Will I be able to run 5k after a 2 month break?

[Katesxx]

I graduated a couple of months ago and was running 5k at least twice a week. However, I haven't been running (due to weather, time, and motivation) for at least 2 months. Will I still be able to run 5k without stopping? Will I be absolutely rubbish when I try? I'm hoping to get back into it in the new year. Thanks.

[mark909 Graduate]

You won't be running at the same level your were when you stopped. How about starting halfway through the c25k and working your way up from there? I feel your pain. I haven't been able to run for 5 weeks due to injury and can feel the xmas pounds piling on!

[sfb350 Graduate]

After 2 months it may be a good idea to build up gradually. If you do as Mark suggests, you may well find that you can build up to 5k without doing all three runs for each week of the program, just listen to your body. You'll know better this time round what you are ready to do. Good luck !

[deadasadodo Graduate]

Hi

I was running 5k 3 times a week, until I had a lupus flare in Oct. takes a good few months to recover, I have just started swimming again and plan to get running again in Jan. I am very nervous about this and am planning to start from week 1!!!!!!!

[Tessietwo Graduate]

Listen to your body. I was so nearly up to 5 k then had a bad ankle injury. Haven't been able to run for two months, having gone through the anguish of losing all the fitness I gained I have resigned myself to realise that I have to start from week one again and give myself time. Can't wait!

[AnnaVictorya]

I finished c25k and was in the last weeks of One Hour Runner program, done 8k run and then I broke my toe. Turned out also had toe nerve damage so was off running for three months, now easing back in. I would say you will be surprised how much fitness you still have! I dont think you should attempt 5k run at once, what if you dont manage? Might be quite demoralising. I would say just set yourself a challenge - like 'run 1k walk 1k ' type intervals, just to assess how you feel and set up a program of running 2-3 times a week and you will be back to 5k in no time! Best of luck!