Skipping runs

[Laura922]

Im new here! I had a bunion operation in December and couldn't do much exercise as my feet were very sore! But now I have feet that don't hurt I have started couch to 5k. Just wondering Is it a bad idea to skip runs? I did week 3 run 1 on Sunday but didn't feel like it pushed me. So today I did week 4 run 1. I managed it and felt like I was pushing myself but now I'm worried I'll wake up tomorrow with sore legs! Should I go back to week 3 or continue on week four?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Skipping runs isn’t a good idea... it’s a carefully constructed plan to develop fitness and muscles quickly while minimising the injury risk. Skipping runs raises the injury risk a lot... maybe you finish the plan a week faster, maybe you wait months and then start again. Personally I’d run the extra week.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You should follow the plan so yes you should go back to wk3 there is a reason the plan is set out as it is . It's to get you running longer gradually and if you skip runs you could give yourself an injury that could stop you running for weeks . 😊😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do whatever you want to do, but this training plan is proven to work over twenty years, while keeping injury risk minimal. Departing from it is a shot in the dark. Following the gentle progression of the plan gives your body a chance to adapt and strengthen.

I was tempted to skip the early weeks as it did seem far too easy, but decided that the devisors knew more about running than me and that nine weeks to get to 30 minutes of continuous running was not too long to wait.

What's the hurry?

Why take the risk?

I can only advise sticking to the plan.

Take care.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

I’ll join the chorus! If you injure yourself because you pushed too far then you won’t be able to run at all. While the plan is training you to run for 30 minutes your body is slowly building muscle (and lots of other things going on in your bones & blood capillaries) which will be supporting your running as the durations increase. So if you skip all this you’ll be missing all the physical benefits too. And I’ve read too many posts about people (just after graduation) deciding to do a 6k and then injuring themselves and not being able to run. It’s not worth it!

[Laura922 Graduate]

Thank you for the information! I skipped as I wasn't motivated but now I've done a week 4 run this has motivated me as i felt pushed! I'll go back to week 3! But I was choosing between skipping a couple of runs or stopping altogether as I didn't feel it was doing anything as the first few weeks don't change a huge amount! Now I know week 4 is more difficult I'll definitely carry on with the plan as its suppose to be followed! Thanks again for all the helpful tips guys!