Getting back into running, how long?

sunflowerhippi

Those who have stopped a workout routine before how long did it take you to get back to your old form?

I used to lift but I would also go run 5k after my lifts and 10k on weekends or days it was too nice out to be inside the gym. Since I ran outside I missed last winter and then found out I was pregnant and couldn't work out so I have not ran since Fall 2014.

Went back out for a run today and my time was up a lot, after running I felt like I was going to throw up, and I had only ran 1 1/5 miles.

How long until I get back to my old self?

GiddyupTim

Good question.
Depends how hard you work.
I am being flip......kinda.....but yours is not really a question anyone can answer.
I have found that when I have gotten deconditioned, it takes me longer to get back to where I was than I would have liked, but it took me less time than it took to get to that point originally. Much less.
Good luck!

jgnatca

Zero to 5K in eight weeks.

coreyreichle

Depends on how long you've been away from the game, and it varies individually.

2 years out of running? Probably take about 8 weeks to get back to a reasonable point, and maybe another 6 months to get back to where you were previously.

pomegranatecloud

It's individual and depends on the effort you put into running regularly again. If you felt like you were going to throw up, you were probably running too fast. Slow down your speed, and you'll be able to go further. You'll get back to where you were over the next couple of months.

I've found it's pretty easy to come back quickly distance wise, but not so much speed wise. After a break, I've always been able to immediately run 3-4 miles, but much slower than usual.

Bluepegasus

I doesn't take that long, you retain a base fitness. I've been running 8 years, but in 2014 I had a bad horse riding accident that left me unable to even walk for three months, let alone run. It took me a year to fully recover but once I started running properly again, it only took a few months to start getting the distance back up. I used to run 10k and now back up to running 3/4 miles (and probably could do a slow 10k if I wanted). I'm still not quite as fast though. As above, I find getting the distance back isn't so much of an issue, it's my pace.

MeanderingMammal

sunflowerhippi wrote: »

How long until I get back to my old self?

After 18-20 months you're back at the beginning. Personally I'd focus on distance until you're back at 10K, so call it three months to get back to there on a moderately conservative plan.

sunflowerhippi

My pace yesterday was 13.5 miles, previously I was doing 11-12 min miles so I was never that fast. Guess adding a stroller to the mix too will slow me down a bit too.

Thanks for the responses. Hopefully I can at least get functional in the next month to finish a 5k I signed up with my mom to do without feeling like death.

My body feels fine today muscle and joint wise, just my lungs / chest / cardio status is the issue.

runbabarun

I've been in your place twice. In one of the first runs, I was out of it for so long, I remember even my teeth hurt!
But if you'd done it before -you may have lost the muscle memory, you still have a sense of what you are already capable of doing. Many new mom friends ended up becoming more fit than they were, because of the discipline that comes out if a more disciplined daily routine.
People already gave good advice. Just avoid injuries by not doing it too fast. Best of luck.

TavistockToad

Don't compare yourself now to the 'old' you...

Start slow, keep at it, you'll get your fitness back.

BrianSharpe

If you haven't run for 18 months consider yourself a beginner again, start with slow short runs (I'm guessing you felt bad because you were trying to run at your old pace) and gradually build on them. You'll probably progress more quickly than an absolute newbie but be patient, after a long period of inactivity and a pregnancy your body has changed.

sunflowerhippi

Well went back out today without the stroller.

Did 3 miles at a 13:55 pace, then realized I lost my keys at mile 1.75 in my loop and had to go back and find them. So ended up with almost 5 miles today but only jogged the first 3. Lungs and chest felt much better today. 45 min 5k, and my best before was low 30 min mark so at least I know I can finish the one on May 1st.