I'm returning to Couch to 5k after a 3 month break. I got to W5 R2 before I stopped. Should I go right back to the beginning?

[Huffandpuff]

[Lynds Graduate]

I think I would, 3 months is quite a long break. Hopefully you'll have retained some fitness and find it a little bit easier this time too.

[Helen1204]

Maybe don't do all of wk1 or wk2, maybe just one run of 1, one of 2, and depending on how you find it, one of 3 and start for the full week on 4, or start on 3? I think it just really depends on how easy it feels for you, and your level of fitness...

if you find 1 or 2 a little tricky start on those weeks?..

(I am going just going onto wk3 so I guess I'm not completely 'qualified' to answer this question, but I hope it helps....)

[emzylou Graduate]

I had 5 months off after completing the course last year. I have started again and doing every run but I have noticed I am quicker than I was last year.

Currently on week 2 and I am finding it easier, but I still want my body to get used to it.

[Landesman Graduate]

In reality, the whole programme's only 9 weeks so I'd probably play safe and start at or near the beginning - though that depends on how active you've been in the 3 month break of course.

If it's just too easy then maybe skip a run, but you don't want to overdo it initially, particularly if you are restarting.

[RoseR]

I came back to this after about 6 weeks off due to snow, traveling, flue etc, and was feeling rather down about it all to be honest.

So I started right back at w1r1, and it was easy! So then I did w2r1, then w3 twice, then w4 all three runs and about to move on to w5. Going right back to the beginning built my confidence back up and for me was the right thing to do.

Good luck with getting back to running

[Pafkay Graduate]

I was at WK6r1 when I managed to pick up a chest infection and was off running for 4 weeks. I went back to the start of week 4 and found it as easy as the first time.

[Huffandpuff]

Thanks guys! First run back this weekend... better get the mould off the running shoes!