Haven't run for a week - where to start again - Couch to 5K

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Haven't run for a week - where to start again

Eggs2 profile image
8 Replies

Hi, I have been on holidays and did not run for a week, I was on week 7 run2, so was up to running 25 mins. Should I start back on week 6 now, or just go back to the programme where I left off? I was really loving it, however now that I have missed a few, I am dreading going back to it, in case I fail.

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Eggs2 profile image
Eggs2
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8 Replies
Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

If you've been active on holiday I would just go out there and try where you left off, there won't be any harm done if you don't quite manage it. If you've over induldged and been a real couch potato or sunbed sleeper perhaps one run of week 6 would do you good. Only you can tell how your body feels after a break. Whatever option you chose good luck.

DontBeBlueBeARainbow profile image
DontBeBlueBeARainbowGraduate

I would say just go and try week 7 again, you've done it a few times by now and by going back to week 6 you'll just be going back to intervals, which you probably don't need.

I did the same during week 7 and just went out slower, and through much mental persuasion, managed to complete it. Now I can do 28 minutes!!

Good luck x

glendam52 profile image
glendam52Graduate

I wouldnt go back to w6r1 as I found that really hard but maybe do run 2 again that 2x10 but it does depend what type of holiday you have just had. ;-)

emzylou profile image
emzylouGraduate

Myself and a friend had the same dilemma last week. We done a 20min run and then a 25min. We have just started on week 8 on Monday. We were both surprised and pleased that we done the 20 with having a week off.

It's better to complete a run than have to stop and walk, I think it's motivational.

plodon profile image
plodonGraduate

Just continue from where you left off. A weeks rest might even have done you ood. I had completed wk 7 run 2 when I took a week off to rest a glute injury. As an aside my wife was delighted as she felt vindicated in her view that I am a pain in the a**. Anyway after the week I set out to do run 3 and it was fine. Go for it, whats the worst can happen.

Joysmum profile image
JoysmumGraduate

I'd carry on from where you left off. Take it steady, don't go trying to break any records, see how you go.

BettyTwinkle profile image
BettyTwinkleGraduate

I had the same dilemma although for slightly different reasons. I failed on W7R3 as I had a cold/virus. I didn't go out for 5 days and the same as you, didn't know what to do as I didn't want to fail on my next outing. I just did the run that I missed and it was perfectly ok. Also, my husband took 2 weeks off and he just picked up where he left off on W8 - so it goes to show that all the hard work you have already put in to build up your stamina, really does pay off.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine :)

Eggs2 profile image
Eggs2

Well I bite the bullet and went for my run this evening, I was delighted I did it, as I managed to do 28 mins…slowly! Was really pleased with myself. thanks to all who commented and gave me the advice to just get out there and do it!

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