5 minute brisk walks?

[Serenity0365]

I am currently on week 8 and doing the 28 minute runs, hoping to graduate in a few weeks time, then I will start doing some Parkruns. My question is, is it necessary to do the 5 minute brisk walks before and after the 30 minute run, given that I spend 10 minutes stretching and movement before and after the run anyway? My desire to save 10 minutes is my reason for asking this question.

[runwithdog Graduate]

i think many people doing a first pr will use the 5 min warm up as part of the course.

if you decide not to,then make sure you are warmed and ready to run so you do not get running injuries.

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to runwithdog]

Thanks runwithdog for your reply. My question was more general and I probably shouldn't have mentioned Parkruns. My question is really, do I need to do a 5 minute brisk walk before and after a 30 minute run, as well as the 10 minute stretch / movement before and after or can I abandon the 5 minute brisk walks?

[runwithdog Graduate in reply to Serenity0365]

i see what you mean but in my couple of failed attemps before i did not bother with the walk BUT this time i done it all properly and my 5 min walk at start and finish is a very fast walk ,i felt it was important for me to do it as it makes up the 30 mins workout.

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to runwithdog]

Yes my walk is pretty fast too, sometimes faster than jog/running. Is it just me is there not enough time in the day to do everything?!

[primaballerina]

I know exactly how you feel.

I did my first 5K the other day (no park runs here in Portugal, so only on my lonesome).... I knew it was going to take me ages, and I really couldn't afford to add another 5 mins 'walking' onto it - So ... I did a few stretches and went straight into my slow shufflejog and no ill-effects.

So - IF you warm up properly I don't think there is any danger...everyone is different and if you 'listen' to your body then there shouldn't be a problem.

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to primaballerina]

Thank you PB I like the idea of listening to my body rather than using rules, which I tend to do. I will wait to hear what others suggest to get a general consensus.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As long as you are well warmed up, it doesn't matter how you do it...........but muscles that are not well warmed up are much more prone to injury.

The cool down allows your heart rate to settle gradually. In my opinion, he most crucial part of post run routine is stretching thoroughly.

[Serenity0365 Graduate]

Thanks IannodaTruffe as always. I will err on the side of lots of warm up rather than not enough warm up. Post run stretching, agreed and on the advice of my sports physio recently I have increased stretching time from 5 minutes to 10 minutes.