I freaked out yesterday after reading an article about losing fitness gains after a lay off. I didn’t run for two weeks so this was always at the back of my mind. The bottom line was for every 12 days of non-training, it takes another 36 days to get back to the same levels, according to the author.
Fortunately I wasn’t a complete slug during my break. Although my eating got out of control, I still stayed active by heading to Crossfit more often. I don’t feel too worried about losing my fitness gains (and my weight gain!)
I ran twice since Sunday when I broke out my sneakers. I ran intervals (4×400 + 4K) on Tuesday and a speedy 5K with Steve on Thursday night. I went to crossfit three times, mobility and walked at lunch. So far, so good. Neither my foot or my hammie complained.
I can’t wait to run this weekend. I want to see if I have a long run in me. I’m still taking it painfully slow but that’s what you have to do when you’re making a comeback!
As for Blackfoot I am going to drop down to the 25K distance. I’m okay with it. I just don’t want to feel pressured to get back up to running 35K runs while I heal. I did the math and I can still run a good 25K as long as I stay healthy. 50K may be pushing it.
Now I am looking to add another 50K to my race calendar. Any suggestions?
one author is not the be all end all of opinions. That said…there are a few interesting 50ks out there – golden ultra, trailstoke, black spur,
I'm glad to see you are getting back into it. 🙂 I hate those articles but I can't stop reading them either! I read a few when I sprained my ankle this winter and got totally psyched out. :S
Yup! Glad you're on the mend. I always feel like I am writing about or reading about being injured lol
I just took a week off of running and everything else as well! I don't feel a bit of guilt! Sometimes you just need it! At least you were doing some cross fit! Stay health!
Hurrah, I am so glad to hear you are back running! I think it sounds a bit extreme that it would take 36 days to get back to your previous fitness. I think if you were going to Crossfit and still staying active that you shouldn't lose that much in terms of fitness.