I’m a bit impatient and cycle regularly so I started at W3. I’ve go a nice off road route or a park to run round. W3 was fine. I run very slowly. W4 trickier beacause I went on holiday but luckily the holiday flat was very close to a park.
My challenge is that I have a knee replacement so have to take this very gently. The first sign of pain and I have to stop.
One of my motivators is a fancy Garmin watch that measures and calculates all manner of measurements and stats The wonders of VO2 max
Well done for starting, but I'm guessing a grown-up will be along in a while to say the word "Caution".
I'm guessing that if you cycle you're reasonably aerobically fit. But the biomechanics of running are very different. And you need to look after that knee.
I'd have counselled prudence I think and have the taken in its entirety from W1. That's the start of all those ligaments being gradually strengthened (especially knees); a lot of people in W1 and W2 start to get sore knees; that soon resolves itself. But maybe starting in W3 is expecting your knees to be considerably "running ready" than you are.
We don't want you injured. If you're happy with W4 and your body is adapting well, then that's your decision. Personally I'd have been a lot more cautious.
But welcome on board and keep yourself well.
Thanks for the advice. I’m being so much more sensible than I usually am! However you make a good case. You have persuaded me to repeat W4 for at least another week and possibly two. The old me would be trying to run faster longer and harder but the new me intends to pootle along slowly. I don’t intend to run more than 5k. This knee is sooooo important to me. Thanks.
I agree. I would also be cautious about skipping the early weeks. I can walk all day, regularly do, and have walked in the Alps. But running is completely different. Every run is for a purpose and building you into a runner. The work at the beginning is making you strong for the later runs. I can see that now. I graduated yesterday and will still be cautious about doing too much too soon. I want to run injury free so slow and steady for me.
Hi Chc, as the others have said, there is no need to be impatient on this program, building strong legs and stamina is what the program does and gets you running for 30 minutes... then its just more running...
We like you to have done nine weeks of training in order to Graduate the program.😊
Good luck with your training and do listen out for any niggles.
Rest days from running are important, as that is when the micro tears created by the impact of running repair and strengthen.
Here is the guide to running the program that you might find helpful.
First run outside since I started again
W2R2 just about!! 😬😂
W5 R3 completed 😀😀
W4R1 - what just happened?
W3: running in the streets
