the race.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to sundaypapers]

I restarted C25k from W1 after a four month break, just to do that recondition nice and slowly.

[sundaypapers Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes you're probably right. However, 3x5 felt fine today. Was good to be back out there.