Struggling to get back into running after long time off due injury

I've been where you are, but because of injury and having taken much more time off (~3 years). I was a competitive d1 runner, and developed plantar fasciitis and a string of problems, and then just stopped trying to come back after a while. And then started up again a little over a year ago, and am getting into decent shape.

Clearly, getting back into shape sucks. You're mind is ready to run for the distance you're used to running at the pace you're used to running it at, and the body just won't do it. Getting used to that really sucks, but it will pass. You'll start off struggling running a few miles. But, you have to keep pushing through it for a bit. And then you just keep pushing up the distance and making the pace faster. And, once you start making progress, you'll be amazed how quickly you get back into shape. You won't become a 2:24 marathoner again in 2 months, but you'll be surprised how far you've gone in a short period of time. There's no magical secret except to get out there and to the work. The good news is that work begins to pay off sooner than you expect it to.

Good luck.

ditto. You've no doubt lost some fitness, and running doesn't feel as good when you're less fit. I hope you can be patient with it. It's a lot of fun when you start to see and feel the improvement. Good luck.

this happens to me often. long lay-offs suck but sometimes they are unavoidable.

you will want to stop constantly for the first 2 weeks. i usually end up doing a lot of running/walking my first 2 weeks because the urge to give up is so strong. then you'll be back in shape with some miles under your feet and you'll be golden again. then hit the track. then you say to yourself, "never ever let this happen again." in my case, i usually relive this scenario 2 or 3 times a year.

Thanks for the advice, I guess its also the heat, even at 6:30 its about 90 degrees where I live, and I've stayed indoors much of the time. Anyone else have any advice?