Hi there
I completed couch to 5k back in October 2024, but then the dark nights and bad weather came in which stopped me doing any more runs. Now the lighter and longer days are almost here and I want to get back into running again... question is.... do I go back to the week 1 run 1 and start again or start somewhere in the middle?? What would you lovely people suggest??
I would do one run of week 1, then if that feels too easy, then progress to week 2 and so on. That way you are not pushing too hard too soon. But it is totally up to you. If you are in the younger age bracket then jumping straight in at week 3 or 4 might be OK. You just have to put your toes in the water and proceed with caution until you know you are going to be comfortable.
I have done the C25k journey 2 and it has been enjoyable the second time around.
I do though enjoy running to new plans and due to various illnesses and injuries, I must have trained up to 5k now more than 7 times since starting to run. Covid struck twice, a calf strain, a flu, a metatarsalgia issue etc etc
And I have really begun to like the ability to run to and compare different plans .
So if you feel you cannot motivate yourself to return to a plan you already “ticked off”, there are other plans out there. (Although I find the NHS C25k app is one of the best)
Here is a link to my post listing all sorts of different couch-to-5k plans. healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...
Hope you find something that you enjoy!
@Fionamags is a great idea I’ve always gone back to the beginning, but trialing one if the easier runs week be onwards will give you an idea of howmuch cardio fitness you’ve lost or retained. If you’ve been active and say a gym bunny you’re more likely to be better than me in soup and chocolate mode for Winter!
Always err on the side of caution though, overdoing it will always catch you out and the IC is never much fun
Good luck with the new runs
Not going to suggest anything, but just to say good luck. I am on my second C25k journey and finding I am enjoying this time more than my first. It has not been easy by any stretch but I have found it easier, think it is down to mental attitude and knowing I have done it before.( 4 year gap and turning 56 soon)
Welcome back. If I’ve had a break due to life/illness/lazy my go to is week 4 or 5. You may be surprised at how quickly residual fitness comes back and I’m almost 67. However there is no harm in building back up more slowly and some runs are always easier than others. I set off yesterday for a short 20 minute jaunt but once I got into the rhythm and felt the sun on my back I kept going for 6k 50 minutes with a couple of short stops to take some photos of the flowering gorse on the cliffs and the glorious blue sea. There are no rules - just do what you can and enjoy the ride
Getting back into it?
Getting back into it
Getting back to it. 
Getting back to running again.
Back on it (Hopefully🤞🏻)
