Getting back into running

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Blodwen Mar 2014 3:37pm, 5 Mar 2014 5 posts	0 Blodwen I really want to get back into running again and am wondering what the best way to go about this is... Should I do something like C25K, or one of the Runner's World beginner's 5K plans? They seem to involve walk/run, and I know when I've started trying to get back into running in the past, although the first few weeks have been quite hard, I'm always surprised how quickly I can build back up to running for 20-30 mins continuously (albeit slowly!). Or should I just go out there and try to run for 20 mins very gently and do that a few times a week? I'm just wondering what the best approach is, and would be very grateful for any advice! Thanks,
Old Croc Mar 2014 3:47pm, 5 Mar 2014 24,326 posts	0 Old Croc Weclome aboard / weclome back depends how well you "get back" into it - take it easy, treat first run as a taster and don't expect too much. Anything above that is a bonus! Personally - get an event entered and that gives you a goal to aim for rather than an aimless set of runs.
Autumnleaves Mar 2014 4:02pm, 5 Mar 2014 3,503 posts	0 Autumnleaves Welcome back - do you have a parkrun nearby? Could be a nice way to get back into it, and give you a target? When I first started running I only used to do the Manchester 10k each year - and tended to start training for that each January. As you say, I was surprised how quickly - once the first shock was over - I got back to being able to run for 30 minutes without stopping. I'd focus on enjoying it - and any plan could always be adapted if you found you were doing better than you thought. Good luck
Blodwen Mar 2014 4:19pm, 5 Mar 2014 6 posts	0 Blodwen Thanks for the advice - that's really helpful! I have the Crystal Palace parkrun nearby, although I don't think I should attempt that right away, as it's pretty hilly! But that would be a good, regular local event to aim for once I've actually managed to do a continuous 20-30 mins. I really want to sign up for a Race for Life, as that would give me something to focus on, whilst raising money for a great cause. I don't know my work schedule for the summer yet, but hopefully that should become clear in the next week or so, and I can enter an event then. Having been a regular runner(although not for a few years now), I feel like my head is saying one thing, but I know my creaky body will be saying something completely different! Thanks for your wise words!
JustDistracted Mar 2014 4:28pm, 5 Mar 2014 113 posts	0 JustDistracted Do parkrun! Don't know what Crystal Palace is like but at Woodley there's a great community and lots of support and it doesn't matter how long anyone takes. We have a tailrunner too so they do the important job of Being Last. I've had a couple of restarts, and never used a programme, just headed out to do 5k, with music on and run one song, walked one, and built up one song at a time until I figured I could run slowly without stopping, generally that didn't take long. Funnily enough I can't run with music well anymore, rhythm disturbs more than helps and I prefer to listen to what's going on. I'd say take it easy, and think about doing other stuff to build up fitness - swimming, badminton, walking, or exercise classes. If you can make it sociable and fun it goes quicker, and you're less likely to CBA a session. parkrun was excellent for that for me. GOOD LUCK!
Blodwen Mar 2014 5:05pm, 5 Mar 2014 7 posts	0 Blodwen Thanks, JustDistracted, I'll definitely go and check out the Crystal Palace one! I've just had a look on the website and it looks fun. I like the idea of someone deliberately Being Last! Although as most of my friends are keen cyclists, there's a certain cachet in being the Lanterne Rouge!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanterne_rouge Thanks for your advice, and good luck with your running goals for 2014!
Old Croc Mar 2014 11:11am, 6 Mar 2014 24,331 posts	0 Old Croc yeah for parkrun - a great way to measure your progress on a regular basis - after a few you'll be saying "oh it used to take mee xx minutes now I am down to....."
Blodwen Mar 2014 9:41am, 8 Mar 2014 8 posts	0 Blodwen Thanks, Old Croc! I managed to do 20 mins non stop on Thurs, which I was really pleased with, even if I was VERY slow! I'm still very achey though, so think I might do a few more of those on my own before braving the CP parkrun!
Old Croc Mar 2014 9:46am, 8 Mar 2014 24,334 posts	0 Old Croc hey every effort is worth it - especially if you can add the phrase "I was really pleased" that's a bonus for any run! Get along to the parkrun sooner rather than later - then you can measure the bigger improvements. And more post run café stops!