I've been banned from running or doing any strenuous exercise for about a year. I've recently had the all clear to get back at it from my Doctor and am looking for a little advice.
Before I had to stop running I was running 5k in about 28 minutes on a good day and I was working toward 10k (my long run was up to 9.5K). I've been back exercising for about a month. I started on the exercise bike and cross trainer and this last week I've started running again. My 5k time is 32 minutes dead (I timed myself this morning) and aside from a small blister* I feel great, despite having run 5k in a similar time yesterday too.
My question is this, should I keep plugging away at the 5k until I'm back to my usual pace, or shall I ignore my pace and work toward improving my distance? I'd really love to do the Admiral 10K in Swansea this Autumn after having to pull out of last years due to my health issues, but I'm worried that even if I get the distance I'll be ridiculously slow doing it.
tl,dr: Run to get my 5k faster or work toward 10k.
ps. I know I'm not speedy at the best of times, I just don't want to embarrass myself.
*I won't forget to wear my running socks again!