Break in gently or throw yourself in?

fteale
fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I hadn't heard of the C25K before joining here. When I started running a year ago, I hadn't run at all in 14 years, and went out for a run with my husband, we ended up going about 9 km (very slowly). After that I started doing a 6km run once a week for 2 months, then stopped for the summer holidays (2 months). At the start of Sept a friend signed me up for a 10k race in 8 days time, so I did 4 6 km runs in those 8 days, and I have to admit I thought I was going to die doing 10k at speed (rather a slow speed at that!). I have just gone on from there, really.

So is this breaking yourself in gently thing necessary, or can anyone just throw themselves in at the deep end?

Replies

  • lutzsher
    lutzsher Posts: 1,153 Member
    If you have ever experienced shin splints your would be a fan of the gentle version. When I was 20 I would have thrown myself in, now more than 20 years later I started gradually.
  • Nomomush
    Nomomush Posts: 582 Member
    I think it depends on your previous experiences too. If you were a runner before or have no major medical issues, then throwing yourself right in is fine. However, for those who have issues or have never really worked out before, I think a moderate slow start for acclamation is better." Life is not a sprint, it's a marathon."
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I hadn't ever run before, though I did used to row at school and university, and cycled a lot before I had children, but there had been a 5 year gap even then!

    I guess I was used to walking 4-10 miles a day, so maybe running wasn't so much of a leap?
  • erisfreenici
    erisfreenici Posts: 277 Member
    Everybody's body is different. It depends on how much pain you'll be in if you just go full bore from the beginning. If you're in a lot of pain after day 1, it will be that much harder to convince yourself to go out on day 2. For me, easing into a new exercise is the best plan, but it may not be that way for you. All that matters is that you are able to exercise on a regular basis.
  • SavBrookeS
    SavBrookeS Posts: 44 Member
    I prefer to ease myself in just because I know if I throw myself out there I get bored and worn out much to easy and early.
  • baisleac
    baisleac Posts: 2,019 Member
    I have one old knee injury and one new injury (in the other knee), plus arthritis in my hips... I went for the gentle start. :smile:
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