Is it really necessary to only do this type of workout only a few days a week?
I am Wk 6 of CT5k with my next workout day being Friday. I am thinking as long as I don't go all out on the jog intervals it should be fine. I have some of the podcasts that coach you through short walk/jog intervals varying form 30 sec to 1 min for either a 30 min or 45min workout. I would like to use these on the days I don't do the longer runs with CT5K and take 1 full rest day a week.
Opinions or advice. Thanks

No experiences or advice?

Hi there! I am really new to running/jogging, so I imagine you'll get better advice elsewhere. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that it would be more beneficial to cross train on your alternate days. Building up your core through weight training or resistance training will only help to improve your running and reduce the risk of injury.

I can understand the desire to push forward, though! It is addictive - I have to really push myself to get started but everytime I'm done, I am thinking about the next time I can get out there & improve my time or distance!

Cheryl

i'm not a runner myself but my dad coached high school track for 25 years. he had his runners run everyday but sunday (though many of them ran on their on on sundays). two days/week they'd have a light run and lift in the gym. he never had them run hard everyday because your body NEEDS time to recover.

i'd say, since you're on week six, if on your "rest" days you did week 2 or week 3 runs, that would be a light run for you, enough to keep you going but not too much you can't recover (i made it to week 8 once so i'm familiar with the program). i'd also throw in some lifting of some sort (even if it's just 3 lb dumb bells) to keep your muscles strong and lean.

Thanks for the responses Cheryl and Amyleigh. I do weightlifting 2-3x a week and have been adding 1 additional interval walk/jog to the mix. My thinking is right now while the workouts are still interval and don't really include long periods/distances of running yet that I should be safe. Hope I don't regret it!

Just give it a try & stay in tune with how your body feels. If you are too fatigued to push through the next day's workout, you can always take a break for a day & pick up the program after resting.

Good luck to you! Let us know how it goes this week.

Cheryl

Thanks. I will check back in soon.

I'd like to start the C25k. Any tips girls? Please help :?


Nona

Hi Nona,
There is a C25K thread in the exercise forum. Have you been to the coolrunning website yet? Also there are free podcasts of C25K program by Robert Ullrey that you can download.

I agree with Carly. I also noticed that I actually gained weight when the runs became longer without the walk breaks. After some reading it seems to be from a weight loss perspective more productive to do intervals.