Coming back to running after a semi-break

[Oceantide]

I used to run regularly 50 miles per week plus and have run 3 marathons. Since I completed all the training for my 2020 marathon then the event was cancelled I’ve kind of lost motivation. I also felt a bit burnt out having been through several training cycles. Similarly have had some big life goings-on that got in the way of training.

I haven’t stopped but my mileage has dwindled to 15 miles per week if I’m lucky and haven’t run further than 10 miles for a year. I can still run at 8.30 mins per mile ish but wouldn’t be able to keep that up for a 10k.

Has anyone come back from this position? How did you do if and how did you get over the feeling of ‘what if’? Realistically I won’t get fit enough for a 2022 marathon but would like to aim for one in 2023. I’m putting on weight and hate the feeling of getting out of shape but it’s so hard to get started!

I lost a lot of running motivation last year. I’d managed, just, 1000 miles in 2020 and was finding that quite stressful towards the end. I pottered throughout 2021, did 4 halfs but very little training for them. I know my fitness has dropped, so I’ve targeted an April half and have started a structured plan, with only 3 runs a week and am doing more cross training now. I’m not feeling in shape but hoping it will kick in in February.

I have to add a disclaimer though - I’d have to be in top form for 8.30 min miles!

I'd consider what's important to you - races, fun, times, experiences??
If you're not where you want to be in terms of pace then I find trail running is a good way to enjoy running without worrying about times / pace. Go to some new places, take a map and just run for fun and see what you discover. Join a club (if you're not already in one) and then you'll find like minded people to run with, probably discover new places to run etc. I'm gradually dragging myself out of this sort of position although I've never run 50 miles a week even when marathon / ultra training! I'm just about getting back into the routine of gym days and running days and have been building back my running distance. I've decided i'm focussing on distance not speed for now as I'm miles off my PB paces (not helped by being several kg heavier and I suspect peri-menopausal) so it's run for fun and the experiences for me.