Unexpected morning off, a glorious day, and an ambitious plan. Could I run, Japanese slow jogging style, for an hour? Made myself a timer so I could stop at 50 (which is my new one long run a week), and 55, but all was good! Ran for a bit over 7k (🤪)!! I started running about 5 months ago, and I’m still staggered that this is even possible! What a blooming miracle c25k is, from not being able to run at all, to absolutely loving the (nice & slow) running - for an hour!!!
If I can do this, honestly, anyone can! If anyone is struggling & feeling it’s not for you - just slow down! Happy running all x
Written by
DiscoRunner
Graduate
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I am following your advice DiscoRunner and been looking at the Japanese slow running things, I go really slow.....so with c25k later on do they get you to try and speed up?? I am due run2 of wk5 tomorrow ie 8 mins x 2 so not sure.......
Hi there. Sometimes the coach says you can speed up, but actually as it goes on there’s more ‘you can slow down’. I just wasn't ever able to speed up once the durations increased! We can choose to work on pace, but I still consider myself a very novice runner. And also as I started this just before becoming 53, and quite unfit, I’ve been very careful about avoiding injury, and the slow jogging has been key. But in time (maybe after 6 months from graduation, maybe a year?!) I might look at doing one run faster or intervals of speed. I’m just loving this journey so much, and feeling great at my slow speed, and so I want to be sure I’m really strong enough to go faster without an injury - not being able to run would be devastating now. I let myself get out of shape over time, so I’m taking a long view to turning it all around. And slow running has allowed me to enjoy it in the moment. And there’s nothing like really enjoying something to make you want to do it!
It really is ‘if I can, anyone can’ so let me be the inspiration because you too can do this! It felt really good. A long and interesting podcast really really helps too - just checking in on the tap, tap, tap & straight back stuff, but focusing on the podcast. I’ve found things like the Feel Better Live More podcast - positive things we can do for our health very good - you’re doing something positive anyway and it seems to make me more receptive.
When you graduate, just plod away for a bit, then I added 5 minutes to one run every week or two, stopped at 50 mins for 3 weeks (and will probably go back to) and do an extra long run now and again. You’ll get there! Somehow I did!!! x
Amazing achievement ! Well done ! Couldn’t think of running for an hour but it’s only been just over three months since I started this journey....so inspiring to read 🏃♀️
Two more months and you’ll be there! It’s extraordinary how c25k sets you up for consistent running and if you just carry on, even my slow plodding, what we can achieve! x
I too am a 53 till august year old female, fluffy as in overweight and vertically challenged at 5ft 2.5 and can’t believe I am loving it, wk5 r2 tomorrow then wont get to do r3 till maybe next wed but might be able to do sunday....def inspiring bnd thankyou!! 👍🙌xx
Wow. I am wondering whether to take the slow slow approach. I thought I was slow - felt like it but hearing more and more to maybe go even slower to make is less in comfortable. I think I have been thinking as I am already slow if I go slower it’s being tired for longer ! Haha. Off to get some tips on this Japanese running. Well done you ! I am dreading my week 9 second run.
Sounds really fabulous run on such a lovely day. This running thing is addictive. Like you been running for just 5 months and it’s mind boggling what can be achieved with c25k. Happy running. Slow is my speed.
I firmly believe the Japanese slow running is the key. I spent a couple of months working on my speed, and yes, I can now go faster, but I don't enjoy it as much, and almost lost my motivation to go out.
Now I'm back to taking it easy, and loving it again!
Thank you! It’s just I never would have thought I could do this, I was more than certain I wouldn’t really enjoy it, so glad if my updates can inspire, I am the example of - there’s hope for all of us!
Lol...this is just brilliant...and the way that most of us feel....if I can do it, anyone can...but guess what DiscoRunner ...you have prob inspired loads of folk to fasten their trainers and get out there and that’s an achievement in its self, well done you runner you x
We all need some inspiration and posts like yours, honest and real...they keep folk going, believe me...Thankyou for this wonderful post x
Well done, it’s inspiring! It was your post about the Japanese running style that really helped me keep going so Thankyou. I started running in January after no exercise for years and have now achieved C25K and joined a running club last night. I was very nervous that I wouldn’t keep up with the group but I did it and loved it. I’m loving running and never thought I would say that 4months ago!!
That’s so so wonderful! It’s so interesting to me that just slowing down a bit can help so many of us turn what was a slog into a pleasure - and helps us keep going. Tartancat said on this post that they’d started to work on speed, and yes they could now run faster, but enjoyed it less and almost lost motivation to get out there. But came back to the Japanese slow jogging and loving it again! It’s certainly the right thing for a lot of us! And so great to have joined the running club - you’ll help many with our slow mantra! x
If found enjoying the running as all the motivation I need to get out there! If you do want to do 5k in under 30, take your time, get many more hours of running under your belt, you’ll be at less risk of injury. Tartencat was saying they’d worked on pace and wasn’t enjoying it as much so has gone back to slow!
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