How long is too long between runs?

[beatasthma]

I'm away at the moment and have been knocked for six by the heat. I fully intended to get at least one run in during my 10days away but it's not looking promising. I ran w4r1 the day before I came should i repeat when I get back?

[happierswimming Graduate]

if you are just three weeks into the programme, it will be a good idea to go to the start of week 4 again, just to reassure yourself that you are still fit. Try to do some brisk walking while you are away (perhaps evenings when it's cooler?) and maybe some hills and you won't lose much fitness. Have fun

[beatasthma]

Thanks, walking, hills and all is what it's been all about so far as I'm backpacking, so averaging a good 6 hours or so of stomping a day. Hoping this will keep the fitness up as it's too hard to think about finding somewhere to run when you're moving about so much.

[Pixel Graduate]

To be honest with you, ten days isn't a 'long' time. Even more so if you've been hiking all holiday- I'd be tempted to do run two of week four and see how you go. If you find it ok, then cool, carry on and do run three of week four.

I suspect you'll be fine with week four as you've kept your walking up (in fact, I bet six hours a day has increased your stamina), but if you do struggle with the transition to week five then you can always take a step back to repeat week four then. If you had sustained an injury, or had spent the last ten days lying in bed I'd be a touch more cautious: but, at ten days I wouldn't expect you'd be sliding backwards progress wise as you've continued on with other activities. Best of luck!

[cvgough Graduate]

I've just completed W8R2 nine days after having done W8R1 with no significant exercise in the meantime and was very pleasantly surprised to find that it went very well, better than run 1 in fact. So, I guess in your position, I wouldn't worry too much about it and just carry on. Hope this helps.

[mark909 Graduate]

I just did w6r3 again after taking 7 days off after getting a thigh strain last time I ran it. Completed it today with no problems!

[swanscot Graduate]

I'm in the same boat, having just had a break from the programme for 10 days. During those ten days I've been hillwalking every day - climbing up to 4,000 ft and walking up to 10 miles on the longest days. I'm going to recommence where I left off the C25K programme at week 4 this evening.