I graduated about a year ago but can still find a full 30 minutes of running quite challenging especially when it is warm/hot. This morning, I stopped for a couple of minutes and sat on a bench in our delightful town park. It seemed to make all the difference as I then ran for the next 16 minutes without a break and even began to enjoy it.
I am sure I have read somewhere the rationale for the emphasis on not stopping but I need a reminder of why this is so important.
I guess it depends what your goals are, if any.
If that worked for you today, then that's great. No problem at all and you really shouldn't concern yourself or worry about it.
Crack on!
Would agree with John_W If it works for you why not .
They are Your runs , nobody else's 👍
It’s important if you race, or if you challenge yourself against the watch. Other than that, it’s a measure of your fitness and ability.
Though having said that, the consensus isn’t that continuous running improves fitness and performance any more than interval running. The opposite may be so, and also slower pace running is as beneficial.
So unless you’re competing, just do what you do and keep enjoying it.
I think this sounds perfect. Who are you competing against..!? Enjoy your runs and your bench breaks. Whatever works for you 👌
Do what feels good for you.
There are running styles which encourage short walking breaks (eg. Jeffing).
It annoys me when I have to stop running on a longer (10km or more) run because it usually means starting running again is harder.
I often have a little break with the reason (excuse!) of taking a photo, or changing my music! Yes, I certainly find it easier after. I guess the only problem would be if you were entering a race and chasing a certain finish time, if not then it's your run, do it however suits you.
‘Excuses’ are useful. When I was starting the programme, I had to stop and look very carefully at my watch from time to time!
When I was at school I had ballet lessons and the teacher was adamant that if you sit down directly after doing ballet you will get fat calves. I did hardly any exercise over the years, apart from the odd aerobics class in the 80s and 90s, but even now I just can't bring myself to sit down directly after exercise because her words are still echoing 50 years later.
When I finish my run I walk to cool down, then stretch, then make breakfast and only then sit down.
For information I have very fat calves (had them before I started running) though the rest of me is reasonably normal sizes and I think this is most unfair😢😠
If sitting down and having a little break works for you I'd carry on. Alternatively you can try alternating walking and running, it's called Jeffing. I've never managed to get into it but apparently it works really well.
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