Does anyone just run anymore?

seekingstrengthX2

Everyone who runs (it seems) is on a "program". New runners do C25K. Others are training for a marathon using Hal (or someone similar). Am I the only one that just leaves the house and runs?

When I started running, I couldnt even go 1 mile. I just started running. When I couldnt go any further, I walked until I caught my breath. Then I ran some more. Eventually I could run a mile....then 2....then 3. So I did a 5k. Then I tried to run 4 miles, then 5...and on and on. I just kept going. Then I did a half marathon. Now I am scheduled for a full. Maybe I 'm an idiot but my plan is to just keep running...farther and farther.

Why does it need to be so scheduled, scientific and regimented?

Does anyone else just RUN?

shabaity

im doing the couch to 5k for my own enjoyment but also for safety reasons i have issues with one of my knee and feel a slow progression into the running is safer because that knee has gone out in the past for random reasons

LazyHairyBear

For myself the fact that it is regimented and the fact it slowly builds up the ability to run the C25K plan is perfect. Some people need plans and organised exercise in order to motivate ourselves into doing these things, some people, like yourself, can just do it and get the benefit doing it their way.

TylerJ76

Programs are great, they keep people, including myself accountable.

ritmeyer

Well, for me it helps to have a guide. I'm a mother of 2 small children, I work...blah, blah. I'm a busy lady. Most of my life has to on a schedule and workouts are too. My husband or the sitter also finds it helpful if I give them an estimated time arrival. 8 miles, I'll be home in a little over an hour. When I'm not training for something, I still have an idea of how many miles I'd like to run.

The freeing part of the run for me is to just head out my door, kidless.

jenniferstanton

Everyone who runs (it seems) is on a "program". New runners do C25K. Others are training for a marathon using Hal (or someone similar). Am I the only one that just leaves the house and runs?

When I started running, I couldnt even go 1 mile. I just started running. When I couldnt go any further, I walked until I caught my breath. Then I ran some more. Eventually I could run a mile....then 2....then 3. So I did a 5k. Then I tried to run 4 miles, then 5...and on and on. I just kept going. Then I did a half marathon. Now I am scheduled for a full. Maybe I 'm an idiot but my plan is to just keep running...farther and farther.

Why does it need to be so scheduled, scientific and regimented?

Does anyone else just RUN?

jenniferstanton

Everyone who runs (it seems) is on a "program". New runners do C25K. Others are training for a marathon using Hal (or someone similar). Am I the only one that just leaves the house and runs?

When I started running, I couldnt even go 1 mile. I just started running. When I couldnt go any further, I walked until I caught my breath. Then I ran some more. Eventually I could run a mile....then 2....then 3. So I did a 5k. Then I tried to run 4 miles, then 5...and on and on. I just kept going. Then I did a half marathon. Now I am scheduled for a full. Maybe I 'm an idiot but my plan is to just keep running...farther and farther.

Why does it need to be so scheduled, scientific and regimented?

Does anyone else just RUN?


Who cares? Kind of wondering why this bothers you. Society should be happy there is a program out there helping people get in shape and get healthy!

edd43

I've got the C25K app, but I never remember to bring my phone to use it, so I just plug in my headphones and go. I try and increase my running by 1/4 mile every time I go out to ease myself into running longer distances, even though I go at a slower pace. I'm starting to find that I really enjoy running, and it's on my own rules and what I can do, rather than on a plan. It works for me that way, even though I do like the structure of the C25K program.

skinnyfithealthyme

I do. But I agree with other posters that they can be very valuable. I've just never needed one for my purposes

contingencyplan

Running makes me want to shoot myself.

jenlarz

Some days. I am sort of following C25K, other days I just do what I can.

Bailey543

I tried couch to 5k and HATED it! I just started running. I would run to that tree, then walk to that driveway, then run to that whatever, and so on. I just made goals for myself. I think some people need the program, some don't. I just like to take off and go. I'm not a huge runner, can't go more than 3 miles at once, but I like to have my own music on and run, run, run!

alarae

I like the apps because they push me when I probably wouldn't push myself. I'm not competitive so it is just easier for me to have the app and think "Only 10 more minute, I can do this"

LivvyLinde

That's how I did it when I started running years ago. I just decided to do it one day, and I worked up to 13 miles. Then in past 2 years, I've struggled with a lot of pretty debilitating health issues (internal) that made it impossible for me to keep running. I put on weight, too, which is going to make it harder to get going again with running.

So I might try to break it down into smaller running portions, just to get up to speed again. But I think you just need to do what works for you physically and mentally! Be free and run as you will!

kamakazeekim

I started running everyday during my lunch break and I built up to doing a 5k. I lost all my motivation though because no matter how often or how long I ran I never lost any weight. In fact, I just kept gaining

tigonometry

The reason I do C25k is because, at the point I started, I needed a little structure and pacing in order to get up to a place where I could run comfortably.

And I'm almost there.

Once I complete the program I plan on running for the hell of it, but C25K is a great way for people that aren't used to it to ease into running.

Chagama

I need the plan because if I don't have a specific goal, and a specific plan to get there, life is too chaotic and I won't get out there and run on a regular basis. I find excuses, I justify needing more sleep, etc. I need the goal that there is a marathon in X weeks and if I don't follow the plan I won't be successful in completing it.

Vansy

I go out and "just run" all the time.

But I also do scheduled "training" when I'm preparing for an actual race. I do an actual training schedule because it keeps me accountable and it keeps me focused and on-track to finish/improve my previous race time.

missdaisy79

I'm just running. I like the idea of C25K, but I don't always have time to do the full amount, so I'm happy doing a couple of one milers in the week, and a bit more on the weekends.

TinaBaily

I did the C25K program because I wanted to run, but had tried running on my own once before, when heavier, and caused myself to suffer from plantar fasciitis, which was very painful, and kept me from exercising as much as I needed. I then avoided running for a few years, and started back up this April. I "graduated" from C25K last month and now am just working on increasing my speed a bit more, then will do like you, and increase my distance. My mother, who used to run, says running isn't good for the body, but it's doing amazing things to the shape of mine, so I will continue to do it. It feels amazing to say that I took up running in my 40s as a large woman! :-)

tubaman58

SImple, some people like the structure (I am like that) but others rebel against the structure. If you are more likely to run if you don't structure things then go for it!

What's important is what keeps you motivated and active

JenaePavlak

I just run.. Never been on any program.... I always pushed myself a little more when I needed to in the beginning..

A program might help motivate some in the beginning, so whatever works for the individual.

"Lift Heavy! Run Hard!" =D
www.facebook.com/jenaesmithfitness

SouthernSkylark

I've read lots of things and training plans/ideas but just do my own thing.... if it feels right for you then just do it I say :bigsmile:

flyingwrite

Programs provide small attainable goals, which helps a non-runner become a runner. Everyone is different. I needed that. You don't. We're different. It also provides a sense of community which we all need. I can talk to other people who completed C25K and we can compare journeys. We can bond over common ground. Someone else's running experience may be different than mine, but the basic program is the same. Don't like running programs? Don't do them. Personally, I'm glad this one was there for me.

innocenceportrayed

I'm not on a program, I just...well..run

(=

I do intervals though, I can't just run my whole road(almost a mile long) so I run and then walk then runnnnnnn then walk =D

jealous_loser

I use a program too. I like it because it tells me what to do. Without it, I would have just quit. I know myself that I need to see some sort of progression or I won't be happy doing it. If I am not happy doing it, then I quit doing it. I don't think I could have done this without the program.

Last run for C25K is tomorrow!

BrianSharpe

I suspect many people like the structure of a program, especially when they're first starting out.

To the OP, I did pretty much the same as you when I started back into running a few years ago, could barely make it around the block.

Most of the time my running is pretty unstructured - I'll decide which route I want to run as I head out the door - but when I'm building up for a race I prefer to follow a training plan.

bigdawg025

It's all in what works for YOU! If "just running" is what works for you... then so be it. However, if you are running 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon... you are not "just running". You are TRAINING!

I just run all the time, but I always have a pre planned distance when I start out because that determines how fast I run from start to finish. It's nothing scientific. It's a workout, and it keeps me in running shape for when I do want to run one of those aforementioned events.

Kudos to you!!! Just running = working out = healthy!!! Keep up the good work, and good luck on your marathon!!!! :happy:

EDITED: New runners using a program like C25K gain one very important thing from it... LESS INJURIES!

matthej28

Me!! I've never followed a plan, I just went a little bit further everytime. I remember when I could barely run a 1/4 of a mile. Now I can run a mile with ease, and 2 miles on a really good day. I would like to be able to fully run (w/out walk breaks) 3 miles, or a 5k. That's my next goal.

TeachTheGirl

Programs are great, they keep people, including myself accountable.

For me, this is the exact reason.

I am also worried about pushing myself too hard too quickly, I have a long-standing knee injury, so I need to keep into account how it feels every time I try a new workout routine. Having something like C25K allows me to keep a time frame.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

I was just running (I can run a 10K pretty much without running for 4 - 6 weeks), but I have a tough mudder coming up and the thought of going 10 - 12 miles without a program to additionally help me build speed seemed . . . impractical. It was a matter of trying to maximize the time I had in order to get the results I need.