How do I start running again?

bunnyr
bunnyr Posts: 275 Member
edited September 20 in Fitness and Exercise
I've been running for over a year now and have built up to about 15 - 20 miles a week with max 7 mile long runs. I got sick with the flu - :sad: and missed four weeks! Any advice on how to get start back? I have read that you have to start like a beginning runner - walk/run etc? What have you done?

Thanks
Laura

Replies

  • pkgirrl
    pkgirrl Posts: 587
    I'm no expert, but personally I'd just get out there, get a good warm up, and give it your best. See how far you can go. And then work from there. Good luck:flowerforyou:
  • bunnyr
    bunnyr Posts: 275 Member
    Thanks. I decided to do intervals and it went fine. I just have to resist the temptation to do too much too soon! You were sweet to respond. I really needed some moral support!

    :smile: Laura
  • MTGirl
    MTGirl Posts: 1,490 Member
    Glad you got over the flu Laura - I can't help with your question but sounds like you're on the right track! :flowerforyou:
  • Bretto
    Bretto Posts: 196 Member
    When I had to take a month off in the spring, I just started back at 3-4 miles at a slow pace. It is actually better for you to run slower until you get your endurance up to where you want it, then do intervals to increase your speed. You will be surprised how fast it comes back. Good luck.
  • virginiakatie
    virginiakatie Posts: 35
    I have enjoyed running for the past 10 years, it's my preferred form of exercise. In the past 5 years I have had 3 children and so I have faced this same dilemma quite often. Usually I just build myself back up gradually. At my healthiest and most athletic I was running roughly 5 miles a day. After my 2nd child I got back up to running about 2 miles consecutive but I slacked off.

    Now I'm about 4 months post partum with my 3rd child and I'm slowly working my way back up. My goal is to be able to run 2 miles non-stop by the end of September and then work from there.
    I started out by walking 1/4 mile, then running 1/4, then walking, etc... until I got to 2 miles. When that seemed to be working out well I started walking 1/4 then running 1/2 then walking a 1/4 and repeating for the 2nd mile. Now I am able to walk the first 1/4 and run the rest of the mile and then walk the 2nd 1/4 and run the rest of the 2nd mile. I've been working my way back up for about 3 weeks.

    I don't know if that helps or not but this is what has always worked for me!
    Glad you are feeling better and just take it at an easy pace and do what feels the best for your body.
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