steppingstones - help.

So I graduated mid july. I've been doing 30 minute runs and 4 park runs, none in under 30 minutes. Decided today to try the C25K+ podcasts. It was a warm muggy evening and I'm not that great at keeping to a beat, so I was expecting it to be a challenge. But...

Started with stepping stones. First warning sign was the warm up walk. Keep your feet in time to the beat, says Laura. One. two three four. Hold on, I thought this was supposed to be a brisk walk to get the heart rate up. Then the run starts. 150 beats per minute. I tried to keep to it, I really did. But it was so slooow. So I tried speed. That uses 165 bpm, which is a little faster than my normal run, but I could keep it up for more than a minute. Didn't bother trying to slow down to 150 in the breaks, just went at my normal speed (which I am guessing is about 160).

What should I do. Give up on the podcasts? Try to lengthen my stride (have noticed that the people who rush past me about half way round park run, who are the sub 20 minute people, run a slower beat to me, but with an enormous stride length). Try the speed ones, but on a hill? Or am I running wrong.

Suggestions please...

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hmmm I know not everyone likes Stepping Stones, but I do. I like that the warm up walk is in a rhythm and always aim to start my run very slowly so the beat holds me back til after the toxic ten then a normal bit ( I'm usually running uphill at this point) and getting a stride going ready for the final spurt when you open up and just go for it...

Others have said its not for them too, so don't worry ...you are not doing anything wrong maybe a stronger runner than me. Stamina is a harder run.

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks. I will be sorry if I can't use them. I've been missing Laura (although enjoying running without technology).

[misswobble Graduate]

No,don't lengthen your Stride! Small steps are fine!

Don't worry about how, just run how you like it 🏃‍♀️

The slowness of some of the SS. Podcast is for leg building It's deliberately slow. Most of it is much quicker. Don't worry 😃

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Thanks for that. I really tried but just couldn't run that slow. I exhausted myself trying but was bobbing up and down in an effort to stop my feet hitting the ground too soon.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

This made me smile.... it is just different.. part of checking us out and seeing how we respond.....It tests us.... I found it word..but did it anyway... I did each of the podcasts three times.. to check them out... I love Speed and I love Stamina.... but they need working on

So...not wrong at all...go with them... it is a real learning experience

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Any hints on how to run slower. Really couldn't do it. I can do the warm up walk slow, just. But running at 150 beats per minute I found totally impossible and really exhausting trying.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Then run it how you want to... adapt it to suit yourself... because there is no pressure on you you can play around with things...

I remember doing a sort of soft shoe shuffle...I think I looked very odd.... ( I have a very slow ABBA track which is very reminiscent of Stepping Stones:))... and if it is hassling.. then have a little go at Speed... that is a doozy!!! I love that one

[KimLoulou Graduate]

Hi fellow graduate.

I have started running longer. Occasionally 7 km very slowly intend to build up to 10K. I have started to run intervals after the 5k again. My stride length is also quite short so trying to increase. Also started doing parkrun.

I couldn't get used to stepping stones. Nice that are still running.

[KimLoulou Graduate in reply to KimLoulou]

Also have you done parkrun? It is great done 5 now.

[Hidden in reply to KimLoulou]

Yes. I have done 4 so far. Once we get started and spread out you can go at your own pace. (No-one telling me one two three four really slow.) I love it and go every week I am free.