Newbie here

[hjdhaggis]

Hi everyone

I finished C25K last week and feel good. One question I have though is even though I completed the 5K this was a combination of walking and running. Did anyone else find they did not cover the 5K distance in the 30 minute running period? Thanks

[Kmcm66]

Yes ! I graduated a few weeks ago and my fastest 5k so far has been 33minutes. I think working on distance improves speed at the same time. I am focusing on pacing myself to run a bit further 1 day per week and doing 2 30 minute runs per week. One day I hope I will cover 5k in one of those 30 min runs. Time will tell.

[hjdhaggis in reply to Kmcm66]

Thanks. I did wonder if it was just me. I think you are right about increasing distance and so increasing speed. Good luck to you

[Kmcm66 in reply to hjdhaggis]

And good luck to you 😊. We are at similar stages so will be interesting to see how we progress.

[JoolieB1 Graduate10]

I certainly didn't do 5k in 30 minutes, still can't! My first 5k took me 43 minutes just after graduating. After that, I moved from 3 X 30 minutes to 3 X 5k a week. My speed naturally improved but I think my fastest has been 34 minutes. Mind you, I am a little overweight and 52 years old so I am more than happy with it! Set your own goals maybe, don't strive to be like other people and well done for all you have achieved so far

[jackjackson2710 in reply to JoolieB1]

Please don't take this the wrong way but that is so good to hear!!! I'm 49 and nearly weighed 21st when I started C25K on a treadmill. Weight down to 18st and I'm close to graduating again, I started again when it came to road running (very different!!!) but the best time I've done so far is 37.07 for 5kms on tarmac.

[hjdhaggis in reply to jackjackson2710]

Well done on the weight loss, that is fantastic I know what you mean about road running being different to treadmill running. Again road running is very different to running on grass. Good luck on your journey and I know there will come a day when we are both running 5K in 30 minutes.

[JoolieB1 Graduate10 in reply to jackjackson2710]

That is a great time and you must feel better for being active. I try to run on grass and tracks to mix it up - makes it more interesting!

[hjdhaggis]

I think you and I are in a similar situation. I am slightly younger (47) and overweight but since starting the running I find the weight is slowly coming off. I will continue running for at least 30 mins 3 times a week and see how close I get to the 5K.

[Mat30 Graduate10]

The plan will get you running for 30mins 3 times a week, forget about the 5k aspect of it. As you now progress onwards your times will improve as long as you don't overdo it. It is so important to realise that we are all different. I have been running for about 15months or so now and although I will never be a speedy runner progress has been made over that time. Follow your own plan even if you make it up as you go along and try not to put any pressure on yourself "just because other people run faster". Keep on running and stay injury free

[hjdhaggis]

Thanks Mat30 for those words of wisdom. I suppose I was just thinking I have finished C25K so I should be able to run for 5K but slow but steady will get me there. At least now I can run 30 mins which is something I never thought I would achieve.

[Mat30 Graduate10 in reply to hjdhaggis]

Exactly hjdhaggis slow and steady always wins!

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Loads of people do run/ walk. I ran the Brighton marathon with a friend that did run/ walking ( Galloway) and it really works, we finished it together

[TheHack]

As others have said I also still haven't broken the 5km in 30 mins target. Not sure I ever will. My pb is 32.21. I have been working on increasing distance and time since graduating in June and can now run for an hour and cover 8km.

If speed is what you are after there are hints and tips on other posts, someone recommended intervals 30,20,10 running. If you look on my posts the link is there. For now I would say enjoy being a graduate for a bit.