Day 2, Run 2....

[groomlm]

Just done day 2. Is it ok to have less breaks than the program says. I probably run as fast as I walk so I suppose its the same as walking every day???

[MichaelH070862 Graduate]

I would follow the programme as is after all it is a form of discipline which will pay dividends later.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Nope, if you are going to use the programme, use the programme.

The path is littered with people who messed about with it and didn't end up running continuously for 30 minutes on a regular basis.

Running is not the same as walking, it is a different motion, it has different effects on your body... even done at the same pace.

It's great if you are feeling good enough that you feel as though not all the breaks are necessary (enjoy the feeling!)... but you are building foundations and skimping on those doesn't seem a good idea.

[Hidden in reply to GoogleMe]

Never mind not running 30 minutes. These posts are littered with people who thought they were too young /fit/strong /feeling OK/wanted to finish by their birthday to follow the programme. So they ran without rest days, or increased distance too much or ran too fast. And now they have a ripped muscle / damaged tendon /knee injury /stress fracture and can't run for weeks or months. About a week ago there was a comment here about how remarkably few of this sort of injury we get with people who followed the programme properly. Rest days and all. Do it as it says and set yourself up for a good experience, fantastic graduation run and lifetime of enjoying running. There's no rush.

Do other exercise on rest days just something lower impact.

[Wizziewood]

Well done for getting started on the C25k programme. To get the best out of it it's best to stick to the 'rules'.

Definitely take at least one rest day between runs, when you're an experienced runner you'll be able to make up your own mind.

The rest days are there to help the muscles recover between runs and help prevent us ending up on the injury couch.

Good luck with the programme, keep running, keep smiling and go for it!

[groomlm]

Thanks guys I never thought about recovery time, just in a rush to do it. I'll follow the good advice and have the rest days. I just want to be fit now, even though I know it's a marathon not a sprint, and as my husband keeps reminding me that the tortoise always beats the hare🙂