Silly question number 3087

[glentoran99]

Ok this is just me trying to get my head round it I don’t doubt the plan.

So JU JUs 5k-10K plan, starts with a 2.5k run, and each week there is a run less than 5k, this is my question, what’s the purpose of those runs? If I can run 5K then why the shorter runs?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Short tempo and recovery runs form part of all good plans, I’d even expect to see them in a marathon plan to be honest, certainly in the early weeks. Also shortening one reduces the risk of injury extending another, so it’s easier to stay well within the 10% weekly increase guidelines

[glentoran99 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you that makes sense. Been busy planning routes on runkeeper today in preparation

[Richard7 Graduate10]

Seconding UnfitNoMore

[Hidden]

Yes I wondered that too! For me, the short runs were great for either recovering, just to keep active, or at an increased strike rate, to build speed over a short distance, which all helps with stamina for the longer distances, which obviously you’d do at a more sane pace.

That’s my thought anyway...!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

There are no silly questions on here. I echo everything said before and don’t forget you can do them in any order to fit in with your life

[DebJogsOn]

You can always spice up the shorter runs with intervals or fartlek if you really think you're not doing enough.

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

I can run 16k and am HM training. Should I always run 16k? Enjoy short runs or go fast on then if you want a challenge 👌🏽

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

They are there in all longer running plans... as UnfitNoMore suggests... they are recovery runs... so, so necessary... building up and preventing injury.

I found my initial HM plan a tad hard to get into with this pattern, but it works. Building up strength and stamina and disciplining our running...

Ju's plan works really, really well and you find the recovery shorter runs so useful...

Some good info here too..

womensrunninguk.co.uk/train...

[glentoran99]

Thanks folks, just need to find some routes now

[glentoran99]

A wee easy 2.5k he thought... went for some hills.... that was tough.. I’m not ready for hills