A question and an observation...

[Emmy9]

So, I'm onto my 2nd day of week 7 and would really appreciate comments from more experienced runners... I'd also like to pass on an observation to those of you still working through the C25K...

I've been reading about the "Toxic 10" so realise I'm not the only one struggling at the start of these longer runs... (After 12-15 minutes I feel I could run forever... ). I've been doing the 5 minute warm up walk then jogging for 90 secs, walking for 90 secs, jogging another 90 secs, walking another 90 secs... THEN I start my run... Is this helping me, or would I be better just launching straight into the actual run? My ultra fit (cyclist) husband insists the extended warm up will help, but I'm wondering if it's just putting me through the difficult start 3x instead of once! I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this...

My observation... I've been running on alternate days - not having a two day break once a week - because it suits my schedule. I did, though, have a two day break on Sun/Mon and found Tue's run quite hard and am convinced it was the extra rest day that put me off my stride so to speak.

Thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum; I love reading your stories and comments - they inspire me to continue!

[Gladioli Graduate]

Emmy9,

I'm not an experienced runner. I'm a novice, but I did take 2 days between some of my runs and even though I was well rested I felt nervous about resuming, today I did d1w8 with only I days break since last Run and felt good.

I'm sure some of the more experienced people will give you advice. This forum is great for help and support.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to Gladioli]

The little bit of run/walk that you do as part of your warmup in addition to 5 minutes of walking is EXCELLENT. 5 minutes of walking isn't really sufficient warmup - I regard it as a "minimum"

[Emmy9 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Thank you... I continued with the extra warm up today and I DO think it does me good!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Most people do the 3 runs in a week. I did it like you and ran every other day - still do a year later. Of course, sometimes work/life/traveling gets in the way, but I haven't noticed your "2 day rest effect"! If running alternate days suits you then stick with it. Two days rest could in theory make you stronger, but if it doesn't work for you, well we're all different. Watch, observe and choose what suits you. Mind you, sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to any of it!

[Emmy9 Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Thanks! I think as a "new runner" I over-analyse... Trying to find the key to success I suppose when the only real key is just getting on with it....

[Linda_pink Graduate]

I have discovered post grad that I need 2 days in between my runs, in order to enjoy them. I do yoga on the days in-between to keep my muscles stretched. I suppose we are all different and need to do what suits. I am over weight so maybe my body needs more time to recover from carrying those extra pounds.

[Emmy9 Graduate in reply to Linda_pink]

Thank you... You're right. I think once I'm more settled into it all, I'll naturally find what's right for me.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Your warm up sounds great especially in this colder weather. I always warm up for at least ten minutes and find five minutes in the cold isn't enough.

I don't think you can warm up enough so keep doing what works for you.

I can't imagine an extra rest day would make the next run tougher. If anything it should feel easier, but hey ho, that's the thing about this running lark. There's no rhyme or reason sometimes so just experiment and listen to your body. That's the fun bit 😊

[Emmy9 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

You're right, I know... There's no logic to much of it, but as someone new to this, I do like to go over "tactics"! I did the extra warm up again today - I live in France and to be honest it wasn't cold today! - and I think I'm going to stay with it... No-one has said I'm being silly and putting myself through three first minutes, which is what was bothering me. I did my W7D2 run today and although I'm soooooooo slow, I wasn't as slow as W7D1, so it felt good!

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Emmy9]

Well done to you,that's great 😊

[misswobble Graduate]

Some folks need an extended warm up. I always do a longer one plus I warm up indoors first before heading out for the brisk warm up walk.

Bear in mind that C25k sessions are short, so it's no surprise we find it difficult to fall into any kind of run rhythm. You will though but it takes time. Don't push it. Easy does it 😊

[Emmy9 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thank you..... "Short"?!?!?!! Haha! I'm looking forwards (because I'm loving this running) to the day when I an look back on these 25-30 minute runs and think "My, they were short runs..."... Joking aside, I really appreciate your encouragement and will try to take it steady.

[misswobble Graduate]

I mean short in that you have such a small window to cram such a lot in. It is all rather hectic.

When you run further you have the luxury of time to warm up, time to hit your stride, time to find your run rhythm, time to take in the scenery before slowing down for the cool down. It's all less frenetic. You have that to look forward to.