Going to try Chatty Running

[Shake-and-run]

If you have read my posts before you will know that I don't enjoy my running. If you have been kind enough to join me on a run then you will know that I am slow and very breathy, so not really much company. In a conversation with a friend recently I mentioned how I was getting disparaged by my running. I so want to enjoy it but just find every run such hard work. Most of all I would like to be able to chat with my friends instead of gasping for breath all the time. She said I should try 'Chatty Running'.

'Chatty Running' is in fact a very scientific process, based on the Lydiard Training System (check it out on the internet if you are interested in the science, but it is about improving your muscles capacity to take up oxygen). However it does seem very unintuitive to slow your run down (which may sometimes mean walking) to ensure you can speak in full sentences. Anyway I decided to give it a go and my friend (who is trained as a coach) has given me a 6 week plan. I will start the plan proper next week, but this week I have been out and tried to find my 'chatty' pace. The first time was not too bad, I had a friend to chat with, the second time I was on my own so I found that if I spoke the lyrics from the songs I was listening to it gave me something to say (got some funny looks, but that might have nothing to do with my talking out loud). My breathy running pace has been between 7.5 and 8.5 km, running chatty I am around 8.5 km, and, I don't feel totally knackered at the end.

Let's see what the next 6 weeks brings.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I hope you can persevere with that, I've been doing similar but monitoring HR keeping it low on runs, I've never chased PBs . Finishing runs without being in the least tired is great. Happy running 🤗

[Shake-and-run Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

thanks Grannyhugs x

[Cowladyrunning Graduate10]

That's interesting! I always found it disconcerting when the couch to 5k said you should be able to talk easily, and I couldn't, but put it down to having to do it on such a lot of hills! (Wales) I do notice a difference now but I'm going to look into this to help my breathing too. Thank you!

[Shake-and-run Graduate10 in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Do let me know how you get on!

[RunaroundSue Graduate10]

More than one person has commented on me chatting while running, ranging from "you have a lot more in you if you can talk while running" to "your fastest kilometre (of 5) was when you were talking most".

Make of that what you will. I have no idea, I just run but if someone is running close enough to hear me, well....

[RunaroundSue Graduate10]

Sorry, I meant to add that it sounds quite interesting and I hope it will help you achieve your goal

[TailChaser Graduate10]

Sounds like a great idea Shakes. Chatting is also a great distraction when things start hurting, I use it with eldest kitten as you'll know how much he likes talking!And no, you are very good company when we run together - I'm very much looking forward to when we can do it again. 👍👏

Btw, that is a lovely picture 😍

[Shake-and-run Graduate10 in reply to TailChaser]

Me too Tail, I have really enjoyed my runs with you and Katnap.

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

I will expect non-stop chatting on our lakeside runs in summer, rather than me prattling at you 😂😂

[Shake-and-run Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Absolutely! But what will we talk about over coffee? 😹😻

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Shake-and-run]

I’m sure we’ll manage 😂😂

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

This might help healthunlocked.com/couchto5... from the C25k FAQ page.

[Katnap Graduate10]

🤣 you should join the Team Chatty WhatsApp group! healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

See. IannodaTruffe Post above for more information on breathing.

🍻🐱 N Y Katnap 🐱🍻

[Lifluf Graduate10]

There's no point in trying to run faster and further if you're not enjoying running. When you take it slower you have the time and energy to enjoy the route. I hope it works for you- it does for me and I find I do better when I'm not worrying about it.

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate10]

Wow, I've not heard of chatty running, but I do ocassionally try to sing along to my music as I run so maybe thats similar! Have you tried the head space runs on NRC there are some good ones that before you know it, you'll be loving your runs! 😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️