getting back into running and frustrated!

As some of you know (since I only mentioned it labout 100 times on here lol) I'm coming back from an injury. I hurt my knee January 1st and just this month started running again. Before I was hurt I was down to a 8-8:30 minute mile!

I just ran my fastest run since getting hurt: 1.5 miles in 15 minutes. It's a struggle to maintain a 10 minute mile.

I know I obviously lost some of my running endurance. But its so frustrating! It took me a year to get that fast!

Anyone have any experience taking time off from running? How long until your back in the game again (fullly)?

I feel like a turtle. It's just frustrating because I know I can run faster. Then, I tell myself I should take it slow so I don't re-injure myself. In the end, I guess I should just be happy to be running again. Instead, I'm getting frustrated!

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

I run like a turtle.. lol .. but at least Im doing it.. so chin up you will get back to the way you used to run with time. Give yourself credit, your up and doing it!! Stop beating yourself up.

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

You'll be back to that in no time!! And you really should give yourself credit - youre already running 10min/mls! Thats awesome Col! Thats what I do and Im not injured haha

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

You just got back into running. You should be glad you can maintain a 10 minute mile. That is not a horrible pace. I think you should take it even easier since you are barely able to do that pace at this point so you do NOT re-injure yourself. The last thing you want is to push yourself too much and end up not being able to run at all. I would not concentrate on time at all now I would just be glad to be back running!

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

Awww I can totally relate to and understand your frustration. You have to remember that it's going to take a couple of weeks at least for you to build your endurance and pace up again. Don't push yourself too hard and just focus on building up to where you were.

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

I can't relate as I'm just starting out, but don't get discourage - take it slow. The last thing you need is another injury that puts you out for good.

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

I only started running a couple of years ago and then last year I really worked to improve my times. I started out as a 10-minute-miler and was happy when I did below that. By the end of the Summer Run Series last year I had a new personal best - 8:23 minute mile. I was thrilled.

But apparently I was pushing it. Wound up with a stress fracture in my ankle, and had to stop running for 8 weeks. After that I only had about a month to run before daylight savings time and the cold weather forced me indoors (I don't like to run inside though so I mostly did a stepper and would go for walks outside whenever I could, occasional runs outside on sunny weekends).

I started really running again (by my standards) in late February and ran a race in March - I could NOT have pushed myself any harder, and it was only a 5K, but my time was about a minute slower than when I stopped running last year, and I felt much more exhausted after it.

It's disappointing, but I remind myself that it's still early - the days are getting longer and warmer and the summer run series is still months away, so if I can get back closer to where I want to be by then, that's not so bad considering I essentially stopped running for 6 months in between!

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

Thanks for the support everyone! I really just need to be paitence.

Megan, thank you for sharing your experience!

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

Nice to hear you can run again, I know you have had to wait awhile. I know how frustrating it can be, but give yourself a chance. I know the anxiety of getting to where you were; I was the same way after each of my kids were born. I wanted to go from running no miles to 5 at a fast pace and it just wasn't realistic. After my first, I rushed it and always had aches and pains. You will get back - set short term goals....one week, attempt to run one mile, then 1.5, then 2, etc. Once you are comfortable at the 10-minute or so pace for say, 2 miles, then work on increasing the speed SLOWLY. You have PLENTY of time to get race ready. There are tons of races and it's actually a good time to be having to take it easy. Good luck!!

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

You'll get there!

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

You will get back there! You are a strong woman and have had success before and will do it again!

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

I took a long break from running when I was pregnant. When I started running again, I was soooo slow (and I was pretty slow to begin with). It definitely took a few weeks (maybe closer to 2 months) to get back both my speed and endurance (keep in mind, this was after a 10 month break though). GIve yourself some time...it will come back

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

It takes time. I know the frustration.
But you just started up again.
You'll get back to where you were. Your muscles just need a little time & practice to remember what they used to do.
If you were able to do it before, you'll be able to do it again!!! Even quicker than it took you to get there the first time.

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

Thanks again everyone!

I REALLY appreciate all the support. I think I just needed a reminder that I have to take it slow...but I will get there.

Thanks

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

dont push yourself, especially since you are recovering. I have a good friend who run marathons and the one thing she has drilled in my head it to take it easy. You will naturally get faster over time. When you push too hard you will get faster quicker, but you will injure yourself in the process.

try to remember what you like about running and in time you will be back to your previous pace.

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

can you please remind me of this thread after I have this baby!


A simple formula is for every 1 day you were out, you need 2 days to get your same strength back. (this is after I believe 7-14 days)

I ran cow harbor 12 weeks after DS#2 and was 18 minutes slower! yikes! but I stuck to it and got back down to a good pace for me. I am confident that you (and I) will do it too!

Re: getting back into running and frustrated!

A ten minute mile, Ill trade you. I would be thrilled with a ten minute mile and I know many others would be. You'll be back in no time so don't sweat it because if you're a turtle then Im a snail

Message edited 3/28/2011 1:31:09 PM.