Return to running after serious illness

[Puddingnpie]

Completed treatment for breast cancer 3 weeks ago and would like to resume running. I was a keen runner for about 4 years but it tailed off to 3.5k runs prior to diagnosis (was tired) and I've been out of action on / off now for 6 months.
I'm scared ive lost my running mojo! I used to love it and would never need much to motivate me. I'm now a wee bit overweight, still a bit treatment fatigued and worried about whether I've got the gumption to get back out there! I need the exercise as much for my mental health as my physical but dont want to.feel like a failure if I can't do it. I am also genuinely worried about exhausting myself .
Not sure what I'm asking - motivation? Sensible tips? Encouragement ?
Has anyone come through something similar and got fit (fitter?) X

I'd start with C25k. Hopefully you'll feel you can progress quicker having done it before, but you've had a tough time and starting gently and building up gradually will help you find your gear again. I've always liked Laura on the podcasts talking me through.

Totally different, but I had tough SPD pregnancies and rough births and twice got fit from a starting point of walking to the end of the cul-de-sac and back. Once I got going, my fitness improved quite quickly.

One of these groups run at my parkrun. They sound perfect for you, might be worth seeing if any groups local to you

5kyourway.org/

Otherwise, definitely a couch to 5k and parkrun combo . Community, positive people and encouragement a plenty. Well done and all the best for your forward fitness and health journey. Just start and it will come together, and chat to us here

Nothing like what you’ve been through with breast cancer, but I had gynae surgery 18 months ago followed by a failed round of IVF this autumn and am equally craving a return to running.

I’ve had a few gym trips and managed a steady 20 mins on treadmill but it doesn’t compare to running outside. Feel quite sad that 3 years ago I was a fairly good runner and could (fairly!) effortlessly run 10k.

I think it’s best to be kind to yourself and take it step by step (quite literally). I have found it helpful to focus on DURATION (e.g - I’ll be out of the house and moving forward for 20 mins - via any combination of walk/jog/run) rather than distance or speed. And then gradually build from there.

Good luck - I’ll be doing it too!

is your local parkrun laps? Ours is 3 and I have a few friends who've come back off maternity and started doing one lap and building up to the whole thing. Another has come back from a serious illness and is doing the same with a target to run the whole thing by May 2020 (the anniversary of his last one before he got ill).

start small and build up slowly, You'll get back therto eventually.

puddingnpie no expertise in running myself (though I'd love to run) but I just wanted to pop on to wish you all the best for 2020, having completed your treatment. All best wishes.

Thanks so much for all your replies and encouragement- it's spurred me on. I haven't done c25k before but I think it's a good idea ShinyGiratina /CalmConfident and you're right, small steps and positive vibes are what I need.
I haven't done parkrun either - always been a lone runner but I could probably benefit from the social/community encouragement.
Youngatheart00 - you sound like you have been through a lot and I admire your spirit - inthink I'll be happy to even get on my running gear and make it.outbthe door (seems a big step) Why dont we update eachother here on our progress?
Thanks Tinselette1940 - that's really lovely of you.

Congratulations on finishing your treatment! I returned to exercise after treatment for a different cancer. My main advice would be to be kind to yourself. I was so keen to get back to normal that I underestimated the post treatment fatigue and pushed myself a bit hard. As you say exercise was really important for my mental health as well as physical so good to get back in but in hindsight I should have taken it more slowly. I found couch to 5k really good - you can always repeat weeks as well if you need to.

@Puddingnpie definitely up for being accountable for progress and supporting eachother by posting on here!

However, I’ve come down with a horrible cold so I think I’ll be hibernating until New Year’s Day! But I think a short new year day run is something to aim for, even if it’s only 15/20 mins!