Completed C25K 2 weeks ago. Started again but increased speed with my usual pace instead of walking. Finding it tough. Is this normal?

[chrissy13]

[totalbeginner Graduate]

i havent tried this yet but i remember readling lots of posts from others who did the same and all found it hard going. If this is the way you want to go, then I would try to up your speed for the running parts and then combination of fast walk / slower jog for the rest periods rather thenn going to run the whole thing. Listern to your body and try to go with that.

the newer podcast speed i quite liked as it is shorter (total running time 16 min) but i found it pushed me and gave me more focus which I had lacked since graduating. some times I run it if i have the energy i used to run through the cool down then when the podcast ended played my own music to get me home again. I found doing 3 x 30 min runs a week really hard as the program you are gradually building them up. maybe thats what seems harder too?

[chrissy13 Graduate]

Thanks. This is very helpful. Will try the speed podcast

[Legion Graduate]

I'm thinking of trying this, but am enjoying the longer runs and some hill work at present (well, maybe 'enjoying' is a bit of a stretch!). Perhaps you should just aim to run a little faster on the 'run' bits, rather than much faster? I can imagine that if you go much faster than you are used to it would be really hard. I might try a run on the treadmill like this tomorrow, but I won't be aiming for going too much faster on the 'runs', probably 0.2-0.4 mph more than usual. I can build the speed up over time that way.

[chrissy13 Graduate in reply to Legion]

Thanks

[Legion Graduate in reply to chrissy13]

Tried this today. Definitely found it tough and the gremlins were on my shoulder all the way. Will do it again for one of my runs next week and see if I can improve.

[vengadriver Graduate]

I have done this too and jogged at my normal pace for the walking parts then ran faster for the jogging parts.It was quite tough I agree.The speed podcast is very good but a bit short at 16 mins however this might be just what you need at the moment then move on to the above.Good Luck!

[chrissy13 Graduate in reply to vengadriver]

Thanks

[poeciliareticulata Graduate]

I am trying this as a way of keeping my interest on treadmill runs. 30 mins on the treadmill is dull as ditchwater, but if I do faster bits and slower bits, it keeps me interested and waiting for the next bit. I am trying to mix it up with some outside runs where I just run. I know I can do 30 mins at a steady 8.2-8.5kph on the treadmill, so I am doing the walking bits at 8kph and the running bits at 9kph, just finished week 1 OK but it is tough!

[chrissy13 Graduate in reply to poeciliareticulata]

Thanks. I only run outside so not sure of pace etc. I am struggling now I have completed programme

[trooperlooper]

My plan is to do this once I graduate, but still walk the walking bits, however greatly increase the pace on the running bits. Do this for the 2 runs in the week, and then do a slower 5k at the weekend.

Running the whole thing and also upping the pace is a step too far at this point I think, maybe in a couple of months on the third go around

[chrissy13 Graduate]

Thanks