Falling Back in Love with Running – and Rethinking How to Train

Falling Back in Love with Running – and Rethinking How to Train

In my late 20s, I was lucky enough to hit a few sub 20 5Ks, and running was a big part of my identity. Somewhere in my mid 30s, I fell out of love with it. Life crept in and other hobbies took over, Jiu-Jitsu, work, family, changing priorities... gradually, running became something I used to do.

Now, at nearly 39, I’ve had about four to five years of inconsistent running. Not entirely sedentary, but nowhere near the levels I once hit. Still, something shifted recently: my workplace sponsored a local running event (Cheltenham Run Through) offering all staff a free entry. I impulsively signed up for the 5K. At the time, it felt like a fun challenge, but looking back, it was the spark I didn’t realise I needed.

Rediscovering the Why

Signing up to the 5K wasn’t about chasing a PB. At 97kgs and not having trained properly in years, that felt out of reach. But it gave me something powerful: a reason to move, to commit, to train... There’s something motivating about a date in the diary and the subtle accountability that comes with signing up for something public.

Rethinking Training

My training didn’t look like it used to. I averaged just one run a week over 6–8 weeks leading up to the race. But what I focused on instead was a more holistic approach: daily breathwork (using simulated altitude techniques), and regular strength and conditioning. Plyometrics, tib ant raises, calf and soleus work, squats and lunges.

This shift in training was born partly out of necessity (my knees weren’t ready for high mileage of running 3-4 days a week like I used to) and partly curiosity. Could better movement and breath awareness replace sheer volume? Could I build a more athletic base rather than simply log miles?

Race Day Reality

I went into the race with low expectations, but I ran 21:28. Not far off my peak form from a decade ago. That result surprised me, not just the time, but how much I enjoyed it. I felt strong, engaged, and genuinely proud of how I ran, even if I wasn’t at my lightest, fittest or fastest.

What’s Next?

Now I’m planning to sign up for another race. Not because I want to punish myself into shape, but because I’ve rediscovered something: goal setting works. And more than that, this blend of conditioning, breathwork, and low frequency but high quality running might actually be a better model for me now.

I don’t believe my fastest days are behind me. I believe they just might require a different path to get there.

Of course, if I can shed a few kilos through better nutrition (my eternal Achilles’ heel), that’ll help too. But for now, I’m grateful. Grateful that something as simple as a 5K fun run could reignite my passion for running and shift my thinking about how to train, move, and challenge myself at this stage in life.

Samuel