Stopping

[Duckaroo]

I can run 5k in about 33 mins I’m 54 so not bad but I have to stop now and again only for a few seconds then carry on does everyone do this or should I slow down a bit ?

[GailXrunning]

Stop or slow as much as you want/or need. Have you looked up 'Jeffing' (named afterJeff Galloway). There are official jeffing ratios of run:walk, but you can also just ad lib by feeling what's right for you. It's used by many longer distance runners, but lots of us here have used it too. Highly recommended: builds strength, endurance, helps manage heart rate, and helps avert risk of injury.

[Duckaroo in reply to GailXrunning]

Thanks I’ll check that out thankyou

[roseabi]

There are no "shoulds" really! It depends what you want to achieve.

If you want to run 5k (or any distance) continuously then slowing down may well help you do so.

If you want to train yourself to run faster then breaking up your run into intervals is one way to do it - e.g. do your warm up, then run fast for a certain amount of time or over a certain distance, then take a short break to recover your breath (either by running more slowly, or walking, or standing), then pick up the pace again. Repeat.

And in answer to your question, many of us take breaks during our runs! xxx

[Hidden]

As Gail says, have a look up of Jeffing as a running technique. Maybe this could help.

Also, if you are "having" to stop for a few seconds instead of "choosing" to stop for a few seconds then maybe try slowing down a touch.

Either way, just do whatever you are comfortable and happy with as you gradually build up more fitness and stamina 👍

PS. Good times for your running 👏

[Duckaroo]

Thanks it always feels like I’m cheating but yes that makes sense 🏃🏼‍♀️

[GailXrunning in reply to Duckaroo]

Not 'cheating' (but know what you mean... it is a trap I fell into for a while)!! In fact, it can help us improve. 'Smarter' running, as pro coaches say.😀

[Duckaroo in reply to GailXrunning]

Thanks

[Cmoi Graduate10]

Agree with others - there are no shoulds, but if you're stopping because you just don't have the energy to continue, then slowing down could well help. Jeffing fixed ratios doesn't suit me, but I'll walk up steep hills if that's going to be faster than trying to run them.

[Duckaroo]

I stop just to get my breath I could slow down but I tend to stop only for 20 seconds or so then I feel I can carry on but maybe if I just slowed down that would be better

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to Duckaroo]

Exactly. You shouldn't need to stop just to get your breath unless you're doing interval training or similar, with built-in recovery breaks. If you're wanting to run continuously without breaks, then yes, slowing down would be a much better idea. You'll almost certainly enjoy yourself a lot more, and that's what it's supposed to be about. Happy running!

[nowster Graduate10]

The only way to know is to try out various different techniques for yourself.

Like Cmoi I tend to walk up hills when they are too steep or go on for too long. There's one particular route that has a fair bit of climb in it that I always walk part of.

[Duckaroo in reply to nowster]

Yes I know you are right i just get fixated on times but I’m going to slow down when I feel I have to stop

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to Duckaroo]

Sorry, me again. I've obviously not been clear, or maybe I've misunderstood your reply. Just wanted to say that it isn't really about slowing down rather than stopping when you feel you have to stop. It's about going slower throughout your run, so that you don't actually get out of breath and feel the need to stop.

If you're choosing to jeff, or walk, or stop, that's a different matter. Do what works for you!

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Duckaroo]

Slowing down in general will help. A good technique is to start the run slower than you might finish it.

[Mudita11 Graduate10]

During a run I always have short walking breaks. Same as Cmoi, I can’t get on with fixed ratios. I’m slightly older than you and fairly new to running and I find the occasional (or not so occasional) walking break gives me a boost in energy. Doing Parkrun today - first one in a few weeks. Suffering from a bit of post-Covid tiredness so there will be a lot of walking breaks today for sure!

[Duckaroo]

😊thanks yes I get it now

[Duckaroo in reply to Duckaroo]

Thankyou

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

I always prefer stopping or walking to slowing down if I’m struggling. Just a few seconds to gather myself and then back into the run, at a slower pace if necessary.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

That’s entirely up to you Duckaroo. It depends on whether speed or a non-stop run is more important. For me, running non-stop is my priority and I’m not bothered about how fast that is. Others are different, which is the beauty of running. 😀

[Duckaroo]

Thanks

[Hidden]

A lot of people mentioned it already, but either you slow down or you look into Jeffing. I can run 5K continuously, but I feel better Jeffing it. I don't use an official ratio, I run 4min30 and walk 0min30. This gives me enough time to get into a rhythm, but the small break of 30 seconds allows my heart rate to go down and to blow my nose for example or take a sip of water. With this ratio of 4min30 running + 0min30 walking I have actually reached 16,1K (10 miles).

[Duckaroo in reply to Hidden]

Well that’s good to hear yes going to try that my nose always runs too do annoying