W5 R2 and hitting the road: So today's run was... - Couch to 5K

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W5 R2 and hitting the road

Charlottefc87 profile image
Charlottefc87Graduate
10 Replies

So today's run was my first road run, I've avoided running along the road like the plague up until now due to feeling silly / worried what people would think/ not wanting to be spotted. However with the runs now getting longer there is only so many times I can go round in circles in my local park, so I thought 'sod it', faced my fears, and LOVED IT! Who would of thought?!

I found it made the whole run feel so much easier as I felt it had a bit of purpose to it doing a big loop, rather than just up and down the same park. Kinda wishing I'd done this sooner..!

My only worry was the impact running on the pavement would have on my knees? Do you think this is something to worry about or should it be ok at this stage of the programme?

Time for the big 20 minute one next...gulp..!

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Charlottefc87 profile image
Charlottefc87
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Charlottefc87 profile image
Charlottefc87Graduate

not sure why it has tagged 'virus infections' to my post - how did it do that? Please ignore!

in reply to Charlottefc87

I think you mentioned plague....

Charlottefc87 profile image
Charlottefc87Graduate in reply to

Lol ah yes that would be it!

You should be fine on the pavement, grass etc is kinder to the knees, unless your knees are a problem area. Oldfloss always says to kiss the ground with your feet, keeping things soft you are prevent nasty jarring. If you like the outside running then that may help with the 20 Minutes run. But don't be afraid, all your runs have been building up to this moment, so take it slow and steady and you'll be fine.

Charlottefc87 profile image
Charlottefc87Graduate in reply to

Thank you, I shall give it a good go on Saturday!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Very well done :)

Just focus on what you are doing... folk are too wrapped up in their own lives to sorry about us:)

The harder surface is fine... take it gently. I have been recovering from a calf injury and my instructions from my Sports Physio was , to run on the hard surfaces:)

Just know that you are ready for this....and be really proud of yourself!

reluctantrunner76 profile image
reluctantrunner76Graduate

Good luck for the next run. I've not done roads yet either. Only fields. Will have to switch soon as it's getting a bit muddy but not looking forward to it. My dog is good on the lead but prefers free running!!

Charlottefc87 profile image
Charlottefc87Graduate in reply to reluctantrunner76

My dog is a big fan of free running aswell! I had to leave him at home tonight as he's hurt his paw, hence why I tried something different, but found that I actually quite enjoyed getting out of my confirm zone & going on the road. I hope you and your furry companion also enjoy it!

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Hi Charlotte, well done on W5 R2 and finding a new route out of the park, in public😊...

As Oldfloss says don't worry about other people, they have no idea how long you have been out on your run and there are so many other people out running nowadays they probably don't give you a second thought. Other runners may give you a nod or a smile though, I do😆..

I prefer running on pavement to grass as I felt the ground somehow absorbed my footfall , whereas the harder pavement helped me drive forward with more spring...I also found running in circles around a park gets a bit boring once the runs get longer...

Good luck with your next run😊..

Qscout profile image
QscoutGraduate

First of all well done on getting this far and good luck with your new running on roads venture.

Running on pavements should be okay, like has been said before try to lesson the impact on the ground. Good pair of shock absorbing trainers, and running socks to go with them.

Good Luck

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