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Anf
Anf's picture
C25K and similar vs Self Protection

A though occurs to me.

Realising that despite my martial arts training, my general fitness has plateaued. I plan to add some running into the mix. But I know I can't run for very long in one go, and I now know all about over training and the need to pace ones self.

To that end, I'm thinking of starting the C25K program. For the benefit of anyone that might not have heard of it, it's basically an app on your phone that guides you when to walk and when to run, gradually building up over a few weeks.

No problem there.

But a thought occurs. In martial arts, we're taught that awareness is our number one priority in staying safe. Further, many instructors seem to like to use the example of people wearing headphones and looking at their phones as an example of people that are not doing themselves any favours when it comes to staying safe.

Sorry. I'm not really asking a question here. Just musing. I do wonder though what others might think.

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Anf wrote:
In martial arts, we're taught that awareness is our number one priority in staying safe. Further, many instructors seem to like to use the example of people wearing headphones and looking at their phones as an example of people that are not doing themselves any favours when it comes to staying safe.

I think it depends where you are running. When I’m out in built up areas, I never put headphones in … mainly because of traffic etc. However, when I’m out on the hills, in the woods, running through fields, then I’m totally OK putting the earphones in because I’m miles away from the nearest person and vehicle. On the rare occasion I spot someone, I will take them out as I run in their direction … but that’s mainly so I can say “hello” and converse.

If you choose to run in a safe location, I can’t see any issue with putting headphones in. Sounds like a valuable app too.

As a slight aside, advice like “don’t wear headphones”, “sit with your back to the wall”, “park your car with your nose facing out” is not really good awareness advice. I’m not saying the advice may not be right, but it’s largely throw away soundbites i.e. add in a 5-min explanation on Cooper’s Colour Codes and then they tick “awareness” off.

All the best,

Iain

PASmith
PASmith's picture

In many ways I'd say doing something like C25K IS self defence training. It will enable you to better escape and run to safety should you need to. It will help safe-guard your heart, cardio fitness and help prevent long-term or later age "damage" to your health. As safe guarding your health is one of the main motivators for training for self defence I think widening that awareness to all forms of damage or risk (not just person to person attacks) is entirely appropriate.

Sadly, despite elongating each stage in the C25K and making the process very gradual and getting my gait analysed, I still developed shin splints when doing it. Cardio was improved but running became painful and never enjoyable. Not one of life's runners!

Anf
Anf's picture

PASmith wrote:
Sadly, despite elongating each stage in the C25K and making the process very gradual and getting my gait analysed, I still developed shin splints when doing it. Cardio was improved but running became painful and never enjoyable. Not one of life's runners!

I know what you mean. I have the same problem. When I find a solution that works for me, I'll be sure to share, in case it helps. One thing I have learned though is that because I have arthritis in one big toe joint, I'd subconsciously started protecting the injured joint by never relaxing, and never utilising the full range of motion, or what remains of it, in my foot. Because the brain likes balance it was doing the same with my good foot too. It all meant increased strain on shins. A combination of orthotics (custom made hard insoles that redistribute forces in my feet to make best use of what's left of them), lots of trial and error with shoes, and physio exercises to strengthen and re-engage the 'forgotten' muscles that hold the feet together have all added up to mean I can now run normally on a good day after warming up, but sadly still not for very far. My feet give in before my cardiovascular system maxes out.