I graduated in August last year without pain or injury (apart from tripping over tree roots and skinning my knees), but had to take four months off because of back problems. After taking advice from my physio, I decided to start again from scratch in the spring.
This time around I have deliberately kept my pace slow by keeping my step length short. This has meant breathing was much easier and I have improved my fitness and stamina more gradually and without stress. I completed week 9 run 3 for the second time this morning and my average pace over the last two weeks’ runs is noticeably higher than last time, my steps per minute having increased noticeably.
Written by
BradC
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
It helps a huge amount knowing that these factors are key. For a beginner it’s important to learn that running slower isn’t about slowing the cadence! This is not always made clear in the advice given.
Last year in my later runs I tried increasing cadence deliberately but it didn’t work. Somehow my body wouldn’t cooperate. This time around it has happened by itself
We advise new runners to run at an easy conversational pace, and keep footfall under their bodies. Cadence will develop and giving too much info to newbies can be daunting.
It’s a fancy running term for step rate, steps per minute. I hadn’t a clue what it meant either last year. Sounded like a musical term to me. I think rhythm or tempo would be better, but I suppose they’re musical terms, too. I only used the term because the person I was replying to used it. I prefer step rate myself - it’s more obvious.
Congratulations for persevering and graduating a second time! Hopefully the back problems will not resurface and you’ll be able to maintain your fitness and stamina by continuing to run 👏👍😊
Congratulations, I have graduated twice and I'm now going through it again after injuring my other Achilles in May last year. Week 5 completed and barely even a niggle from my ankle
Thank you! Yes, it’s good to see the improvement. I’ve no interest in pushing myself beyond the point where I am at a good level of fitness and enjoying it. So I’m happy to make my runs gradually a bit longer and nudge the speed a little as I go😊
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.