Very new... should I go faster through the Coach25K scheme? (Read 912 times)

Yes, I started the coach25K scheme only yesterday... I'm new to running, but have done quite some biking/hiking. This first week of Coach25K seems very easy, and I didn't even feel slightly tired after this first attempt on running. I'd like to advance already to W2, but am a little bit afraid: my right knee really is my week spot. Since I have been hiking in the Pyrenees for three weeks with a heavy backpack (years ago already), my knee is always hurting during a steep descent in the mountains. Last month it took even a few days after I returned from a vacation in Switzerland, before I didn't feel that damned knee anymore (which is the reason I didn't start running a few weeks earlier... wanted that knee to be completely painless before I started that training program). So now my dilemma: I'd like to skip the rest of week1, because that scheme isn't challenging at all, and go straight to week 2, but on the other hand, there's that knee that makes me think it's maybe better to stick to week 1, and not to overdo my joints. Or am I to cautious?

Hard to say...I skipped the first two weeks and probably could have even skipped 3, because I had been doing kickboxing workouts for about a month prior to starting. But the knee issue does make your situation a bit sticky. Does your knee bother you when you are actually running? I guess you could always try day 1 of week 2 and just really pay close attention to how your knee feels--if it's tender go back to week 1. k

I considered myself a somewhat "In Shape" person, having been a competitive rugby player. However, in the past when I tried to start running, and pushed ahead in the Couch to 5K program, I never ended up sticking with it. So, this time - determined to really get into running - I started with Week 1, Day 1, and moved on from there - and I really stuck with it. I think that taking the slow pace ensured that I was always enjoying myself, and as a result - I kept with it. Now, that being said - I did fast track the program a bit by doing 4-5 runs per week. So, for example - in week 1, I actually did all of Week 1, and the first run from Week 2. Anyway, by the end of 4 weeks, I had completed 6 weeks of the program, running 25 minutes solid. So, from there, I just went on to build up my long continuous running. Anyway - that worked for me! Best of luck.