First intervals session for months

[Gwenllian1]

I stopped running on my doctor's advice in August and started again doing couch to 5 k just before Christmas. Last week I finished it and of course was way off being able to run 5k in running for 30 minutes. That's totally fine. I know that even when I get back to the distance it will take me somewhere between 42 and 44 minutes. I am not and have never been fast and one of the good things about having been running slowly for quite a few years now is that I have a pretty good idea of what I can do. But I would like to get back to running longer distances so this morning I started the nrc programme to get to 5k. I thought I'd do the 27 minute speed run which is 8 runs of 60 seconds and 8 recovery walks of 60 seconds. It was probably last July that I last ran an intervals run and I had truly forgotten how much fun they can be. I really enjoyed it! I enjoyed reminding myself that I can run a bit faster and feel strong. I enjoyed the recovery walks listening to the birds singing and noticing the hedges just beginning to come into leaf.

My progress is really slow but I do feel I'm on my way back!

[Jancanrunagain]

sounds like a great consolidation exercise to do . Well done on being able to do it and still appreciate the surroundings

[Gwenllian1 Graduate in reply to Jancanrunagain]

I am really lucky to run in a beautiful place which is great because I can distract myself!

[Vragtes Graduate]

Great to read you’re back and with a plan. Slowly is the way to do it. I know myself that’s the case. Currently I’m recovering from a sprained ankle (17th February) and will not start again until I’m pain free. Then, for the third time, I’ll begin Cto5k from the beginning. Disappointing but truly insignificant when you realise the troubles others have!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate in reply to Vragtes]

Best of luck with your plan! I know just what you mean. I remind myself when I feel super slow that I'm so lucky to be able to run at all. Sometimes I quite deliberately run for those who can't of you know what I mean!

[Tessie66]

Well done on getting back running and time really doesn't matter,the intervals sound great fun