Learn to Run Question

Hi, I am following a program to learn to run (5K).  The program says tomorrow I am to walk 30 - 60 minutes.  Isn't that kind of vague?  Big difference between 30 and 60 minutes.  Also, how fast do I go?  Are we talking walking the dog, or push myself speed walking for an entire hour?  Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Maybe just walk for 30 minutes and see how you feel, if you have enough energy you could walk longer?  It sounds like getting out and walking is the main thing.

sounds like a pretty vague program.  if you're interested, there's a good begin-to-run program in my journal.  it's the very first entry, so you'll have to scroll down.

generally, you want to keep the fastest pace that you can maintain.  no point going out full speed and having to quit after four minutes, you know?

Thanks very much for your help.  It is actually a pretty vague program and I will definately check out your program!

I've been doing the Couch to 5K program (C25k). (not the way its recommended, but im a slow starter). here are the links: 

the general program "the couch to 5k in 9 weeks" is at:  http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.s html  

If you have an i-pod, there is a pod cast for each week, with cues when to start and stop running, with wallking in between. there is music. it helps. you can down load them from:

http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page4/ fil es/category-7.html

I'm finding it very supportive. he recommends three days a week, with a day off in between (do a different kind of activity, your choice) to give your muscles time for repair. 

Hey!

It looks like I am doing the same program, on my schedule Sunday is a 30-60 minute walk. It is technicallty a rest day, so its just saying get out and get moving.

As far as speed, you are always supposed to go at a pace comfortable for you. It is training to run the 5KM distance, not at a specific speed, so find a pace that works for you. Once you have completed the program and you have timed yourself, try shaving a little time off each time you do it. Once this seems easy, then start training for the 10K. I had a horrible run on Saturday, so on Sunday i tried to make my 30-60 min walk a 45 min walk/run.

You know your body, so just go however fast you can, remember its the distance that counts in endurance racing.

GOoD LuCk!

I did the Couch to 5K last summer and would recommend it.  It is not vague; it actually tells you how many seconds or minutes to jog and walk, and it gradually increases up to a 5K by the end.

I slacked off all fall, unfortunately, and am now trying to get back into running.  I really would recommend that program for starting out.

Thanks, I ended up doing 40 minutes.  I was so bored (I did it on the treadmill) that I kept doing things like uping the grade for  minutes to 8, then down to 1% grade, but speed up to 6 etc.  It helped the time go by!  My next walk I will definately do outside.  Rmath, are you doing the Hal Higdon Novice Program?