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Original poster

Not run for 6 weeks ....

26 replies

tonystarksrighthand · 18/12/2022 19:38

Cos I'm a lazy bastard and lost all motivation.

I was a comfortable 5K / 10K (effort) regular runner for 3 years ... running at least 2-3 times a week.

At peak I was 80-100K a month,

Do I start back at couch to 5K?

I need and want to get back to it! But don't don't where to even start.

OP posts:
Neilsfavouritechilli · 18/12/2022 19:43

Following for tips. I got up to 5k but haven't been out in a couple of months. I'm also wondering whether to restart C25K or maybe try halfway through. The dark, icy weather puts me off though.

Original poster
tonystarksrighthand · 18/12/2022 19:50

I'm so cross at myself! But need to move forward.

Maybe it's just "putting the trainers back on!"

OP posts:
JustCleaningtheBBQ · 18/12/2022 19:57

I've just had 6 weeks off due to illness, then weather and was surprised at how quickly I lost motivation (usually do about 3 x 6-7k's a week). I decided I had to go out this morning as if I didn't I would never go again. A bit of a stupid idea as the pavements were treacherous, so I had to go slow, but I was surprised at how easy it was.

I was expecting to have to stop and walk, but I didn't feel like I'd lost that much fitness at all. I went out telling myself to do a 3-4k and see how I got on, no pressure, and it was fine. The biggest hurdle was leaving the house.

Thankweyou · 18/12/2022 20:00

This is me! Running tailed off when it got really dark in the morning plus bad weather. Not been out since 16th November (just checked) and I’ll be surprised if I go out again this year.
Plan to get back to it early next year and give myself a guilt free break.
Will go back to c25k initially too.
I was out 3-4 times a week at a minimum of 5k. 😳

StamppotAndGravy · 18/12/2022 20:03

I can't see that you'd need to go back to 5k. Just a couple of gentle runs, then you'll be well back on track. I tend to lose momentum after races and so for a few weeks, but get it back fast. C25k from the beginning is for people who haven't run for years or ever

Stade197 · 18/12/2022 20:05

I miss running, only done a few runs since having a baby

I say just put the trainers on and get out thee, don't think about it just go, you will be glad you went once it's done

Maybe find a running partner or find a local running club for motivation and support, i loved being part of a running club before i was pregnant, it pushed me to keep going out each week

BogRollBOGOF · 18/12/2022 22:14

Go out for 20 minutes and take it comfortably.

The first one after a break is normally a bit unpleasant and the second is fine. 6 weeks off won't trash long term routines.

Sammysquiz · 19/12/2022 07:28

I’ve just got back into running after a long break. What got me going again was a running plan - I used Garmin Coach, but lots of online ones out there - as I find if I run without one I give up easier. Weirdly, I feel I have to obey my plan, so run for however long it says!

Best of luck, it’s always hard getting going after a running break.

spiderontheceiling · 19/12/2022 07:42

I have had lots of running breaks since doing C25k. My current one has lasted over a year and may be permanent due to on-going knee issues.
Anyway, whenever I do get back to it, I do my first run for about week 4 of C25k (something like 5 mins run, 3 mins walk, 8 mins run...) and see how I get on. Depending on my level of fitness, I have either found it a breeze to do or really struggled. Knowing I can stop has made me feel less of a failure than if I just went out to do a 5k and couldn't.

Hedonism · 19/12/2022 07:55

I was a comfortable 5K / 10K (effort) regular runner for 3 years ... running at least 2-3 times a week.

At peak I was 80-100K a month,

Aaaaaaargh, I could have written this. I've just checked and my last run was November 20th 😫 but... I have no excuses this morning so I'm going to put my trainers on and see how it goes. I'll report back!

Runningintolife · 19/12/2022 08:00

'12Ks of Christmas'? I have seen that a charity are promoting this. I need a goal to motivate me.
Do a couple of warm up runs to practice and then commit to running or run/walking 12 x 12 ks by a realistic date?

ReviewingTheSituation · 19/12/2022 08:09

6 weeks isn't a long break really. No need to go back to the beginning. Just take it easy and don't go far or fast the first time. You'll probably ache a bit, but stick with it, it will come back in no time.

And after tomorrow, the days start getting longer again. Bonus.

BigsyMalone · 19/12/2022 08:14

Me too, me too! Kicking myself also!!!
I think I will just do a 5k .......... when I go.
Fitness is an issue but I am more concerned about injury if I do not ease back in sensibly.

BigsyMalone · 19/12/2022 08:15

@Sammysquiz - do you need a garming watch or app for that plan?

felulageller · 19/12/2022 08:20

Me too!

Put on half a stone since never ending cold stopped me getting out.

Was doing 20 min jogs, not quite 5k, 3 X pwk.

I think I'll have to go back to c wk 3 of c25k ie 3 min run 3 min walk. Don't think I can do more ATM tbh.

But I'm not prepared to go on ice and risk injury. And the park is dark at 4pm!
I'm actually looking forward to January/ February!

Sammysquiz · 19/12/2022 08:21

@BigsyMalone yes, you need to have a Garmin watch and app. Very much recommend them - the watch vibrates if you’re running too fast/slow or when you need to switch to walking. Basically it does my thinking for me!

megletthesecond · 19/12/2022 08:22

You'll be fine. Just wrap up and go slowly.

eurochick · 19/12/2022 08:24

It's not a long break. Just go for it, without any expectations as to time.

UnaOfStormhold · 19/12/2022 08:27

It sounds like you do need a bit of structure to keep you going - there are loads of virtual challenges out there which might help you to stay motivated. Joining a local running club or finding people to run with (try run mummy run) might help too.

MintJulia · 19/12/2022 08:36

That's not much longer break than me. Just do a couple of short runs and you'll be back running 5k by Boxing day 🙂

I stopped when the ground froze and will start again today if it stops raining. I'll do a short one, maybe 2k or 3k just to ease back in.

Hedonism · 19/12/2022 09:10

Reporting back... I've just done a slow 5k after my month off. It was actually fine, apart from the last 3 mins when I was running uphill against the wind! I'm glad I went, I feel good now.

I think you just need to get out there and give it a try.

megletthesecond · 19/12/2022 09:29

I'm going later and the rain is looking grim. I've added an errand to the office to drop off something en route. That way I can't avoid it.

Chocolateteabag · 19/12/2022 12:07

This is going to be me - sore foot (I think tendonitis as it's in the top of my foot)
Gave it a week off and then did a 6k xc - back to sore, two more weeks off and still feeling it
I'm now out of the routine of running so when I do get back into it it's not going to be fun

Also - how long does tendonitis take to sort its self out??

emmathedilemma · 19/12/2022 14:24

If you've not been injured then i'd just go out and run gently. If it was 6 weeks off with injury i'd probably start with one of the early weeks of C25k but not right back at week 1.

FourEyesGood · 19/12/2022 21:26

I believe that it takes roughly as long as your ‘time off’ to return to your form - so you might be back to your previous form within six weeks, which sounds reasonable. I don’t think there’s any need to restart Couch to 5k, unless you especially want to.

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