First of all I suffer from dyslexia so I am sorry if anything n this post is spelt or punctuated wrong. I do use spell check but it often misses things =)
My problem is I started this with a running buddy. Her fitness is similar to me but she is slightly faster and raises her legs more so seems to make a lot more distance. Thing is I am now struggling to keep up but am not letting it deter me and don't stop. Thing is I am worried as the program gets harder there will be more of a gap between us. We have made a pact to keep going until the end together and I don't think I could stick to this as well without her. My question is do I maybe run 5 times a week rather than the 3 with her to make up the difference perhaps? I am not hurting at all really but do push myself during runs so it wouldn't be a struggle to do this I don't think. Just interested in other's point of view. Thank you =)
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cheeki119
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You don't say where you have got to on the programme. Running with a buddy is mutually supportive, however it will only work long term if you run at a mutually comfortable pace. Talk it through and you may have to compromise, but you can't run faster than you can run. You need to maintain your rest days to allow your body to recover or you increase the likelihood of injury and then your running mate really would leave you behind.
The other option is to start together but run at your own pace, meeting up at the end for support. It is good to be spurred on by someone else but we are all different and if you run in pairs or groups then you need to adopt an appropriate pace for the slowest, or accept that you won't stay together for the whole run.
Sorry I'm on wk1d1. I hoped this wouldn't be the response but knew deep down it would be =/ Thank you for your response though. how much of a rest do they recommend? We run on a Tuesday morning then on Wednesday night at the moment, is this enough? We are both home carers so hours are a little all over the place and its hard to fit it in together.
Hi, normally a full day with no running is recommended, so Tuesday should be followed by a resting Wednesday (when you can swim, cycle or cross train in some other way that is non impact) and then run again on the Thursday. I know the gap from morning one day to evening the next seems like a long time and I can only tell you what I have read on this and other sites, I am no expert. When you run you, apparently, cause micro tears in your muscles and these need time to repair. Once your body is used to the exercise it is possible to run daily, but that is best saved for after graduation. Nothing will be more demotivating than injury.
Keep posting, if you have any queries, this is a very supportive forum. We've all been there. Good luck.
So early in the programme it makes a difference as your body isn't used to the exercise. In a few weeks you may be able to keep up as your fitness improves.
I have run with my daughter. Size and shape we're similar, she has youth on her side but a much more sedentary lifestyle than me.
At first she couldn't match my distance needing to rest. She's now on Week 6 and her distances over 25 mins I can only dream of.
I dreamt of doing Park Runs with her but she'll be waiting at the finish for me. Amazing how quickly you improve through this plan so you might be surprised
You need a rest day though. Don't get hung up on what your friend is achieving just stick with the plan and good luck with it
I wouldn't let it stress you out, me and a mate ruin together at lunch times and from one run to the next one of us is dragging the other along, mostly him at the moment
If you can't run with your mate, check out your local leisure centre to see if they have a running club that caters for beginners. I'm sure that sweatshop have several runs that cater for all abilities.
Honestly though, I'd stick with your mate, you might just surprise yourself
Don't fret about stride length, that's not where it's at, it's all about cadence (steps per minute) try to land with your feet under your hips.
I wouldn't wory about stride size; one of the world's greatest trail runners, Anton Krupicka has a tiny stride length, but regularly does 100 mile runs. Run so you are comfortable.
Regarding rest days, I would say listen to what your body is telling you. I started out running with rest days, but I found I could do every week-day morning without any problems ~ others need the rest. Just listen to your body.
One last thing. This isn't a race. Both of you should be enjoying your running, and I'm sure you will both continue together and have a gret time.
thank you sallycycle I may pick it up to 4 runs a week (3 on plan 1 extra) and see how it goes. I suppose you are rite that everyone is different but one think i have yet to experience is fun while running haha x I don however feel amazing after but its not often a thought i can quite imagine when i cant breath and am struggling not to stop. I do however hope it comes to me the more i run. thank you again x
When I started this programme i really struggled but by the end if the programme I have managed the 5k in 35mins. Just listen to your body I have done a couple of back to back runs without any problems. Happy running x
If you're trying to keep up with someone who you think might want to go faster, I'd actually suggest keeping your number of runs down. Let your running buddy do an extra run a week on their own faster if they really feel the need to do so. Just keep your pace comfortable for you.
And IannodaTruffe is right about the rest days: they're important too and stuff is still happening even if you're not out running.
If you really want to give yourself a boost to keep you with your running buddy, look at other things like doing flexibility and strength training regularly, and eating and sleeping properly.
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