Getting Back To Work

College Running College Training

9 years ago 01/27/2015 12:57pm EST

So I've entered some completely foreign territory for the first time in my running career, and I was hoping you guys could help out with some advice. Bear with me, this might be a little long.

Background: I am currently a sophomore at a D3 school. In high school, I never ran above 40mpw in XC, 30mpw in track. My PRs were 1:59/4:27/9:36/15:55. Over the summer, i gradually built my way up from 30mpw at the end of track season to high 50s/low 60s, and high 60s by the end of XC (at which point my performances started to suck due to fatigue). In track, i dropped back down to 40-50mpw, but still had trouble coming anywhere near my HS PRs. Due to said fatigue, along with shoddy academic performance, I decided to take the summer off from running. Fast-forward to present day, and I've completely gone to shit. I haven't been running at all (maybe 10 times since June), I'm 25lbs overweight (180, I ran consistently at 155), and I'm officially disgusted with myself (although back afloat academically and mentally) and ready to get back on the horse.

So my question is: how do I approach a return to running? The end goal is to be in XC shape by the end of the summer, but I'm not sure how to ease back in to it with regards to running, lifting, et cetera. Any help would be appreciated.

9 years ago 01/27/2015 1:00pm EST

re: fat, slow, what have you

Ship has sailed. You weren't even that good to begin with. What is your major? Focus on that. Running won't get you anywhere.

9 years ago 01/27/2015 1:16pm EST

re: someone a lot faster than you

someone a lot faster than you wrote:
Ship has sailed. You weren't even that good to begin with. What is your major? Focus on that. Running won't get you anywhere.

Returning to competitive running will provide me with a great deal of personal fulfillment, and for the area I run in, my times have put me in a competitive tier of running. With that set aside, you sound like a really cool guy to be around.

9 years ago 01/27/2015 1:28pm EST

re: fat, slow, what have you

+1 for your response to the mean spirited reply.

Kudos on having the right priorities and getting your academics straightened out before adding on to the stress.

I'm sure others will have respectful and informed responses that focus you on building a base before really stressing yourself to avoid injury.

Enjoy the journey and stay injury free.

9 years ago 01/28/2015 9:26am EST

re: fat, slow, what have you

Patience. This is the key.

I would suggest prioritizing working your way back into a regular schedule. Pace and workouts ought to be secondary at this point. You may or may not be in XC shape by the summer, stop thinking so far ahead and focus on what is in front of you, i.e. tomorrow and this week. Just run and build up your volume to say 60-70mpw. When you get a consistent schedule going, work in doubles. Good luck and ignore the idiots who discourage you.

9 years ago 01/28/2015 1:32pm EST

re: fat, slow, what have you

in the same place right now.

1) getting your eating habits under control

2) make sure you get out the door for your runs--don't worry about times yet

3) find folks to run with

4) be patient

5) if it really is a priority, make sure you treat it like deserves to be treated

9 years ago 01/28/2015 1:51pm EST

re: me, too!

me, too! has it right.

1) you are 25 lbs over. Just running wont fix that. You dont need to turn vegan but cut out junk food, the fourth meal of the day, and some alcohol.

2) you need to be consistent but you sound motivated

3) buddies will help with #2 keeps you honest

4) I would say dont get dicouraged by a bad week or 2 along the way

As far as burn out and fatigue, you are a full year older, I would be less worried about that physically. Also props to you for getting everything together. Seems like you have your priorities straight. This is a chance to build yourself up physically. Don't neglect core work and basic fitness.

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