5k+ Stepping Stones

[potato_jo]

I can't keep up with Lara's beat counts, but I sure like the challenge. I wasn't keen on the other program (Bridge to 10k). I just missed Lara's encouraging voice, I think.  I'm still not at 5k, but I'm running for 30 minutes and going a little bit farther than I did before... 1 beat at a time.  

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Know what you mean. I haven't cracked the rhythm yet either (done it twice). The second time at least I finished it, but managed to get the beats completely twisted up (even though I was sure I was running in time to her 1,2,3,4). I  also hope it improves my speed - I need it!

[potato_jo Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

LOL -  I'm right there -- 1,2,3,4...then after about the 6th time, I realize I'm off her beat. LOL Great job finishing the run!  Looking forward to seeing my progress and yours!   -- woohoo!

[secan Graduate]

Have you tried shortening your stride?

[potato_jo Graduate in reply to secan]

LOL - I laugh because up until this podcast I had been trying to lengthen it, thinking I'd cover more ground if I took more of a stride, but I can't! I have a rather short stride as it is, so I'm no longer worried about lengthening it. It is the breathing thing... I can hit the beats for a bit, but then my breathing gets difficult. My foot falls are linked with my breathing technique, I'll have to work on both.

[Terrorrun Graduate]

Keep at it - everyone finds it different, lots take a while to get used to it.    I'm doing stepping stones on one of my runs most weeks, and it took about 4 attempts before I got through it in one piece.  It has worked really well at improving speed though - the last couple of runs with it have given me 5k PB's

[potato_jo Graduate in reply to Terrorrun]

Excellent! Congrats on the 5k PBs!  Good to know, I'm on the right track.

[nhs2015 Graduate]

When you talk about the "other" program, Bridge to 10K, is it a podcast? The same style as C25K? Something you listen while you run?

[potato_jo Graduate in reply to nhs2015]

Yes, nhs2015, it is called "Bridge to 10k" and I found it on iTunes. I think it is a podcast -- it appears to be an app. too (but I think you have to buy that). And you listen to it while running. 

It was free and I assumed it was NHS program, but I don't think it is. It is done by 'Bluefin Software, LLC' and the person talking sounds American. 

There was a tone (I think) and a techno-voice that would say 'run!' in a festive kiddy-game-show way. And the person talking at the beginning isn't Lara and I was surprised how put-off I was by it. I listened to it through the warm up but as soon as it said, 'run!' in the funky tone, I took my earbuds out. I was repulsed by it...odd, but that's how I felt: repulsed and disappointed.

(NOTE: I'm not saying it is a bad program, other people may like it. There is probably nothing wrong with the music choices, and I'm sure the 'narrator' is very personable...I just didn't like it.)

[Old_trout Graduate]

The pace is odd but if tempted to go faster I concentrate on getting that "cycling" motion by kicking up my heels. Does improve speed but is hard work. I should really work at that tho and get the muscles stronger. 

I have tried another programme to 10k but I miss Laura's commentary and found the programme tedious and disheartening so am using the post 5k podcasts, running s bit further and longer as the mood takes me. 

[potato_jo Graduate in reply to Old_trout]

I agree, Old_trout, I have trouble with the 'cycling' too -- and keeping my shoulders relaxed, but I hope to get there someday.