Can i walk instead of jogging?

[Shastu]

Terrible run today wk8 run1. Ended up walking nearly half of it, yet my distance and pace didnt vary on my Strava. I know i jog slowly but does this mean i could walk the whole thing? Is it ok to walk when feeling uncomfortable leg muscles? I dont want to stop but would be happy enough walking if it isnt going to alter my distance and pace

[Blackberrypie Graduate]

Walking and running are different types of exertion and impact - leaving the ground completely every stride makes a real difference. If you just want to get better at walking, by all means just walk, but if you want to build up your running then there's no getting away from running. No matter how slowly you run, even if it's slower than your walking, it is building up your running fitness, and laying the foundations for you to speed up and/or increase your distance. For C25k purposes, speed doesn't matter a bit but the running sections need to be running all the way.

[Madge50 Graduate]

Do whatever feels comfortable for you, there is no rule that says ‘you must’ and end up hurting yourself, the plan is a guide, and only that, a guide, we’re all different.

Lots of people do what’s known as ‘Jeffing’ (Jeff Galloway - look him up) a walk/ run method, if your aim is to eventually run for 30 minutes, then over time gradually decrease the walking segments... lots of people ‘Jeff’ marathons.....

Remember, you’re doing this for you, make it fit you not the other way round...

Mx

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

You can repeat any runs or week's if you wish to, try it again but a little slower, that should enable you not to walk.

[nowster Graduate]

Running is not the same as walking. It has totally different mechanics.

Ultimately you can do whatever you like – you're running the show.

[Roxdog Graduate]

You can adapt and do whatever you want, but as you've got to week 8 I wonder if you're just responding to a tough run? We all have them! It would seem a shame not to crack on with the programme as you've come so far. Run as slow as you need to