Mixing up targets

[Hendrixium]

Hi all. After graduating C25K I consolidated the 5k for a couple of weeks (not always in under 30 mins but there or thereabouts). I’m now trying to add duration to the running and build it up, and have completed a week of 3 x 38 mins running, with the aim to increase to 41 mins then 45 over the next couple of weeks.

I don’t have a clear long term target, so think after that maybe mixing it up to 2 x short runs of 5k and work on gradually increasing pace on the 5k’s then one lower paced long run a week, increasing the distance.

Is this sensible / not sensible? Should I be more rigidly sticking to a Tried and tested plan rather than making it up as I go?

[Hidden]

Hi. Have you taken a look at ju-ju's Magic Plan? If you look in the pinned posts (to the right of the screen on the web page) you will find "The Magic Plan information station" post providing just what you need.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Great effort on those under 30min 5k times. I can only talk through my own experience. I followed ju Ju's plan to 10k with 2 very short and one longer run a week. General advice is not to increase by more than 10% per week. If you increase all 3 runs you may be setting yourself up for injuries by pressing too fast /far in too short a time. You have plenty opportunity in the future to run back to back longer runs. Take care and happy running 🤗

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Your plan sounds fine. You'll probably find that increasing your one longer run per week will have an impact on your 5k pace, but you might want to try an intervals run for one of the 5ks?