Week one done! But missed 3 days of running

[Pymander10]

Hi I’ve finished week one and started week 2 on Friday which I finished!! My problem is that I had to go away for 3 days and wasn’t able to run. I’m slightly worried about doing my next run today as I’m worried that may have put me back. I’m thinking I’ll do a week one run and then go back to week 2 on Thursday but I’m worried that means I’ve failed as I also had to do week one twice. I’ve also had shin pains which got better after I started stretching before my runs but I don’t know if lack of runs could have made that worse!

Thank you for reading so far. I have severe mental health problems and very low self esteem so even starting this was a huge accomplishment for me. Thank you for reading so far

Jess

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are doing great.

As stated in the guide to the plan, 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 for a gentle run and see what we can comfortably manage, then use C25k or something similar to rebuild stamina and resistance to injury.

Please read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening.

Just relax and enjoy this. It can be an incredibly empowering process and it doesn't have to be a battle.

[Pymander10 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your reply! I’m starting to look forward to my run later today. Just need to hydrate more first!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Pymander10]

Don't overthink it and just remember that the only way to fail this plan is to head back to the sofa permanently. If you don't fully complete a run, have a rest day and give it another go, running slower, knowing that every run is training for the next one.

[MaCherie112 Graduate]

The advice above says it all! Welcome to your new journey! Remember no run is ever a failure! With each run you are strengthening your body and willpower, building stamina and self belief. Embrace all of it, adjust/adapt when necessary. As long as you haven’t quit permanently then you haven’t failed. It’s not a race but a journey and many people take longer than the official 9 weeks the important thing is you do what you can when you can and listen to your body. Progress not perfection should be the aim! Well done on all your progress so far and what it’s taken to get here!!! Best of luck on your journey!

[Ian5K Graduate]

That sounds like a good plan, Jess. 🙂

It is a personal journey and not an exam, running the plan as it suits you is better than not doing it at all. You’re doing it, that’s no fail.

[jeffersonsam99]

This is happened to me also, I also feel very tired and guilty to not follow my goal. But later I will continue my running regularly. I also achieve my goal. So don't stop your goal....Run Run Run....Don't give up.