how long is too long off?

I took a 7 year break from age 25 to 32 and now at 37 I'm almost back to the level I was in unversity. If you want to come back, by all means go for it. It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself. You won't regret it.

I took about 5yr off and gained about 40 lbs. It was hard dropping the weight, but have lost it now and am somewhat back in shape. It took me a few years to get to this point. I do about 50mpw. I'm assistant at a small university and run with the girls team. I rean in the 16's in college, but now in the 19's. I don't compete really but just being out there again to run every day is worth it. I takes time but stick with it. good luck

I too quit running after college, and then proceeded to take 6+ years back. I am now 30, and I am in my 12th week back at it. my first 5k (after 1 week of training) was in 21:30. 1.5 weeks ago (after 10 weeks of training) I ran an 18:25... Next race is this weekend, and I hope to break 18.

I am not a big fan of all these people saying it takes years or whatever to get back into form... I plan on racing on the track this winter (800m and the mile)... and want to run as close to 15:30 for a 5k in September after 5 months of good training.

I don't think 3 years is "too long off" as long as you are about the same weight... just get back to it and hit the roads... Good Luck!

I ran my last two years of high school, and then took two years off while in college (maybe jogged 3-4 times/week for 30 minutes to keep from getting too fat from drinking). Started running again during my junior year of college.

I was not very good in high school. I would run the 5K in just under 18 minutes. However, after running again for 3 years, I just broke 16 minutes. Looking to break 15 in the next two years. Granted, the first 6 months to a year were tough, but after that you start seeing a LOT of improvement.

17 years! you'll never recover from that! i get winded just walking up the stairs now

dan moriarity is it possible for you to post your training for 05-06?

At your age and only taking 3 years off, you can definitely come back. I took about 6 years off after college and then about 2 and a half years ago decided to start running again. Its been pretty slow going (I ran a 4:07 1500 in college and just this past weekend I ran a 4:29, my best since starting running again). But things seem to be starting to improve a quicker pace now. The key is stay consistent. Of course I gained 3 pounds and two bad knees during those 6 years off, but I have now dropped about 20 of those pounds and with a lot of icing the knees aren't too bad. My goal is to eventually get down to 4:00 for the 1500. I think I can do it.

I took the better part of 10 years off after college running (only the occasional bouts of easy running now and then between traveling, experimenting with life and even being pregnant and having a kid). Came back at 30 and set all my pr's from 5k up to marathon in the ensuing 4 years. You should do just fine if you work hard enough at it.