Hi, just about to take up the first week challenge and I would like to know what is meant by running ! Is this run as fast as you can for 90 seconds or a jog?
Thanks
Silly question: What does Run mean??? - Couch to 5K
Silly question: What does Run mean???
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CouchConnoisseur
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14 Replies
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hudsondogletsGraduate
The first week is 60 seconds and not 90 😊. The app/podcast will tell you what pace to run at but basically the advice is to run slowly and achieve 😊
hi - I've just completed Week 2 and run on a treadmill. If its any help, when I log my exercise on MyFitnessPal, my run comes up as "brisk pace", and my brisk walk as "leisurely pace" - so in my case a very slow jog! I'll never win any prizes for speed!
steviej99Graduate
Someone will soon post a great guide to the programme which has all the advice you need. But the answer to your question is a definite no! You will soon get exhausted and that will quickly lead to injury. So the advice is slow and steady, what may seem easy now will not as the workload increases week by week. So keep it slow and simply aim to complete the programme each week. Hope that helps
emily-mGraduate
'Running' refers to a running action with a foot off the ground, as opposed to a walk, rather than to a certain speed. The app will tell you, but it should be a pace at which you can still comfortably have a conversation (even if you're talking to yourself!). It's almost impossible to go too slow to begin with.
UnfitNoMoreGraduate
Running is having both feet off the ground at the same time in a stride. I’d recommend jogging this... slow and steady is the key... pace is for after you are a slow runner.
Welcome and good luck.
John_WGraduate
"Is this run as fast as you can for 90 seconds" - ABSOLUTELY, 100% ... NOOOOO!
"Jogging" - YES!
Your speed should be one at where you can COMFORTABLY hold a conversation at. It's called a "conversational pace".
This isn't a bad starting place: youtube.com/watch?v=kQ5wQ5N...
Ooh I think I’m doing it right and I thought I was doing it completely wrong and not really running!
IannodaTruffeMentor
Welcome to the forum.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and answers your question.
As a new runner speed is seductive but frankly is your enemy, as it takes months to build running strength, regardless of how fit you think you are. Too fast leads to injury, but easy slow running builds stamina and strength.
Enjoy your journey.
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
Welcome... please check this post out.. and all will be revealed.. 
Take it slowly and take it steadily...You follow the podcasts.. you take it gently and you enjoy.
This is quite entertaining;
Big thank you to everyone. I’m probably diving in to fast. I was not aware of the podcasts and certainly need to learn to read instructions. 60 secs and not 90 phew!! Thanks for the definition of a “run” as well. Talked my seven year old in to helping lug her old man around tomorrow.
misswobbleGraduate
Read the FAQ pinned posts 😃
The app is coached so you will be told what to do 😃👍
Good luck. Slowly, slowly 🙂👍
Thanks. Just played Laura. Was not aware how helpful she is.
She’s the best thing ever! Hang on to her every word Except the bit about heel landings She voices over the follow-on podcasts too and Strength and Flex. She is a real person 👍😃
Jell6Graduate
To get through the sessions your "run" is likely to be slower than you usually walk, so don't get concerned about that. As Oldfloss would say, embrace your inner snail 🤗🐌🐌
