Field run

[Flatfendweller]

I just finished W5 R1 and am very slow, but I do it. I’m running on a field so it’s not flat or even. Is it better to move to the road (no pavement) or can I do all the runs on grass?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Good runs for you, however, I would never run on a road with no pavements, are there no parks or off road trails you could run on? especially the longer runs of weeks 6 to 9 would be best off road.

[Flatfendweller Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

We live in the sticks - all my runs are likely to be on our field at the moment. Assuming I make it through week 5, would I find road running harder or easier than a lumpy field?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Flatfendweller]

Well keep safe from traffic which is a bit light these days, good luck for runs 2 and 3 of week 5, you might find it easier on a road

[Flatfendweller Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Road running has more impact stresses but is less tiring than running on grass.

Do what suits you best and you can only do that by trying both.

Enjoy your journey.

[Flatfendweller Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. I will read the guide.

[AlysP Graduate]

I am at the same stage as you and run off road- the uneven surface is a bit annoying - and muddy today- but I reckon it is kinder on my knees!! I will do all runs mainly on grass as I prefer it. I think it’s a bit easier to run on the road but my knees would never cope😂😂

[Penoverfifty Graduate]

Hi, I struggle running in fields, I much prefer pavement running. I find fields too uneven and I think I am going to trip all of the time.

[Flatfendweller Graduate in reply to Penoverfifty]

I do stumble around it! Running gracefully it isn’t!

[Freybot]

I live in the sticks and I find it easier on the road. The traffic is very light at the moment but before lockdown and during the lighter mornings I normally go out at 6. It's a lovely time to be out and hardly any traffic.

[ethelmary Graduate]

I am about to do wk 5 and find road is not doing my left knee any good at all so will go back to the park which is full of dog walkers and small children on bikes so difficult.

[Woollyweaver Graduate]

Well done you! I've just finished week 5 on rough fields and tracks ( my only close to home option), and like you, I am very slow, eyes down watching out for ruts and holes, but I tell myself that it must be building stamina. If we ever find ourselves on a smooth surface we will steam ahead!! I say stick with the fields and enjoy the privilege

[Rolllo]

Grass is much better for you.

Speed really isn’t important for your health

I m a v slow runner - other joggers zoom past me like I’m standing still all the time! At the end of c25k I was upset as couldn’t even do 4K in the 30 mins.

So now I never measure the distance anymore. I just enjoy the benefits of running 3xweek 😊

[Lionesses1]

I'm on week 3 run, I thought I was going to die I collapsed on the grass at the end of it. I'm not giving up though.

[Elfrun in reply to Lionesses1]

Slow down lioness

[Lionesses1 in reply to Elfrun]

I will have to

[Fionamags Graduate]

I usually run on paved paths or at least flat surfaces but had to give them up for the grass in the park as the paths were too busy to maintain distance. I really didn't like the bumps and lumps at first but it only took one run to adapt and I find it fine now. I think mixing it up mught be the way to go. I sometimes just run on the road as we end up walking back and forth from road to pavement anyway to avoid folk. The roads are really quiet anyway and i keep to the side so there is plenty of room to pass me. I bet ur roads will be fine as I'm in a city!

I would go mad running round and round a field so mixing it up might help to sustain interest once you've graduated? Even the huge park I run in is getting to be a bit of a bore but i prefer running in green space.

Anyway - good luck with the rest of week 5 - this was my favourite of the programme. You will be flying by the end of this one!

[RamblingWren Graduate]

I live quite rural as well so our roads have no pavements, but they are quiet, especially now. I also worry about the stress road running puts on my joints so I mix my running up a bit. I now have one run on road, one almost entirely off road and one a mix of both. For the latter I try to make the on road bit at the end, it feels great when you're getting tired and you suddenly have a nice smooth road to run on . I run Tue/Thu/Sat and spend my Sunday outdoor exercise allowance mooching around exploring my local footpaths to make up new routes. It helps makes the runs even nicer.

[Curryfan Graduate]

Hello, I do my couch to 5k in a football field near our house and like you I find it bit bumpy. I've only ever jogged on grass so not sure how I'd cope on roads? But I'm managing 25 mins so I'm happy.. Best of luck fellow field runner x🏃

[Teetime]

Hi. I believe it’s better to run on grass, have been told it’s kinder than road running. I’ve just completed W7 and am lucky enough to run over the Commons and by the river so have a choice but grass is so dry at the moment I go for that. Keep going.

Teetime

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Soft ground better for joints, but need to be more aware of uneven ground. Good for balance too as need to compensate for uneven parts etc. You would probably run further on pavement though!