Decrease in Skill?

BlueFisherKing

So, I've been doing C25K for about two months now; had to repeat several weeks but kept at it and am up to 20 minute, nonstop runs.

So here's my question; if I take a break from it for 4 days, will my (small) skill at it decrease? How long of a 'break' will cause backsliding in skill?
I intend to start weight training at home during that break - the main reason I'm stopping for 4 days is an uncomfortable case of runners knees and just the monotony of running and nothing else.

I just don't want to stop if it 'sets me back' a few weeks and I go back to only being able to do 15 minute runs.

Sorry if this is a dumb question :embarassed:

BlueFisherKing

Bump?

dbmata

Have you done any research on runner's knee?

Do you understand the impact it will have on your ability to run if you aggravate it and damage your knee requiring lengthy rehab?

corgicake

There is always time to regain ground. Take care of your knees.

BlueFisherKing

Have you done any research on runner's knee?

Do you understand the impact it will have on your ability to run if you aggravate it and damage your knee requiring lengthy rehab?

Oh! Well I guess its good I'm taking a break.

I did a little research, and since it was a mild case I thought I was just being 'wimpy' - especially since I don't notice the discomfort when I run, only after - and I was afraid if I stopped running I'd stop altogether

Will leg exercises with weights aggravate the problem?

futuremanda

Preventing / nursing injuries is super important. You don't want to be sidelined for weeks, months or forever. Actual pain should always be respected, imo.

Four days won't cause any backsliding, I don't think. Remember that rest is when we actually improve, not during training, so some rest is essential. However, you should take the number of days you need, whether that's 4 or 14.

If you have to break longer than maybe a week, you might experience some backsliding. However, it's not going to be like training it up the first time. Don't overdo it when you return -- plan to do something like 50% what you had been doing, pad it with walking. You'll be back at where you were much faster than it initially took you to get there.

You might also want to start cross-training when you get back into the swing of things. Weak muscles or mobility/flexibility problems should be identified and addressed through yoga or bodyweight exercises, with good form, and in a sensible way (so you're not overtraining). *Proper* squats and/or yoga come to mind.

Re: "Will leg exercises with weights aggravate the problem?" -- Probably. Really, if you have an injury, don't mess with it. Let it heal, then strength train.

dbmata

Have you done any research on runner's knee?

Do you understand the impact it will have on your ability to run if you aggravate it and damage your knee requiring lengthy rehab?

Oh! Well I guess its good I'm taking a break.

I did a little research, and since it was a mild case I thought I was just being 'wimpy' - especially since I don't notice the discomfort when I run, only after - and I was afraid if I stopped running I'd stop altogether

Will leg exercises with weights aggravate the problem?

No they won't, if done right.

Take the time, RICE... I'm rehabbing runner's knee since April. I didn't get it running though.

There is a lot of lunges, accessory work, squatting and such to build my knee back up.

Research some runner's knee appropriate rehab exercises, and you might want to talk to a physical therapist.

mymodernbabylon

I've taken two weeks off from running while doing the c25k programme and lost nothing. See a doctor and rest.