When the music stops...

[abigettinghealthy]

I've struggled with the music on the C25K podcast - it's made it hard to pace myself somehow and I've never managed to progress past week 6 despite many attempts. I got discouraged and had strayed from the programme over the last couple of months but still never managed a continuous run longer than about 20 minutes.

Yesterday I headed out of for my run and managed to leave my headphones on my desk. The route I was planning to do is just under 5.5km and I've always run/walked it. I started slow, initially it was tough without the music because I was much more aware of the sound of my breathing and steps, but as I settled into that I found it helpful as I didn't change pace with the music or push too hard too soon, I just carried on at a comfortable pace. I found myself thinking along the route 'at this next marker you can stop and walk' and then just carrying on running. All the way round! (apart from walking down two flights of stairs because that would have ended badly...)

I ran for 45 minutes without stopping. I ran 5k in under 40 minutes for the first time ever. And I felt amazing at the end of it.

Listening to my body rather than trying to force myself on made all the difference to me yesterday - maybe I'll leave my headphones on my desk more often!

[Lauracorin]

Another option is to use the app rather than the podcast - that didn't have music when I tried it out. I am using the podcast this time through, but just ignoring the beat of the music and running at my own pace.

[ANewMe2022 Graduate]

Yup, 'twas the same for me abigettinghealthy ! Once I was under my own steam, I could run for longer. Just proves for me that it's very very psychological...xx

[Theziggy Graduate]

Running without music is called Running Naked, and some people prefer it. There are a lot of pros and cons highlighted in articles on the web.

[misswobble Graduate]

Yes, why not 😀

Well done 😀🏃‍♀️💪🏅🏆😇

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I think a lot of learning how to run continuously is about getting over yourself.

For many of us, just putting on the podcast and doing the programme allows us to break free... whether we use something structured in the future or run naked.

For others, they are still so busy fighting, second-guessing the programme, looking at speed, distance etc that it just gets in the way.

Here's to your next run!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Brilliant! Looks like you've found what works for you xx

[Redbillie21 Graduate]

Do what's right for you, that's my motto 😉

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Glad you found your own running path! Well done

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

I run naked most of the time, but do use the podcasts for interval running. And the last couple of weeks I took the bridge to 10k podcasts with me on my long run. The music does make me go faster, which is good when I'm on form. I do need walking breaks though, which I don't when I have no music with me.