Starting over. Again

[Joolsmule]

Started c25k in spring last year and this is my first time posting on here.

I made it to week 9 before stopping through illness. Started again and graduated in November. Earlier this year I was forced to rest with a foot injury. Just started to get back into a routine of running 3X a week then got 2nd bout of Covid. I wasn’t ill but it left me with no energy and even less motivation. I kept meaning to start running again, without actually doing anything about it. Last month I even made a half-hearted attempt, only it didn’t amount to anything.

Finally this week I went out and just did it. Today I completed wk 1, run 3. Hate to say it, but I thought it would be easier this time round as I know I can do it. I’m hoping it’s just the heat 🥵

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome back to running. It may well be easier this time around, but it’s a lot hotter than last spring, November and (most of) earlier this year too… this will be throwing off your energy levels by either giving you a restless night, or just your body working hard to maintain your body temperature while you sleep… and also it makes hydration much much harder to get right. The good news is it is expected to cool on Monday, so you may feel much more comfortable in the next couple of runs.

You’ve been through quite a year and a bit there… good to see you’re fully recovered now. Enjoy your journey back to awesomeness, hopefully in nice cool conditions.

[Joolsmule Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you 😊 I like the sound of cool and awesomeness even more. At least this time round I won’t be doing this alone

[HRTHarrier in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I’ve redone C25k due to health setbacks (and then lack of motivation) so many times I’ve almost lost count! On wk6 (again) at the moment. I don’t mind redoing it - better than not doing anything and I know Laura’s music (I’m on the original podcast with music supplied) so we’ll that I can sing along with it! Win win!!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on restarting.

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.

Take your time, there is no hurry.

Enjoy your journey.

[Joolsmule Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the advice.

[RainbowSloth Graduate]

Congrats! Totally celebrate it. Heat or not, be gentle with yourself. I think you will surprise yourself. Just keep doing the sessions as the are and it will defo build your stamina again. I’m just into week 3 after starting again. This mornings run was hard work. But I’m building on w1 fir sure. It’s definitely happening. You’ve totally go this.

[Joolsmule Graduate in reply to RainbowSloth]

Thanks for the encouragement. The hardest part for me was just getting out there, so when I finished today I felt I had achieved something. Well done getting to week 3 and good luck

[RainbowSloth Graduate in reply to Joolsmule]

Thank you x yes I agree. I’ve just pushed myself out this

Opening after a good few days off. But got out and that’s good 💪🏼

Hope you are doing ok too x

[nowster Graduate]

Absolutely it's the heat. I've drunk over 3 litres today and I absolutely needed it!

[Dendev75 Graduate]

Hi 👋🏻 well done for getting back out there. I also got to week 9 last year and had one run left, anxiety got the better of me and wiped me for a while. I started walking (a lot) this year and thought I’d give it another go, the biggest thing I’ve learned 2nd time around is to slow my pace right down (even though I was already slow), it’s got me through.

This heat is awful to run in so any run you manage is a good one 👍🏻

[Joolsmule Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Thanks Dendev75, and well done yourself for getting back out there. Like you, I think slow and steady is the way to go.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome back !Well done you...and welcome to a a growing group of folk who, like you are returning and repeating... !

Pop into Catch-Up Corner and check out some of the friends there

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You have had a rough time... so, be kind to yourself, and just take it slow and steady.

If you are running whilst it is so, so hot... then do try very early or later... it makes it very hard otherwise, and could put you off again

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The runs wait and the cooler, and hopefully, wetter days, will surely come x

[SerialC25Ker]

Well done for starting again! I’ve started again many times and it’s always difficult at the start but knowing you’ve done it before is a great motivator. I’m waiting to start again when it cools down so congrats on completing week 1 in this heat! Keep going 💪🏻

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I think Week 1 is especially hard, no matter how many times a person has done it.

[Tazzy_wazzy Graduate]

Well done for starting again. I graduated a couple of years ago but due to ill health I had to give up running. I’ll be running week 9 next week, I’ve found it very difficult. So be gentle with yourself and take care in the heat 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Shuffledaway Graduate]

I’m in a similar position to you. A few weeks ago I had got back up to week 7 and was feeling good about it until I got a 2nd bout of Covid. Like you I feel flat and have no energy and am tired a lot. Coupled with this heat, the running has once more gone to the bottom of the list. My plan is to try again when it’s cooled down next week. Sounds like you’re back in the game so keep it up. I always tell myself as I’m puffing along that doing anything is better than nothing, so we’ll done you!👏👏

[ConstantStarter]

Well done on getting back to it!! Literally why I joined, but my progress has been very slow (and my excuses have been many!). Its definitely very warm so just take it easy and don't try to do too much too soon😀

[VPOLLIE67 Graduate]

Hi there I’m a returner too and just started week 3. The heat is definitely sapping energy and motivation this week but keep going. I’m actually looking forward to the thunder storms threatening this weekend lol.

Happy running Joolsmule

[SteadyShuffler Graduate]

Hi! Thanks so much for posting. I got to W9 R3 in October then various life events and illness took over. Gutted to have lost the level of fitness I had and needed a push to re start. It sounds like you’re on it again - and you can do it!! Thank you for the push - I am planning W1 R1 tomorrow 😊

[Joolsmule Graduate in reply to SteadyShuffler]

Thank you for the encouragement. I hope you got out for your W1 R1 today 😊