starting over after making a mistake when beginning a run

Sounds to me like what you need to do is discard the original run data first. Doing so will allow you to start anew.

should have said that

I do discard the original run data.

for me there is the option to cancel the workout but im using a fenix3.

are you definitely discarding the workout or just pressing stop and using the back button?

stopping, then discarding and trying to ge to a place where I can restart.

So here's exactly what I do.
1. STOP.
2. DISCARD
3. HIT RUNNER BUTTON so I can choose a new workout. Here the only option I get is to START AGAIN or STOP AGAIN (indicated by green arrow or red square) so I
4. POWER OFF
5. WAIT 10 SECONDS
6. POWER ON
7. HIT RUNNER BUTTON, at which point I"m ready to stomp the thing because it will still not let me choose my workouts. Only options is still START AGAIN OR STOP AGAIN.

Thus far the only way I can get it to reset after an accidental bump to the runner button is to return home, plug in to Garmin Connect, and sync. It cannot be that hard.

When I do as you describe, which is start a workout and then stop, it starts again in the basic recording mode. To choose a different workout I need to go back to the time of day and start again. This is what you need to do too.

To do a workout you need to specifically choose it. I'm just starting with workouts, so here's what I found so far:

You need to have them on your device. Choose the workout in Garmin Connect and send it to your 230. Sync using Garmin Express or Garmin Connect Mobile.
At the time of day screen, press the Runner button, press the down button to get to Training, press the Runner button, then press it again on My Workouts. Select the one you want and press the Runner button. Press it again to select Do Workout and begin the workout.

What Michael said is correct

1. STOP.
2. DISCARD
3. BACK BUTTON 2x TO TIME FACE
4. HIT RUNNER BUTTON TO START A NEW ACTIVITY

Max

that's exactly what does not work

I DO go back to the time of day , but when I press the start button to choose workouts and then a specific workout I have on my device, the only thing that happens is I get a green arrow to start again. I do not have the option to choose from my workouts.

Hall Vista

So here's exactly what I do.
1. STOP.
2. DISCARD
3. HIT RUNNER BUTTON so I can choose a new workout. Here the only option I get is to START AGAIN or STOP AGAIN (indicated by green arrow or red square)

Sounds like you're not selecting Yes on the page asking if you want to discard. It by default highlights "No", you have to scroll up to "Yes" and click Enter to actually complete the discard. If you don't see "Activity Discarded" you didn't select Yes; selecting No just drops you back into the activity.

I just did the following
1. Started a RUN activity.
2. Clicked Enter to STOP the activity
3. Click Up to select Yes on the Discard? screen
4. Click Enter
5. Watch displayed "Activity Discarded", then Recovery Advisor, and dropped to the activity pre-start page
6. Click Enter to start a new activity session, or Back button twice to exit to Clock page

What you want to do is working perfectly here.

I as long as your discard, confirm discard, and exit out as normal (hit 'ok' / Runner after recovery advisor).... I have never seen an issue. Just tested...works.

I have the most recent firmware and have restarted watch in the past week or two.

Have you connected to Garmin Express for updates/syncing?

still no go

That is the idea...but it's maddening. I only get restart. And yes, I connect to Garmin every day so I always do the updates.