Is it important to know speed/distance when following this programme?

[BriC18]

How important is it for your progression to see speeds? I'm currently just running using the time intervals.

Just finished W2R1 with the last 2 runs a painful struggle. I'm trying to concentrate more on style as I've never been smooth or comfortable running slowly. Started leg exercises and stretching on the off days.

Really don't want to splash out on kit/apps if running injures me,tennis elbow has stopped my climbing.

Despite all this I'm really enjoying the buzz after each one. Is there a cheap way to measure distance?

[tony_a Graduate]

You don’t need to know speed or distance. Aim is to get running for 30mins at a conversational pace.

But, knowing how far/fast you’re going can be motivating for some (but demotivating for others so do beware) so if you want to track then assuming you have a smartphone with GPS (as most do these days) there are free apps like Strava, Runkeeper etc that will do this for you.

I started tracking about week 5 / 6 and tracked just the running segments. It helped me with pace (tendency to set off too quickly) and was motivating to see the progress as I ran for longer. But I know many people never track do it really is each to their own. Hope that helps.

[BriC18 in reply to tony_a]

That's great advice Tony thanks, I really didn't want to have to spend much money. Did have a quick look at Strava and it looks like only the first month is free, I'll have a look Runkeeper.

[IndiGojim in reply to BriC18]

Strava is free, a paid premium version gives you deeper analysis of stats. It's the standard for serious runners & cyclists but is adequate for any level. I found runkeeper very encouraging in the beginning as it gives you notifications when you achieve increases in pace, distance etc. And it's also free.

[BriC18 in reply to IndiGojim]

Cheers, I'll look at the Strava options again. The only one I saw was for a free months trial

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run and enjoy..that is all.

Slow and steady is the way..if you are struggling then slow down more...😉

Keep those rest day exercise going too..they pay dividends as the runs get longer.

You phone..and Strava ate a great cheap option to track and monitor your runs..

Check out the pinned post FAQ.for great advice..😊

[BriC18 in reply to Oldfloss]

Slowing down would mean me running backwards

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BriC18]

There's always slower..and running backward can be fun..and yes.. I have😉

[Dee_N Graduate]

I use the free strava app on iphone. Although I had it from the start I really didn’t bother looking at stats until week 5 onwards. For me, completing the runs was rewarding and motivational enough. Now I’m on the longer runs, I do find the app very motivating and useful for pace. E.g I felt like I wanted to die (app said I was going to fast) next run I slowed down and felt better. Slowly finding my comfortable pace but it has taken time.

[BriC18]

I do hope I find a comfortable pace. My current one on the last 2 runs, is not much faster than an awkward shuffle... so much so a group of cyclists all stopped and cheered me on to keep going.

Rather embarrassing as I'm fairly fit and could run when I was younger.

[BriC18 in reply to BriC18]

Don't have an issue with the breathing and could run longer, it's the very slow pace and various aches and pains restricting my speed that are concerning me.

[misswobble Graduate]

That should tell you something 😃. Slow down to a point where you lose the niggles What’s the hurry by the way?

[BriC18]

The way my knee was swollen last night. I'll have to rest for longer.

Seriously I couldn't physically run any slower. Just downloaded Strava so at least I monitor my pace.

It was runs 3 and 4 I struggled with.

1 and 2 were with older more cushioned shoes, with the first 3 on an uneven canal towpath. Run 3 my foot was sore and I limped a bit, 3 and 4 if pain on the inside and outside of one knee. m

Working on the assumption these factors have caused injuries, I'm now running on an old railway line, also going to experiment by swapping shoes inserts etc and if not get new shoes.