Am I doing it right?

[Kimterry]

I have always felt that in order to get to a 5K distance that I should run for the majority of the time i.e. 30 mins non stop running. I usually do a 5min warm up walk, run, then have to have a much longer cool down walk. Today I mixed it up a bit and started with a 10 min warm up walk, run for 15 mins, 2min walk etc and I completed the 5K 16 seconds quicker than I have before. Sorry for the rambling post, but my question is, is it ok to break up my run with a couple of little walks? For some reason, I feel bit of a fraud doing this. Advice anyone?

[Tomas Graduate]

Browse Jeff Galloway.

Galloway recommends doing exactly what you describe for all distances and running-abilities. His logic is that if you recover a little with a brief walk, then that will allow you to carry on further and also faster than if you did non-stop running. I did my first marathon using his method and think it makes perfect sense.

So all on all: Nope. You're not at all a fraud. Do whatever works and whatever gets you out there to enjoy the exercise.

[Kimterry Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Thank you Tomas. One of my km was actually the fastest I have ever run (7.2 km) and that was after a short walking break. I will definitely check out Jeff Galloway 👍

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Thanks very much for this information- I am still very new to running ( doing W7, but never run before) but already aware that I enjoy running intervals with brief walks much more than continuous running. I feel more confident to go faster, stretching my stride more, using that pattern. When I have completed C25K I will definitely use this on some of my runs.

[SC1472 Graduate]

I think the whole point of the programme is that it starts us on a running career. Where we then take it is really up to us as individuals. The way I look at it is - does it really matter what we then do so long as we are getting out there three times a week and being active? Not really!

We do it how we want to, there is no point in killing yourself to get to 5k non-stop if having a walking break/breather makes it easier. Are you more likely to continue the running habit if you continue to run/walk every time you go out - possibly/probably - in which case isn't that better than not going out at all.

[Kimterry Graduate in reply to SC1472]

Thanks SC1472. I am getting out regularly and I have definitely seen improvements; I look forward to the runs. But you are right - I'm getting out there and I am completing a 5K and that's a helluva lot more than I was doing 6 months ago!

[roseabi]

I find that the more running experience I get, the less I care about having to take walking breaks. How will I run all the way up that steep hill if I don't promise myself a walking break at the top?

[Kimterry Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Yes Roseann - the best way to look at it. I should be kinder to myself!

[Kimterry Graduate]

Sorry Roseabi - predictive text!

[roseabi in reply to Kimterry]

Reminds me of that old sitcom with Roseanne Barr I'm not much like her!

[Kimterry Graduate]

Haha!

[Hidden]

I totally agree with Tomas and I have often had a little walk to recover not long mind you just enough to get a second wind which allows me to go further. 🏃🏃 especially where I live which has many hills and inclines although I'm starting to master some of them.

So once again no your not a fraud just do what ever is good for you😀😀

Happy running!

[Kimterry Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you peggy59. I've had such good advice today and I've altered my mindset. Having a little walk today enabled me to go faster and gave me a PB! It makes sense to have a little breather!

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

I had a 30 second walk in my 5k run today as I felt I needed it to get up a little incline. No harm in that I said to myself! Do what's right for each run at least we are out there!

[Kimterry Graduate]

Thanks Carolyn. When I go out tomorrow I will take a little walk as and when I feel I need it. As you say, at least we are out there! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️