Feeling Positive!

[clairelouiserunner]

Loving running, feeling like I could actually carry on running for longer than the time being given... Should I, or should I stick to the programme?

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

If you’re comfortable running a little bit more why not that will prepare you for the next phase. Or alternatively increase your pace a little and stick to the run time for your week. Just a suggestion, hope it helps 👍

[clairelouiserunner in reply to Couchphoenix]

Great idea! Thank you 👍

[Midgeymoo17]

I have no idea where you are in the programme. What I can say is there is about to be what I would call the programme police coming to tell you to stick to it .

The main reason for this is that most new runners have better cards systems the they think. Our cardio systems is effected by everything we do from walking up stairs to bed to what our job is. However, when it comes to running the leg conditioning is something you will not have unless you have specifically trained your cardio system by running. Leg conditioning is everything from it oxygen efficiency to its ability to take the pounding. In actual fact it is the second of those that most beginners have an issue with if they increase too fast- and they increase too fast because their cardiovascular system can handle it. The result is they end up back on the couch because of an overuse msk injury. If you really wish to increase- find some grass to run on, you will be slower because it is harder., however, the soft ground will help prevent injuries when running for longer duration.

My opinion:

Week 1-3:

If you are not overweight it is probably pretty safe to do a small increase in run time. I did as I always started running when laura started talking at me. This added 30-60s to each first run and 10-15s to all others.

Week 4-5:

Here listen to your body. I know that I can feel the pounding effect in my legs about 30-60minutes after my run (my legs feel fine while running). I find it easier to raise the pace slightly and keep to the timings and rest day. However, by all means try a bit longer and if you can feel your legs ego back to the plan.

After Week 5:

Here you start the longer continuous runs- so stick to the plan. You legs are still very knew to this and its these longer continuous runs that carry the greatest risk of giving you shin splints, strains and other injuries.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

The plan has been carefully designed and changed over the years to keep the risk of injury down. People who highly value this plan include physios and biomechanics engineers. The plan even exceeds the normally suggested 10% per week additional running at some points. A sports physio would be able to tell you how many injuries they see fall into the “too much too soon category” all I can tell you is it’s high. Personally, I chose to bow to the knowledge of the experts... but we are all grown ups so the choice is yours.

[clairelouiserunner in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you for this advice.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to clairelouiserunner]

You’ll be running marathons sooner than you think!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

I can only say that sticking to the plan is the safest way forward and that going off piste is at your own risk.

The carefully constructed plan works...........your "make it up as you go" plan may not.

Why take the risk?

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

I always say do what ever your comfortable with, no one knows your body like you do, just be careful not to over do it 😊