Some advice on how I should have tackled W2R1 - Couch to 5K

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Some advice on how I should have tackled W2R1

BathOnion profile image
10 Replies

Hello everyone,

After I successfully completed W1R3 I was assuming that W2R1 would be a little bit harder but was not sure if I was doing it right and need your helpful advice, please peeps?

After the initial 5 minute warm up walk, when I started to run it was more of a funny 'bunny-hop', I landed on my heels and was also focussing on my breathing. It was bordering on a gentle jog (not a run) as such and would like to know if my next run on Weds will get that bit easier. Should I actually run like a jogger would or does a gentle jog suffice?

How should I run on W2 and do I still focus on my breathing in time to the feet landing on the path?

I was grateful that Linear Park was a little quiet apart from loads of cyclists sharing the same pathway as myself.

Looking forward to your ever helpful advice and help.

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BathOnion profile image
BathOnion
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10 Replies
Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

I would just use a gentle jog so you feel comfortable. Don’t get hung up on the terms ‘jog’ or ‘run’ - we just tend to say ‘run’, however slow or fast, on this forum. ( e.g. my average run is only a little faster than my brisk walk.) Landing mid foot seems to be more often suggested than heel striking from what I have read. Are you using the app or podcasts? Laura gives some advice about how to run about W3. Have you read the pinned post for newbies? Lots of good advice there. Good luck & enjoy your running adventure! 😄

BathOnion profile image
BathOnion in reply toElfe5

Hello there I am listening to Laura on the Podcasts. Will look at the newbies advice again though, thanks a lot though, your advice was very helpful.

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate in reply toBathOnion

If you are listening to the old podcasts, ignore the heel strike advice! (Say the experts.) if you are using the new podcasts, then I understand that it was taken out. 😃

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

As above.

Slow running is good. Ignore the advice to land on your heels, just run in the way that feels natural. As far as breathing is concerned, in and out is fine. As you get fitter you can concentrate more on those things. Other than that just trust the program - it works.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Just run... however is comfortable ... and breathe like you do all the time...If you are struggling for breath.. slow down...

Read the link for Newbies too... lots of great advice there...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Just do this in whatever way feels right.... relax and take it slow and steady :) You will be fine !

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Read the guide.

Don't land on heels.

Don't overthink it,

Relax.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

To quote Nike... just do it. Forget breathing, run slow enough that it isn’t an issue, or distract yourself with something in your ears that you need to focus on. You breathe all day with no thought... same here.

Keep that foot under your body, heel strike is what shoes did to us, it’s not natural, but it takes some concentration to get out of the bad habit... concentrate on that and you’ll not think about breathing!

Keep your stride really short... it’s possible to run with your feet overlapping if that’s what it takes.

Jog or run? Jog every time... it burns more fat and builds endurance.

Well done today.

John_W profile image
John_WGraduate

Hi BathOnion

Have a look at this, it may help:

youtube.com/watch?v=kQ5wQ5N...

Good luck

John

Circle_On_Legs profile image
Circle_On_LegsGraduate in reply toJohn_W

Hi John WThat didn't work for me. Message 'an error occurred'

John_W profile image
John_WGraduate in reply toCircle_On_Legs

very odd - hasnt been a problem so far. Let me see what I can do. But on YouTube, search for "Quick steps: The running shuffle" BathOnion

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