Its spring again, and if youve been lamenting a snowy winter, the roads are probably beckoning.
Because its been a while and you might not be quite sure where to start.
The good news is that youll get through these beginning stages a lot faster than when you were anactualbeginner.
The shorter the break you took, the easier this will be.
But even if your last run was years ago, your prospects are good.
That said, its important to remember that cardio fitness is not running fitness.
If your runs feel too short, supplement them with other workouts for now.
Chart a course
Make a comeback plan.
Grab one of the programs from halhigdon.com, like thisnovice base building plan.
Or go with the classiccouch to 5K.
If youve done this program before, repeating it may feel comforting.
Check your gear
Do you still have your old running shoes?
How old are they, anyway?
If they dontfeel good on your feet during and after a run, its probably time to replace them.
Same goes for your sports bra and any of your favorite pants, socks, and so on.
Take stock of what you have, what you need, and what should be repaired or replaced.
Think back to all your best runs from the last time you were a regular runner.
What made them great?
Take a minute to reproduce any factors that are within your control.
Or maybe you discovered that you love running in nature.
Take it slow
Especially if you havent always loved running, take some pressure off yourself.
Long runs should be slow.
Its even okay to leave your phone or watch at home, and not even time yourself.
Try agoal-directed journal(on paper!)
to keep track instead.
