Start off gently

So, how can runners who’ve fallen off the wagon get back onto it? Kieran Sheridan, a board-certified physiotherapist and the founder of Gulf Physio, advises starting gently.

“Learn to pace yourself by doing the walking/running method,” he tells Strong Women. “You can also do gentle jogging and then walk one or two miles. Listen to your breath and figure out where you are on a scale of one to 10, with one being ‘I could run forever at this pace’ and 10 being an all-out effort.”

It’s equally important to watch out for injuries, so don’t abandon those pre-run stretches and warm-ups. “Gradually add intensity to not tire your muscles out,” he suggests. “And add strength training to keep the body equipped for running and prevent accidents.”

Throw in small rewards

Throwing in small rewards can help you to keep up the motivation. If your budget stretches that far, that might include a new pair of running trainers or a fresh pair of leggings to ease you back into it – but dropping big bucks isn’t necessary. “Listen to your favourite song or playlist,” Sheridan suggests. “You can also reward yourself with massages or bath salts to keep the body relaxed and keep you motivated.”

How to get back into your running groove after taking a break (no matter how long it’s been)