Mae: Running confusion

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have opted to start a 13 week walk/run program that I thought was pretty similar to what Annie would be doing. This book was recommended to me by a co-worker who picked it up last year and subsequently ran a 5K. After listening to her story and seeing Annie's running journal, I got my cranky arse on the treadmill. The last thing I wanted to do was overdo it and injure myself, and the book I chose specifically mentioned that the program was designed to prevent injury in new runners.

I was speaking to said co-worker yesterday about a completely unrelated matter and mentioned that I've completed the first two walk/runs in week 1, and that I've run (cumulatively) for 21 minutes. Her response: "WHAT???!?!?! Are you kidding me? THAT is not the program that I did!" I got a similar response from Annie based on her Running Room program. Hmmmmmm.

I came to the conclusion that I must have picked the maintenance program instead of the starter (there are several in this book). Turns out, I didn't. I was/am doing the recommended 13 week beginner walk/run, and yes, it does start with 1 minute of running followed by 2 minutes of walking. Co-worker said she started running for 30 seconds followed by something like 4 minutes of walking. That sounds more reasonable to me given my weight and complete lack of running experience. I have to admit that after those first two workouts I was feeling like I perhaps pushed a little too much, but I wanted to trust the "proven" method. What the hell?!

Amazon to the rescue! This comment explains everything. Turns out I was following the program in the newest edition of the book, which is completely different than the one published in 2001. Damn revised program, you're getting the heave-ho! Thanks for nothing, Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia!