On week 3 of c25k. Did the podcast on mon, 1hr Zumba on Wed and podcast on Fri. Do I still need to do 1 more podcast or can Zumba replace it

[Memmahw]

P.s. Knees and legs aching a bit!

[Zizzy Graduate]

I would definitely do one more podcast and keep to the program. If you are sore you could always take another day's rest. Running makes very specific and relentless demands on your body so you need to build up gradually and consistently I think.

Good luck!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Hi Memmahw, you still need to do a third run of week 3. Although Zumba is good exercise it uses the leg muscles in a different way, also the programme is 3 x each run week. They don't have to be completed in the same week you can spread your runs over two weeks. It will just take you longer to complete the programme. Its also good to mix in some alternative exercise on rest days, these rest days are just none run days not back on the couch days!!

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

Zumba looks like great exercise to me, but a c25k programme is designed to get you running for 30 minutes. Would Zumba help with that? My daughter is a professional dancer and does exercise routines that I would never survive, but I do know that she doesn't consider them a substitute for her regular runs. I guess it depends upon your personal objectives.

[Memmahw]

Ah, interesting. I did it anyway because I saw the length of run times for week 4 and got a bit scared I wouldn't be able to do them without the w3r3 (still am a bit scared, running for 5 mins? Gulp!) I'm glad I did now after seeing your replies. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[BloomingEck]

I'm sticking with my normal gym classes and adding the extra 3 lots of 30 minutes, rather than replacing them. I'm used to the classes I do and, as Rob_and_his_westie has said, it is working you very differently. I can certainly feel new muscles aching.

[Rignold]

I do a cardio circuit at the gym on offdays between C25k: 15mins each elliptical, bicycle and rowing machine. Whilst I am sure this helps with my actual cardio stamina for the running, I make sure I stick to the programme to the letter.