Getting back to running..: Any tips for getting... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Getting back to running..

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate
17 Replies

Any tips for getting back to Couch to 5k. I completed it a couple years ago and was doing 5k runs 2-3 x a week.I was diagnosed with a early breast cancer in November and haven't run since. I've since had a lumpectomy and am waiting radiotherapy.

I've recently returned to yoga and I walk alot...but haven't had to courage to start my running...Any suggestions of where to begin?

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Nikeygirl profile image
Nikeygirl
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17 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

So sorry to hear of your troubles 😟But after a break like that then the sensible place to restart would be week 1 run 1

As I will be doing myself hopefully soon 🤞

Bear in mind it's not just aerobic fitness that will decline but resistance to injury also .

Good luck

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate in reply to Instructor57

I think I will begin at week 1. Thank you for your advice

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Welcome back and well done you for coming back!

You are having a tough time and must be feeling vulnerable right now. x

So...Start at the very beginning... a very good place to start... ( that reminds me of a song:)

So many of us have done this for so, so many reasons... and it is absolutely great!

No pressure... no trying too hard...you know what is coming and you KNOW you can and will do it...

We will be right here, every step of the way! Start running and keep posting.

I cannot wait for your first post! Off you go! x

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you for your support and advice. I will start at the very beginning...a very good place to start...😀

RubytheGreat profile image
RubytheGreatGraduate

Just start back at the beginning again and in 9 weeks or so you should be back up to speed again - hopefully - Good Luck!

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate in reply to RubytheGreat

Yes I think I'll give it a go from week 1..I know what to expect rom the program now. Thank you for your advice.

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

Another vote for restarting from the beginning (I just restarted for the 3rd time for various injuries)

A lot less mental pressure after you've done it once and know you can do it

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate in reply to backintime

Thank you I will restart the program..

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate in reply to Nikeygirl

I hope you're doing OK after your injuries...

Katrey60 profile image
Katrey60Graduate

Hi Nikeygirl,

I hope your doing ok, I went through exactly the same as you last year, and I am now back running. I did a few short runs between my surgeries and radiotherapy, but I did find that the radiotherapy can make you very tired, I didn’t feel those side effects until a couple of months after. I finished my treatment in August, and gradually built up my distance, walking when necessary during my runs, this worked for me as I run with my husband.

I do think the advice of starting again is good as well, but go out and see how you get on. Even a short run/walk is an achievement, so I’m sure you can do it.

I hope your radiotherapy goes well and take care 🏃‍♀️☺️

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate in reply to Katrey60

Thank you. I hope you're feeling better now. I think I will listen to everyone and begin again and see how I get on.

I've been doing yoga regularly 2-3 times a week which has really helped. I need to do more cardio...

Katrey60 profile image
Katrey60Graduate in reply to Nikeygirl

I am doing really well now, thank you for asking. I’m back up to 30 mins twice a week, I’m building up to 5k slowly as I’m doing the Race for Life in July.

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate in reply to Katrey60

That's amazing. How long is Race for Life?I've heard radiotherapy can make you feel tired. Did you suffer any side effects during treatment?

They said they're going do 5 days of radiotherapy...used give 15 over 3 weeks but recently changed to less sessions...

I'm not working atm..I left work just before my diagnosis.

Katrey60 profile image
Katrey60Graduate in reply to Nikeygirl

Race for life has 3 options 3k 5k and 10k, so I’ve picked the 5k

with the radiotherapy I had 5 sessions over 5 days too, I was fine at the time, but the tiredness got me about 4 weeks after. It’s taken almost a year for my nails to stop splitting, but otherwise I’ve been fine.

I worked all the way through, but my boss was fabulous about me taking as much time as I needed xx

If you need to chat please send me a message x

Ritmo profile image
RitmoGraduate

I'm doing it for the fourth time! Various injuries and illnesses and other hold-ups have made me start again. Tomorrow will be week 5 run 3, eek!

Nikeygirl profile image
NikeygirlGraduate in reply to Ritmo

Is that when it suddenly jumps to a 20 minute run? There was one that totally surprised me...Its like a week has been missed out 😊

Ritmo profile image
RitmoGraduate

That's the one. A little bit terrifying.

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