First 50 minute run Japanese style

[DiscoRunner]

Around week 6 of c25k some kind soul posted the film of the Japanese slow jogging movement

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?)

I was already running slowly, it was the only way for me to progress as the durations increased. My first breakthrough was realising my run could be slower than my brisk walk, but the Japanese slow jogging low impact technique turned running from hard work to something doable, even enjoyable. It gave me that first sensation around week 8 of ‘I get this, I just might really be a runner!’

I’ve posted about my 6 weeks of consolidation runs, and then adding 5 minutes to one of my weekly runs, finally running 5k, and building to yesterday’s 50 minute run. It felt good, engrossed in a podcast, occasionally checking my technique, and really enjoying the slow and steady running - and a distance of nearly 6k!

21 weeks into this amazing journey, still marvelling at the blooming miracle that is c25k, it’s good to look back at the difference to how I feel. I started, like a lot of us here, just really needing to do something - anything - about being so unfit, and after a decade of slowly gaining weight, just wanting to change, but had never considered that I could be a runner, and sort of felt this would be another attempt at exercise that would last 3 weeks and then dwindle to nothing. But the miracle of c25k is the constantly being staggered at my progress, the thrill of achieveing durations I thought impossible, and feeling and seeing the results pretty quickly - better lung capacity, the bright red face becoming less like a distress flare, inch loss and then an amazing feeling - becoming stronger.

I’ve lost some weight (which I feel I’ve run off which feels great), and I feel strong, and that feeling of strength just feels so good. The changes to the body that regular running causes - muscle building, making more bone cells, creating more blood capillaries to get that oxygen flowing to the muscles more efficiently, not to mention the endorphins and benefits to mental wellbeing - I can feel it all in simply feeling stronger. I feel fitter, and I’ll be interested to see when I think of myself as actually fit! After my 50 minute run yesterday, I had to get out of the house and on the road in 20 minutes - at the start of this I’d have to lie down for an hour after completing a run!

I’m going to consolidate that 50 minute run, along with 2x30 for quite a few weeks (because blimey 50 minutes!!). And just enjoy this amazing transformation and the pleasures of running.

So to all you newbies, and those at the mid point (which can be a struggle), and to those nearing graduation - keep going it’s amazing, and if you need to - slow down - you too can run the nico nico (Japanese for smile) way!

Happy running y’all!! x

[bananahead Graduate]

Wow, well done on the run and for the inspiring post. I'm w6 run2, and embracing the Japanese Jog style. Good to hear from folks who are continuing running after the graduating Couch25k and what happens next.

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to bananahead]

Thank you! I hoped it would be helpful for others especially those of us who have to run slowly! All the physical benefits are still there for us 🐌!

[mummybowles Graduate]

Fantastic post ! Thank you Disco Runner. I didn't realise I was already running 'Japanese slow style' until I too saw this video a while ago ! You're doing brilliantly - and all your above achievements are testament to your hard work and perseverance. Well done

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to mummybowles]

Thank you MB! Now it’s more pleasure than work thanks to that elderly Japanese professor! Such a life changing experience x

[mummybowles Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

He's 250 years old, you know. So his technique must be good for us !!

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to mummybowles]

🤣🤣🤣 x

[Anon_junk]

Thanks for the inspiration and introducing me to Japanese slow running several weeks ago! I am exactly at the half way mark of your running - I ran 25 minutes, and I could do the entire run with a smile It still blows my mind that I have been able to run 25 minutes in just 6 weeks. I look forward to hopefully reaching your levels in the nex few months. Happy running!

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Anon_junk]

Oh you will! Just slow and steady and you’ll get there. 25 minutes - I remember that well - I think I smiled for 2 days! It’s just so incredible what can be done in 6 odd weeks!

[welsby1967 Graduate]

Fabulous post and great advise, and a massive whoop whoop to you 50minutes running and nearly 6k what an achievement 👏👏👏👏

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Than you Welsby1967 - you’ll not be far behind! x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Great post Discorunner, thank you!!

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you fellow Oldgirlruns!

[molly1973 Graduate]

That’s brilliant! A great run and a great journey 👍

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to molly1973]

💪💪!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

That's very interesting, did you follow the forefoot strike, little steps technique too, or just slow down?

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

I started just by slowing down but as soon as I saw the video started adopting the technique. It took me a few views to catch it all but I started with the foot placement. Really has worked for me.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

That's great, I'll give it a go, I always like to try something new.

[runwithdog Graduate]

yes yes yes ! it is a revelation.

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to runwithdog]

It really is!!

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

What a fantastic post! Thanks so much for sharing your love and enthusiasm for running with us, it’s wonderful to read about how much this programme and what it leads to benefits people. Happy running!

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

Thank you! Just so enjoying it but I do know some runs or weeks can be a struggle so hoping this would encourage! Good luck with your upcoming graduation!!

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thanks! I’m a bit excited 😂🏃‍♀️

[sofiaO Graduate]

Great post and well done to you on that 50 minute run!

I am still working up to it but managed 2 x 45 minute runs so hopefully my next long run I will reach the 50 minute mark!!

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to sofiaO]

Wow amazing! I’ve only got one run longer but might as well stick to slow in everything I do!!🤣

[sofiaO Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

What's the rush anyway?!

[Chris141 Graduate]

Brilliant post! Very inspiring! Well done!

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Chris141]

Thank you! x

[RunRunRun13 Graduate]

Love love love this post ! This is why we all run to get fitter, stronger and has a life changing experience. You have done so well and running for 50 minutes - an inspiration. Thank you for all your posts and comments along the way and good to hear from a “graduate” who is motivating others and sharing a wonderful experience with us. 🏃‍♀️

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to RunRunRun13]

That’s so sweet of you. I still feel like I’m near the start of this journey and love reading about how others are getting on, and try and encourage where I can. This is such a great forum and always inspires me x