Couch to 5K+ Stepping Stones

[kpnuts53]

Hi I'd appreciate some advice please. I've just come across this podcast and thought I would try it to move on from my happy and steady 35min 5K and run a little faster. I'm struggling with my arms when Laura asks me to speed up, I understand that they should stay at my sides and not move across my body but I can't seem to move them in time with my feet - the more I try the worse it gets! I'd really appreciate some advice please on how to get into the rhythm. Thanks everyone and happy bank holiday Monday

[SlowLoris]

Stop worrying about it and run naturally. Look at some of the top elite marathon runners. Their arms are all over the place.

[kpnuts53 in reply to SlowLoris]

Thanks SlowLoris, I'll cut myself some slack then, if they can do it!...

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

You have to find what works for your body. If they're going side to side across your body you'll waste energy however working too hard trying to get it "right" will do that too.

Ideally they want to pump back and forth in time with your legs or at least just back and forth to aide forward propulsion.

Are you an arm swinger when you walk? If not maybe try it and see if you can fall into it.

[kpnuts53 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Hi GoGo_JoJo thanks for your advice -really helpful. I'll look at what I do when I walk, and start from there. I definitely found that I was concentrating too hard on the arms at the expense of running naturally so will back off. As you say I want to minimise the energy I'm using as running further is challenging enough!

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Try not to think about it too much. Good luck 🤞😊🏃

[kpnuts53 in reply to Deals1]

Thanks Deals1 I'm listening!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Personally, I think you’d be better off doing what comes naturally. Trying to adjust your natural movement will most likely waste precious energy. All I can say is make sure your shoulders and arms aren’t tensed up. 😀

[kpnuts53 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Great advice thank you - put into practice during the 'speed' podcast this morning, and felt much better about it

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to kpnuts53]

Great to hear - well done! 👍👏😀