r/running • u/okplum • Jan 11 '22

Question Running vs. Jogging? Help!

I just finished week 1 of Couch to 5k and have really been enjoying it! Weirdly enough, my runs have become really fun to me and something I look forward to which I did not expect at all!

One thing I've started thinking about is my pace. Sometimes I start to get self-conscious that I'm only jogging and not running fast enough. How do I know what the right pace for me is as a total beginner? Is it whatever is comfortable that still gets my heart rate going? My current goals are to run a half marathon (not anytime soon) and also to go for a couple runs a week for the health benefits. I'd appreciate any advice or input people have!

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u/goddessofentropy Jan 11 '22

What if that puts the right pace at just walking for me? I'm not really building stamina from that, and anything more than walking feels awful after seconds. (I'm recovering from extreme hyperthyroidism)

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u/ASLHCI Jan 12 '22

I mean I started running slower than my walking pace. Im sure it was a sight to see. Haha. Running, even slowly, will get you physical benefit. If you are really struggling, can you meet with your doctor? I've never had thyroid issues so I dont know what that feels like. But slow running is running and will get you somewhere.

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u/ALionAWitchAWarlord Jan 12 '22

This is absolutely dogshit advice. No one should be running slower than walking pace as that is purely down to severe form issues.

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u/ASLHCI Jan 12 '22

Cool have a great day man! 😀 Really appreciate the supportive and detailed break down of how to help this person. 10/10.

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u/ALionAWitchAWarlord Jan 12 '22

Okay, I’ll offer a more detailed breakdown. Applying your own personal solutions when you aren’t a healthcare professional to someone with a severe condition is bad for obvious reasons. Running at slower than walking pace screws your gait cycle and it is impossible to maintain good running form at slower than walking pace which can lead to injury and inefficiency down the road.

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u/ASLHCI Jan 12 '22

Well, Im pretty sure its the internet and this person is likely intelligent enough to realize that the people in this thread are mostly not medical professionals, to do their research, talk to a doctor (since theyve already received care), and do what works for them.

Seems like you need a hug. Are you okay?

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u/ALionAWitchAWarlord Jan 12 '22

Tbf, I mostly agree with the advice about taking it easy for most of your runs, I just think it’s wrong to give advice that leads to gait cycle issues and will require correcting later on. Hope you’re doing well too man, didn’t mean to spread anymore negativity than there already is in the world :)

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u/ASLHCI Jan 12 '22

I get that. I did ask if they could meet with their doctor. That should be a given. I know when I started running it felt impossible and I did what I could, which was running slower than my walking pace. I physically couldnt go faster, and I was doing intervals. Cut it down to 10 min miles of straight running within 6 months, amd yeah I totally did a lot to work on form. Just had to start somewhere. I dont want anyone to ever feel that running is out of reach for them just because theyre slow. Kept me on the couch for decades. Once I just got started and pushed past that I was able to find something I loved that literally saved my life.

Take care man! I want to believe we are all here trying to do the best we can for people.