{"id":14018,"date":"2024-03-03T15:09:33","date_gmt":"2024-03-03T15:09:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/?p=14018"},"modified":"2024-03-30T15:27:43","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T15:27:43","slug":"returning-to-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/returning-to-running\/","title":{"rendered":"5 things I wish I&#8217;d known before returning to running"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:192.1200750469%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>You&rsquo;d think that after 16 years of running, I&rsquo;d be better at knowing what to expect when returning to running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&rsquo;ve been a runner for all of my adult life, having started my love affair with the sport in childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was one of those kids who used to love PE and couldn&rsquo;t wait to get my kit on and head out onto the playing field or athletics track, even during the winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being voted my secondary school&rsquo;s most promising female athlete was a huge achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In that moment I saw myself participating in athletics competitions all over the world. No one could stop me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then I started university. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a matter of months all my dreams came crashing down as I became preoccupied with making friends and trying to fit in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soon partying, staying out late and wasting my weekends became more important than going for a run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to mention my part time job in a local coffee shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I finished university, I was determined to get my health back on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Years of drinking, poor food choices and late nights had not done my health any good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was then that I had my first taste of the &lsquo;returning to running&rsquo; experience &ndash; and boy, was it hard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having not done an ounce of running for almost three years, my fitness (and confidence) had taken a huge hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sure, I was in my early 20s, so the hurdle wasn&rsquo;t as big as it would&rsquo;ve been, say, if I was in my late 30s (my age now as I write this blog).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it was still incredibly difficult to muster the energy to start running again and build back my fitness from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since those days in my early 20s, I have returned to running time and time again over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes after a self-imposed break, other times (and more often than not) after a bout of surgery or illness (in 2018 I was diagnosed with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/what-is-an-endometriosis-flare-up\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10358\">endometriosis<\/a> which has affected my health). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout all of these experiences, I have learned a few things when it comes to running which I&rsquo;d like to share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the reason being that I hope you can learn from my experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&rsquo;re returning to running after an injury, having a baby, a mental health break &ndash; whatever the circumstances may be &ndash; let&rsquo;s all support one another on this journey they call running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&rsquo;s get stuck in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/easy-run\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13872\">The magic of the easy run: Why they are crucial for stronger and happier running<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-533x1024.png\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14030\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-533x1024.png 533w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-156x300.png 156w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-768x1475.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-500x960.png 500w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-625x1200.png 625w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-150x288.png 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20533%201024'%3E%3Crect%20width='533'%20height='1024'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14030 eager-load\" title=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-533x1024.png.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-533x1024.png.webp 533w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-156x300.png.webp 156w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-768x1475.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-500x960.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-625x1200.png.webp 625w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running-150x288.png.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/returning-to-running.png.webp 1000w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 things I wish I&rsquo;d known before returning to running<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>#1 That you haven&rsquo;t completely lost your fitness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I&rsquo;m sure you can agree that when you first lace up your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adidas.co.uk\/women-trail_running-shoes\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.adidas.co.uk\/women-trail_running-shoes\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">running shoes<\/a> when returning to running, you convince yourself that it will be a difficult experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Laboured breathing, sweaty pits, chafing in all the wrong places, sore joints &ndash; the list goes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, granted, the first mile is pretty challenging, after about 10 or 15 minutes or so, it does start to get easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then you start to realise that actually it&rsquo;s not that bad at all and you slowly get back into the swing of things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s like you&rsquo;ve never been away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the sports world, they call this &lsquo;muscle memory&rsquo;. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterclass.com\/articles\/what-is-muscle-memory\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.masterclass.com\/articles\/what-is-muscle-memory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Masterclass<\/a>: &ldquo;Muscle memory is a neurological process that allows you to remember certain motor skills and perform them without conscious effort.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding: &ldquo;Muscle memory and motor skill learning can help you master complex skills, such as playing music, and everyday tasks, like typing on a computer or riding a bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Muscle memory ensures that you do not need to relearn how to do something from zero. When you take an extended break and come back to a skill, your body will still remember how to perform it.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More importantly, in the athletics context, muscle memory <em>allows<\/em> you to take a break from training and competing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although your muscles and the neural pathways will weaken during a break (because of disuse), when you resume training, you can return to your previous athletic state and gradually regain muscle size without having to start from square one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, there are exceptions and limitations to this theory &ndash; in that it depends on how long you stop running for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you took a very long break (let&rsquo;s say years) it will take longer to recover your fitness and get back into the swing of things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you took a short break (a matter of months), then recovery won&rsquo;t take very long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, next time you go for a run, think of all the months and years that you already have under your belt and use these to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;ll be safe in the knowledge that you&rsquo;re not starting completely from scratch, and that you have something to work from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/running-20-minutes-a-day\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13972\">Running 20 minutes a day: Benefits + how to start<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14033\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-1024x1024.jpg.webp\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14033 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-768x768.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-728x728.jpg.webp 728w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-480x480.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-320x320.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-200x200.jpg.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-960x960.jpg.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-1080x1080.jpg.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-1200x1200.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B-96x96.jpg.webp 96w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B.jpg.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/FFF2465D-E262-4473-A5FE-D842E358FD3B.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>#2 That you don&rsquo;t have to prove anything to anyone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Certainly, when I was in my 20s I always used to think I had to prove something to someone when returning to running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prove that I could run at a certain pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prove that I could run for a certain amount of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prove that I could run 3 to 4 times a week without becoming tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I look back on those times, they make me sad because they took all of the fun out of running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was so preoccupied with living up to those expectations, that I forgot to stop and actually look at what I was achieving and doing on a day to day basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sure, it&rsquo;s good to have a some healthy competition &ndash; we&rsquo;re human after all &ndash; but don&rsquo;t make your running experience all about this as you will quickly become disillusioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was only until I started to embrace running for what it was and actually do it for <em>me<\/em> and <em>my<\/em> goals &ndash; that&rsquo;s when I really started to enjoy it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And this in turn gave me much more motivation and drive to go running each week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, when I plan a run, instead of stressing over pace and distance, I think about what I will get out of it in terms of how it will make me <em>feel<\/em> and the experiences I&rsquo;ll get out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watching the sunrise, hearing birds chirping, feeling the wind on my face, spotting wildlife, stopping at my favourite coffee shop on the way home, taking a hot shower after my run &ndash; these are my prizes now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/first-2-hour-half-marathon\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13951\">How to run your first 2 hour half marathon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14034\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-1024x1024.jpg.webp\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14034 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-768x767.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-728x728.jpg.webp 728w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-480x480.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-320x320.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-200x200.jpg.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-960x960.jpg.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-1080x1080.jpg.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-1200x1200.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E-96x96.jpg.webp 96w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E.jpg.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DF1CE007-C8AF-4169-B45A-DDC37A0CFC8E.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>#3 That you are allowed to enjoy the process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I feel like sometimes that running, much like going to the gym, has a PR problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So many people see it as a way to punish their body, as a way to punish themselves for eating poorly or for watching too many hours of Netflix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as you adopt this mindset, running becomes a chore, not a form of enjoyment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s about time we changed our relationship with running (and with any form of activity that is designed to get your body moving, for that matter).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that you can even run is a huge gift in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And your body is an amazing instrument that is capable of some pretty amazing things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So instead of going for a run and simply seeing it as an activity that you need to tick off a never-ending to do list, embrace the entire experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Embrace your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adidas.co.uk\/women-running-shoes\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">running gear<\/a> and how it makes you feel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embrace your new pair of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adidas.co.uk\/women-running-shoes\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">running shoes<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embrace how the wind and sunshine feels on your skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embrace the endorphins surging through your body.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embrace the post-run high. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embrace the sense of satisfaction that you will feel for the rest of the day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, as soon as I started breaking down a run into these components, I started to realise how pretty &lsquo;effing amazing running is and how much I loved it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/successfully-running-with-a-chronic-illness\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5301\">6 tips for successfully running with a chronic illness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14036\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14036 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-728x728.jpg.webp 728w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-480x480.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-320x320.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-200x200.jpg.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A-96x96.jpg.webp 96w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/7AAFBFAD-E844-44EF-97A3-3FCE84A4680A.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>#4 That you should be proud of how far you&rsquo;ve come<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you first return to running, you feel like a big fat failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything feels hard and you convince yourself that you&rsquo;ll never be the same runner that you were pre-break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes you&rsquo;ve just got to remember how far you&rsquo;ve come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are valid reasons why you had to take a break from running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether that be to have a baby, deal with family problems, grieve for a loved one &ndash; the list goes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my case, I had to take a break from running to keep on top of a chronic illness (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/about-us\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"9664\">endometriosis<\/a>) and have multiple rounds of surgery as well as IVF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had multiple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/exercise-during-ivf\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10211\">rounds of IVF<\/a> followed by three rounds of surgery in the space of three years, so my body was in and out of hospital and fertility clinics too many times than I care to think about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running fell to the bottom of my priority list &ndash; but I kept telling myself that it was ok as my body needed time to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I tried not to criticise myself for not going for a run every weekend or participating in Parkrun every Saturday morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, I reminded myself that I&rsquo;m going through some pretty tough sh*t, and although it may not feel like it now, it will get better and that I should still have hope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now I look back on those days, I&rsquo;m glad I kept the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am so incredibly proud of how far I&rsquo;ve come and you should be too if you&rsquo;re reading this and on your returning to running journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/thoughts-every-new-runner-has\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13935\">101 thoughts every new runner has when running<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14037\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"returning to running\" class=\"wp-image-14037 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BC6AD8BD-0CD9-4E99-822B-33785562E91D.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>#5 That you&rsquo;ll overcome whatever life throws at you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Life throws some pretty big curve balls at you sometimes, and it&rsquo;s what you do with these curve balls that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They can break you or make you stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout all of my health struggles, I knew my life would be a darker place without running, so I knew I would be running again, but I had to focus on getting better first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s ok to cry, it&rsquo;s ok to scream, it&rsquo;s ok to stay in bed on a Saturday morning wishing you were someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But don&rsquo;t lose hope! And please don&rsquo;t give up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can be pretty resilient when they need to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Life does its best to throw you down, but I know you&rsquo;ll try your hardest to get back up again, albeit with a few more scratches and bruises each time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/28-day-beginner-running-challenge\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13929\">New year, new you: Try this 28-day beginner running challenge<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You&rsquo;d think that after 16 years of running, I&rsquo;d be better at knowing what to expect when returning to running. I&rsquo;ve been a runner for all of my adult life, having started my love affair with the sport in childhood. I was one of those kids who used to love PE and couldn&rsquo;t wait to &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14039,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[53,39],"tags":[232,70,90],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":14039,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Untitled-design-300x300.png"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14018"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14018"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14018\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14058,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14018\/revisions\/14058"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14039"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14018"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14018"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}