I’m back!!

[Laralou2]

I completed the couch25k back in 2021 and was all set to start on the 10k run but life got in the way and I stopped running.

I’m now starting from the beginning again and I’ve just completed the 1st week. I thought it would be like a walk in the park but it hasn’t been!! Obviously my body has forgotten what to do!!

Has anyone else been in this position and felt it wasn’t as easy as expected?

I’m not giving up though as it’s more likely a psychological issue than anything else.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated, thank you for reading this.

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate]

I found it extremely difficult when I started and my week 1 run was on my lunch break from work ….i was laughed at when I got back for being so red in the face 🤷‍♂️….but this didn’t stop me and I’m sure you can do it as you have been so fit before …..trust the process and take it nice and steady 🙏

[Laralou2 Graduate in reply to Jamesrunsforlife]

Thank you so much for your encouragement, it’s just that I didn’t expect to feel so sluggish as I’ve been doing work outs to build up my stamina.

You’re absolutely right though in saying trust the process as I know it works.

Well done to you for sticking at it.👍

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate in reply to Laralou2]

Thanks 😊

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

In my experience, the first run after a break is always worse than when I’d never run at all! I’ve described myself as a “drunken octopus” and a “broken doll with all the limbs screwed back on too loosely” when I’ve returned to running after a gap. It gets better. Honestly.

It’ll take time and it might feel quite uncomfortable feeling out of sorts compared with before, but just hold on to the fact that it will pass and every awkward step is getting you closer to where you want to be. You’ll get there. Patience is hard to find but loads of us have been where you are and can send lots of sympathy and encouragement your way. Good luck!

[Laralou2 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you so much for your support, advice and encouragement.😊

It certainly makes sense what you’re saying, I will persevere and I will have your image of a “drunken octopus” and “broken doll” in my head as it will make me laugh and spur me on!!🤣

Thank you 😊

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Welcome back, it's tough starting again but you will get there, and hopefully begin to enjoy running again.

[Laralou2 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you so much.😊

[Saltychip Graduate]

Hi LL2!

Congratulations on your decision to begin again 😊- it is NOT an easy one .

But I think you will find you’re joining a merry band of restarters ( not sure it’s even a word).

We are in the fortunate position of knowing to trust the program and that we can do it !!

Plus I am sure you learned important lessons the first time around , I know I did .

As you say it’s a mental challenge as well as a physical one.

But you have got this - keep going !

[Laralou2 Graduate in reply to Saltychip]

Thank you, it’s so lovely to know I’m not alone in this. Your words will be in my head when I start my 2nd week of running tomorrow. Thank you ☺️

Lots of luck with your journey, as you say we know we can do this. All the best.😊

[jaynewoodbank Graduate]

Well done for restarting!I've lost count of the number of times I've done and redone C25K, sometimes completing and working on further distances, sometimes not. It has depended very much on where my head is in the game.

Keep going, is all I can say and don't be hard on yourself x

[Laralou2 Graduate in reply to jaynewoodbank]

Thank you so much, it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in returning to couch25k and your stories help me to get out there and continue.

Lots of luck with your journey, I agree with your comment about where your head is at the time. Running isn’t just a physical activity it’s also a very mental one.

Thanks again.👍