Is walking / running a good thing?

[p1M2l3]

I reached my graduation at the beginning of the year, but I felt guilty that many of the 'runs' I had done walking as well. I decided to go back to Week 5 and do the runs without walking. I repeat the runs until I feel fairly comfortable before I move on. The weather of course has got in the way. It is taking me longer but I want to feel that I can run comfortably . Has anyone else felt like this?

[RainbowC Graduate]

I don't think I've ever made it through the plan in 9 weeks, but always need to either put in a bit of extra time (between weeks 3 & 4) or repeat a week or two - or both! It's definitely a good idea to go back and repeat the end of the programme without any additional walking breaks if you're wanting to get to the point of running 30 mins non-stop, repeating runs or weeks as needed to help you get there. But there's also no harm at all in carrying on with just doing run-walks if you enjoy it and don't mind taking walking breaks sometimes. The key is that you're off the couch and are doing it, so as long as you're enjoying it and keep doing it, that's what really matters

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I struggled to make the change from walk/run to continuous running at W7. I think it was more about the psychology of it than the running itself. My brain kept saying "It must be time to stop now!", even though my legs and breathing were okay. I persevered and by W8 it began to feel better. I also read a post about sustainable pace ( thanks rolysmate!) and slow down even more and that made a big difference - so much more enjoyable. ( I was already slow in the first place) . Good luck! 😃

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

PS You might like to check out Jeff Galloway's principles about run/walk if that is what suits you - if you google his name with beginning running you will find it.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You do what feels right for you... I have been repeating C25K after a particularly nasty spell on the IC... and moving how it suits me..slow and steady :).

Build back up slowly... that is what works... you are you... do it your way