Restarting after graduating

[Clubberpound52]

Hi i started couch 2 5k Oct 2019 & graduated. I carried on running a couple of times a week for a while but then eventually stopped. I enjoyed doing it & would like to start again. I'm guessing I should start right back at the beginning 🤔

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back to the forum and well done on your decision.

You don't actually say when you last ran, so the answer has to be very generalised.

Whenever I have missed three months or more of running, through illness or injury, I have always gone back and redone C25k in its entirety. This may not have been absolutely necessary but it is always great to do it again.

We are all capable of doing way more than our bodies are conditioned to do, but not without increasing our injury risk. Sticking to gently progressive training plans is the safest way to push our limits, whilst gently increasing our resistance to injury.

As we age our ability for our bodies to develop diminishes, so be kind to yourself and break yourself back in gently.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.