W1R2 complete and wondering.....

[BJ56]

Just back from W1R2. Although I felt a bit stiff for the first couple of 60sec runs, each one seemed to get easier. Maybe I need to speed up? But, I was wondering - how important is it to walk really briskly during the 90 second breaks, rather than ambling? Does this play a role in preparing for longer runs? I'm thinking there must be something wrong with me - already looking forward to W1R3!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

The way I look at it is.....you already know how to walk, you don’t need to practice that. So make sure you are recovering during the walks and ready to run again. If you are out of breath at the end of the walk you are walking too fast. Equally you do not want to walk so slow you get cold.

There are no prizes for running fast on this programme. Pace your runs so that you can finish each one.

Good luck.

[MarkyD Graduate]

It's really important to walk briskly. As Millsie-J says, you don't want to be out of breath at the end of the walk, and also you don't want to over-stride and get shin splits. But you must keep your heart-rate up. So a brisk, fast walk. No need to speed up the running, though. Soon enough you'll be onto W2 and W3 with more running and less walking.

Developing good habits now will pay off as you work through the programme. Don't forget to stretch when you get back from the run.

[BJ56 Graduate]

Thank you Millsie-J and MarkD. I'm just pleased to have got this far and to still be enjoying it. But there must be something wrong with me - as I just cant wait for the longer runs - although I'll probably change my mind when I get there!

[misswobble Graduate]

The brisk walks were no prob to me as It was ruddy freezing when I learned to run with the programme. Keep shifting or die of hypothermia 😁

Don’t think about running faster! No, don’t go there. Slow runs build legs 💪👍🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This guide to the plan will answer many of your questions healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

[BJ56 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. Covers not only my question today - but so many I am sure I will have over the coming weeks. And there I was worried about doing this aged 56 - when an 83 year old was successful last year! It would be great if this was easily visible to everybody when they first join

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to BJ56]

There should have been a welcome message with a link when you first signed up. Could you check your messages in Chat and tell me whether you received it or not please, It is a relatively new feature and may not be working correctly.

[BJ56 Graduate]

maybe that's why I missed it. I think I joined early last year - but took until this week to get started