Has it been a while since you laced up your shoes the last time and now you are ready to start running again? Regardless of the reasons why you took a break from running (injury, stress, family, work, or a lack of motivation), it can be a challenge to get back to running after a long break.

Especially when you've been out for several weeks or even months, it is important to ease back in carefully to avoid injuries and other frustrations.

7 tricks on how to start running again

Forming new habits

Coming back from a long break from running, the most crucial part is to break those old habits of not running. It sounds so simple but it can be super challenging.

Forget about old paces and regimes you used to follow before your running break. Let’s find new habits first.

As you start running again, focus on consistency first. Don’t beat yourself up because you are not running as fast as you used to.

Set small goals you want to accomplish. Start your first week or two by simply wanting to complete two 3-mile runs at a very conversational easy pace.

Even these minor goals will make you feel that you have accomplished something. Setting too extreme goals when starting to run again can cause the exact opposite.

Follow a running training schedule

Remember when you first started running? You probably followed one of those “from the couch to 5K schedule“, right?

The main reason behind these plans is to keep you motivated. For some, this is absolutely necessary to stay on track with the training in the first place.

Many runners who’ve taken a long break from running also find it helpful to follow a beginner schedule so they can re-establish a running habit and avoid getting injured.

Do some research online or reach out to a running coach like me who will come up with a plan for you.

Cross-training

The beauty of cross-training for runners (swimming, aqua jogging, cycling, walking, strength training, yoga, and pilates) is that on days, where you are not running, you can still build your endurance and strength.

That will avoid overtraining and overstressing your joints and decrease your risk of injury. Decide on cross-training that you really enjoy making the process even more fun.

Start low

Runners who start running again after a break are getting injured super quickly because they tend to increase their weekly mileage too fast.

Again, forget about your old habits and build new ones. At least for now.

Either your muscles or your joints are ready for the same mileage that you were running before you took a break from running.

You want to feel happy and hyped after your runs not defeated or frustrated. Start with a low mileage per week and build your way up slowly.

You may want to run up to 6 weeks at a very easy pace until you have established a good running base. Then you want to increase your pace and overall weekly mileage by 10% per week.

Plan enough rest days or cross-train in between running days. If you had to take a break from running due to an injury, your doctor or physical therapist may be the first person to ask how much mileage you are allowed to cover right now.

Join a community

As you probably know, I'm a member of Adidas runners in New York City. Oftentimes, runners join us after taking a break from running and find it motivational to run with a group.

Sign up for a (virtual) race

One of my biggest motivations is the date of a race on my calendar. I agree, this may also present a challenge right now, but there are many races you can attend.

Having the race on your calendar will push you to continue to train. Pick a friend and have your friend sign up as well to increase your motivation and support.

If you are not into racing and are simply running for the joy of the sports itself you may want to consider setting a different goal. Anything inspirational will help to continue to motivate you throughout your journey back into running.

Positive Energy only

Depending on your area, ask at a local running store if they offer group runs as well.

Why you can trust Sabrina Wieser

Runningbrina is committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Her editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Sabrina uses data-driven methodologies to evaluate all products, so all brands are measured equally.

• Most featured running blog, past 6 years
• USATF certified running coach
• Experienced endurance athlete
• 7 marathons