I've been keeping up my runs pretty well since completing the programme (apart from this last week due to circumstances). I usually run for 30/35 minutes and I'm thinking I'll start training properly for the 10k that I want to run next May. I've learned the hard way to stick to my usual route which may get boring but it works. I know if I pretty much just double it that's 10k.
Anyway, I'm rambling. I plan to work up to that gradually but say I wanted to get up to that distance quicker, is it cheating to stop? I know it sounds stupid but I have it in my head that a run doesn't 'count' if I stop, especially if it's only a short distance.
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Hoopla
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You mean stopping for a walk break? I say it's a brilliant idea, not cheating at all. It's not even cheating if you walk during your race. Walk away - sometimes you need it.
Stopping is not running. If you go for a 5k run and stop after 3k, then you have done a 3k run. You are not cheating anyone. If you mean that you stop and then start again, then that is a slightly different matter, but many people continue to do walk/run intervals right up to marathon distance.
I am not sure whether you have finished the programme or not. If you are still doing C25k, then by not running the prescribed time you have not completed the run, and if you fail to complete the runs in the following weeks, you have not completed the runs and you will not have completed the programme at the end of W9 unless you run 3 x 30 minute runs. In this instance you would be cheating yourself. The aim is those 3 x 30 min runs not just saying that you have completed the course.
I have only entered one 10k race and that was just about the only time I have ever walked on a 10k run, owing to a very steep hill, which brought all of those in my part of the field down to walking pace. The important thing is to get out there and run as much as you can manage. Enjoy it and don't fret about cheating.
I certainly hope not Sometimes I plan a run to include a number of short walks. If it means you can catch your breath and recover a bit and carry on, then why not.
I am with everyone else on this, walk breaks are just fine definitely not "cheating" on anyone or anything
That's what I do hoopla. I split the 25 minutes in 2, either because I go to the loo or because my lung condition stops me for being short of breath. The programme si set to get you moving. If you move, you have achieved what was wanted. The programmes is for humans, not robots!
(even if fitter things that!) The whole point is to get fitter from an unfit position (couch). not ot get ouch!
Might you just be going a bit too fast? (Not that there isn't a place for going faster and slower - fartlek or intervals, supposed to be very useful and of course, C25K is all about using intervals) If you are working up to it, as is prudent to prevent injury, and going at the right pace for you for the distance you are aiming for each time, you'll find you don't 'need' to walk... some people just prefer that way of doing it.
I've been run/walking since graduating in October; it has helped me get over an injury. My pace is improving gradually and is now faster than when I was running all the way. I'm experimenting with ratios based on the Jeff Galloway run/walk/run method - I'm doing 1min run to 30 recovery walk on my next run. I'm at 7k now and working towards completing 10k in the New Year. This method suits me...I don't 'stop' moving, just continue to walk through recovery to keep the pace up. Feel it's the only way I was going to run further without recurring injury and time back on the couch...so far, so good & no huffing and puffing!
I've often wondered that myself, so thanks for posting that - and thanks everyone for your responses.
I will bear this in mind if ever I decide to extend my running distance (still on the 5/5.5k mark) - knowing a little walking break is acceptable might help me along. And I know for a fact that when I manage to do the Parkrun in Bristol, I'll def need to walk a while due to it's hilliness!
You should get your graduate badge Hoopla - you deserve it!
It's your health and your exercise, so only you can decide what is "cheating" and what is not. For whatever it's worth, I agree with what has already been said and wouldn't worry at all about walking or taking a rest in the middle of a run - if it keeps you going further and for longer, then it's definitelty a good thing.
I'm training for my first 10 K. My long run, at the moment, is running 3.10 k down to where the Parkrun starts, waiting for 5 minutes for it to start, doing the Parkrun, stopping while queuing to get my barcode scanned (2-3 minutes) then finishing with another 3.10 k - so I have lots of breaks and I am sure I will when doing my first 10K as well!
I run twice a week with JogScotland, approx. 5.50 - 6.50 k. We cannot do these runs without stopping as we need to wait at red traffic lights, or busy crossings , to get over main roads. There is nothing wrong in stopping during a run and I often pray for red lights. Sometimes it just can't be helped!
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Sometimes I plan a run to include a number of short walks. If it means you can catch your breath and recover a bit and carry on, then why not. 
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