Silly question: What does Run mean??? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Silly question: What does Run mean???

CouchConnoisseur profile image

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

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CouchConnoisseur profile image
CouchConnoisseur
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14 Replies
hudsondoglets profile image
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 😊

Pickles1234 profile image
Pickles1234

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!

steviej99 profile image
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-m profile image
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.

UnfitNoMore profile image
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_W profile image
John_WGraduateAmbassador

"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...

Pickles1234 profile image
Pickles1234 in reply to John_W

Ooh I think I’m doing it right and I thought I was doing it completely wrong and not really running!

IannodaTruffe profile image
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.

Oldfloss profile image
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;

newfeel.co.uk/advice/power-...

CouchConnoisseur profile image
CouchConnoisseur

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.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Read the FAQ pinned posts 😃

The app is coached so you will be told what to do 😃👍

Good luck. Slowly, slowly 🙂👍

CouchConnoisseur profile image
CouchConnoisseur in reply to misswobble

Thanks. Just played Laura. Was not aware how helpful she is.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate in reply to CouchConnoisseur

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 👍😃

Jell6 profile image
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 🤗🐌🐌

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