Any advice? : I haven’t ran since the end of... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Any advice?

Sar9 profile image
Sar9Graduate
15 Replies

I haven’t ran since the end of April.

I’m unsure of where to start again? Or is it ok to just head out back the the 5kms I was doing in April?

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Sar9 profile image
Sar9
Graduate
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15 Replies
Magellan profile image
MagellanGraduate

If you have been doing other sport and walking too, I’d suggest starting c25k at w4r1. You could skip w4r3 and w7/8r3 if you want.

If you’ve been on the injury couch all that time, start at week 1. Good luck 😀

Sar9 profile image
Sar9Graduate in reply to Magellan

Thank you! Thankfully I’ve not been injured, just fell off the band wagon. Been eating too much junk and lost motivation. Thought I’d take the motivation and run with it lol.

Took your advice and went for week 4 run 1. Feel really pleased I’ve got out and done it, no problems. Yay!

Forgot how good it makes you feel after!

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

Probably not. How active have you been in the interim?

How about trying a run from C25K Week 4 just to test your legs?

Sar9 profile image
Sar9Graduate in reply to nowster

Thanks for your reply. Haven’t been particularly active just walking and paddle boarding. I took everyone’s advice and went for run 1 of week 4.

Really chuffed with myself!

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply to Sar9

Maybe Week 5 R1 or R2 next? Then W5R3, W6R2, and then 25 min, 28 min and 30 min.

Sar9 profile image
Sar9Graduate in reply to nowster

I think I actually might just carry on and follow the programme. I quite enjoyed tonight, it wasn’t too difficult and just made me feel good. I think it’s made me realise I probably shouldn’t jump in too fast and just enjoy the process again instead of just trying to run 5k all the time.

Maybe that’s why I stopped in the first place. Just became a monotonous task!!

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply to Sar9

You do whatever you're comfortable with. 👍

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

when I came back after a long break for injury, I did all of week 1 and 2 again just to test everything out, then I think I did one of week 3 and week 4, then w5r3, w6r3, and one run from weeks 7, 8 and 9. My plan was to restart from any week that I couldn't complete.

As you've only had a few weeks off, you could jump in, as suggested, around week 4 - if that's too hard, drop back to week 3?

Sar9 profile image
Sar9Graduate in reply to backintime

Thanks! Fortunately I didn’t have an injury, just lost motivation and spiralled down to nothing apart from walking and paddle boarding.

I did as suggested and went for week 4 run 1. Felt good 😊

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate in reply to Sar9

that's great

Voldatort profile image
VoldatortGraduate

I graduated in Feb, I just go out there and run and a bit. No time pressure, try to do a shortish, medium long run a week, between 3-6km that's it. No plan, just head off and see where my feet and music take me. It keeps it interesting.

Sar9 profile image
Sar9Graduate in reply to Voldatort

Sounds like a more enjoyable running schedule. I think I made the mistake of always having to run at-least 5k, which became a chore. Then I didn’t enjoy it as much.

Voldatort profile image
VoldatortGraduate in reply to Sar9

If I do over 5km I allow myself to use my expensive, posh shower gel as a treat 😎😁👍

Mildred1 profile image
Mildred1

I also haven't been for a run since beginning of April. I'm going to just do run/ walk 5ks. If I start back over from any point every time I take a break I think ill just get fed up with the whole thing. So no starting back on the program for me - just 5k with walk breaks where needed.

Ruthwuth profile image
Ruthwuth

Hi, I also had an enforced break. I was struggling before to do 30 minutes so after a month off I’ve gone back to the beginning! Almost done week 2 now. I think I needed to do this as I’m still finding it challenging. Sometimes I do t pick my feet up enough and stumble through! Good luck.

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