Does run-walk work?: I managed a run walk of... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

16,525 members26,586 posts

Does run-walk work?

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate10
20 Replies

I managed a run walk of 10k today when I usually aim for a run of 5km. I felt my runs were faster and felt refreshed by the walk breaks too and easily covered 10k with an average pace of around 8 minutes by km.. Is there any value in doing this? Certainly feels more fun right now

Written by
JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
20 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

Have not made 10 K yet...( it is hiding somewhere), but did the 2nd of the Bridge to 10K podcasts, yesterday.. it was flat... I am in France..but on the run bits..I certainly did move faster... and totally fresh at the end of the run... :)

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Me too, I notices some energetic sprinting happening and I could have gone further too

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toJoolieB1

Brilliant... speaking personally.. I am well chuffed... maybe fitter than I thought.

I am off for Run 3... Week One as we speak! :) I noticed a very cute French runner yesterday, on my non run day! I may follow him!

Keep me posted on your progress?x

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

It sure does work!

Madzoya profile image
Madzoya

I'm trying that myself! Hope it works!

Terrorrun profile image
TerrorrunGraduate10

Lots of value - enjoy :)

Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate10

I recently completed a HM and a 10K using run/walk. HM in 2hours 29 mins and 10K in 1hour 9 mins (not that times/pace are important :) ) The thing is with run/walk is that it is so "adjustable" - you can run for long or short periods and walk for long or short periods. You can run really fast during the running bits ( almost to exhaustion?) or you can jog. because I didn't wear a HR belt during my HM, I simply picked an object up ahead and ran to it - then walked either for a count of 60 steps (around 30 secs) or until I felt ready to go again. During the 10K, I did wear the HRM - so I ran until my HR reached 150 ( around 90% of my maxHR) and then waked until it dropped to 140. During my long long lonruns during HM training, I used a timer to set my run and walk times - and jogged easily during the running bits ( the object of these longruns is just to get to the distance with no worry about pace at all )

The only weakness with run/walk for me - is that, if I do it for too long ( like the past nearly 6 months), I lose the ability to run non-stop for any long length of time. :(

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate10 in reply toBazza1234

Same here - and it's not an ability I want to lose!

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate10 in reply toBazza1234

Totally see what you are saying, sometimes I run longer or faster and then other times slow my pace. It's harder to do non stop running though once I have spoiled myself with the luxury of regular walk breaks!!

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate10

I did the same and got faster. I think it's quite a valid method of running and I've had my fastest 5k and 10k using run/walk. I say as long as it's fun, who cares? I'm not in this for the competition, but for the fun. If it keeps me on track then it definitely has value!

Soldiersmum profile image
Soldiersmum

Anything longer than 5k I will do a 10:1 run/walk. It has a whole lot of benefits, both physical and psychological. Anything that keeps running fun is a good thing!

Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate10 in reply toSoldiersmum

I have tried all kinds of ratios - but I haven't been able to see much benefit in running big ratios like 10/1 - it seems like if I can run for 10 minutes, I can keep going :) I seem to be able to run faster ( which is after all what races are about) using quite small ratios - like 1min/30secs. Howver If ever I do another Hm, I am going to attempt to train using longer ratios.

Soldiersmum profile image
Soldiersmum in reply toBazza1234

I would feel like I had barely got going on a smaller ratio! I know a very successful marathon runner who does 3 1/2 minutes running and 1 1/2 minutes of walking. We all find what works best for us!

Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate10 in reply toSoldiersmum

The short ratios are done (during a race) as fast as you can go!! - hence after 1 minute - you are ready for a stop :) It is quite hard - basically running fast intervals for a 10K+ distance !!!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate10

I'm a big fan, with my heart rate I would never of got to 10km without it let alone HM. Play around with it and see what suits, you could always change back if its not for you.

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate10

It doesn't do it for me, if I'm tired I come to a complete stop for 20 seconds or so. I found my legs feel really weird if I walk, stiff and rigid like wooden legs! I do a lot of stopping here in France, it's so hot I tend to run from patch of shade to patch of shade. I agree with Bazza that it reduces the ability to run long distances non stop, but you have to deal with the conditions where ever you are. What ever does it for you Joolie, it doesn't have to be either/or.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate10 in reply toCurlygurly2

I agree with Curlygurly, I am really enjoying continuous treadmill running at the moment, I never thought I could go back to it but here I am working on my speed and loving it. I really have taken the less rigid approach to running recently.

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate10 in reply toRealfoodieclub

Yes, me too, I felt quite differently about running after my time off with Achilles Tendonitis. I'm just so happy to be running again, I'm just enjoying it with putting myself under pressure to go further or faster. Of course I do a bit of that, but only if I feel like it, no pressure. There are so many different ways to enjoy running aren't there?

secan profile image
secanGraduate10

As Master Yoda would say: "in your question the answer already is". ;P

If it felt "more fun", then yes, there is plenty of value in it.

From the exercising point of view, 10km are a good workout regardless of whether you walk, run or walk/run them. ;)

spoonierunning profile image
spoonierunningGraduate10

Yes run walk is awesome, I cover longer distances using that method and don't find it such a strain

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Run walk run ..... stop!

I've been following a training course I found on the Garmin app to try to improve my pace. It's...
Tartancat profile image
Graduate10

Run, run, walk run...

Hello everyone and a happy new year to you all. Let’s hope 2020 gives everyone the clear vision it...
ktsok profile image

Mind tricks work every time!

I didn't manage a long (10k) run at the weekend as I just had no time. So I went out tonight in...
JoolieB1 profile image
Graduate10

Another after work run

And Willow was out today so just Jo and I I should have left work by 4 and we’d agreed to meet at...
SueAppleRun profile image
Graduate10

My favourite walk is now a run!

Yesterday morning, what was a 4.5 mile walk became a 4 mile run with a 5 minute walk before and...
ForbiddenPlanet profile image
Graduate10

Moderation team

See all
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.