When I was getting into running years ago, I decided to stop looking at ruining advice.
I started looking into jogging advice instead. Found a video from an Olympic silver(?) medalist about proper form for long distance running. This video is over 10 years old, don't think I could find it again.
Using that advice upped my running game so much. I was running the C25k program as well and got the 5k about 2 weeks ahead of the program.
Part of my logic at that time was that I was really fat and running at my weight probably isn't the best for any part of my body. Also figured that if I can get jogging down, running properly should be much easier.
A sustained, slower pace for longer seemed like my best choice.