Managed 5k today for the 3rd time ever - yards from finishing point I was so tempted to stop at a park bench!!! Weather was perfect for running, route was flattish and good underfoot for me and yet it felt like it was hard work most of the way through. Is there a magic point at all where folk suddenly run and run and the park bench stops don't even come into your thoughtstream?? 🙄🤔
When does it get easier 🤔🏃♀️🥵? - Bridge to 10K
When does it get easier 🤔🏃♀️🥵?
Written by
Eveb1
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53 Replies
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AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10
If you are finding your run hard try and run a little slower than you have been recently, congratulations on completing 3/5Ks, for the 4th 5K run it a little slower, that way you shouldn't feel so tired.
Tasha99Graduate10
Well the distance you do only really gets easier if you do further than it, if that makes sense. For example, bridging to 10k will make 5k seem easier. But in general, slow down more 👍🏽
Firstly, your hair is fantastic 😃
Secondly, it really does get manageable and more comfortable. I personally think it comes with experience too. Longer, slower runs at a really, really comfy pace will really help you with shorter runs and also speedier ones in due course. I think now is a good time to slow down and do different types of runs. Definitely look at running slower and gradually further. We all have that moment in runs where everything is in synch and we feel great. I've personally found longer, slower runs and more heart rate based training has helped me no end. Good luck and keep going!
I’m going to try and do a long run tomorrow 🤦🏽♀️
in reply to Tasha99
Ooooooh. Good luck! You'll have to post or let me know. Are you thinking of first thing or waiting until you've had breakfast for fuel?
Eveb1 in reply to
Thank you will look at mixing it up a bit.
CouchphoenixGraduate10
3rd time is great, but it’s still relatively new to you, it does get easier, you’ve just got to keep doing it, maybe focus on improving your time as a challenge. Try the Nike Run Club app, they’ve got a good 5k app on there, with coach Bennett 👍
I was coming on here to recommend Coach Bennett on the Nike Run Club app too Eveb1 ! There are loads of good guided runs on there but I would recommend ‘Easy Run’ and ‘Just a Run’ which are 25 minutes and 30 minutes respectively. Depending on your pace that might not get you to 5K (I run a 37 minute 5K myself) but it honestly will make you back off if it feels a bit hard and at the end you’ll feel like you can run much further. I have done up to 8K so far listening to the audio guided runs on there, albeit very slowly!
It will get easier but if at any point you’re not enjoying it’s ok to take your foot off the gas a bit. Congrats on the three 5Ks so far!
Thank you - I am quite slow anyway so didn't really think about slowing down further the 5Ks so far have taken me around 46 mins. However will definitely have a look at everyone's suggestions and next 5k will go for steady but slower. 👍
I love love love the NRC app. I have to say, however, that I feel I’m too dependent on it. Trying slowly to wean myself off it but it has been immensely useful.
I’ve only recently found it, so I’ll stick with it for a while, it is great though 👍 loving the name sofaspud, that’s brilliant 😂
Definitely stick with it. I'm just trying to wean myself off since I'm looking to get a watch and don't want to carry a watch and a phone. Also to try to tap into that meditative state that people talk about. But so far it's been tough to run without something in my ear - I enjoy the NRC guided runs immensely and also podcasts. So, trying to find a middle ground.
Yes, sofaspud 
I like it too!!
Runkeeper is good for keeping track and stats but doesn't talk to you on way around 👍
I actually use both Runkeeper and NRC. Started with Runkeeper and that's where I have my overall total (2080+km to date!!) but I use NRC for the guided runs. They are brilliant and find myself thinking about the cues even when I'm not running the the NRC app in my ear. I really think you will find it useful. Good luck!
I'm having the same issues! I go out, do a very slow 5-6km (8.50 km) & sound like a clapped out steam engine! If I went any slower I'd stop! I really want to enjoy the running. I'm not giving up though because its5been so much effort to get so far & I still hold onto the hope tbat at some stage something will click & I'll be able to "run like a gazelle" like Jo says on C25k!
I also love your hair - fantastic!
Thank you - I know that the speed is not an issue its about forward motion!! Here's to us aspiring multi coloured wheezy gazelles : ) ! Actually we are doing this!
TotalNewbie1Graduate10
Loving the hair, made me start a day with a smile. Really suits you.
Now to running. I felt the same and took the advice from this site and slowed it right down. I can now do 5k without having to lay down for an hour when I get home ! So it does happen but only when I keep this slow pace, but I must admit I do find it frustrating how slow I am.
You are doing it though, the park bench gremlins didn’t win, so good on you !
Many thanks - my hair changes very regularly ( except in lockdown when it was allowed to be a graceful grey !! ) Am actually looking forward to trying the slower run then seeing how I get on. All the best with your running
Congratulations on achieving the C25K goal.
Please don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m the same too!
I tend to do times rather than concentrate on the distance. The key thing for me though is to enjoy the running , not worrying about goals and reap the benefits of this wonderful exercise. Certainly for me the benefits include a boost to mental wellbeing as well as health. Plus a sense of amazement and awe that a pensioner like me can actually jog at all after over 40 years of being tied to a desk and computer all day.
Thank you - I was until recently just doing the timed runs but I didn't manage to get to 5K even after many consolidation runs ( multiples!) so then set my apps to the 5K once a week and the other days I do less. Very true about positive mental health and the sense of achievement once we are finished a run
Silverfox1943Graduate1060minGraduate
Just as well the GNR is cancelled, as you appear to have some way to go. The first thing is to slow down, run the 3 days a week, and ensure you have rest days.
Consolidate for quite a few months (every one's different), then you will eventually know you will do 5ks without even thinking about it.
When your comfortable go for jujus plan and do 10k.
Improvement is generally a slow process, so dont push yourself too hard and more importantly stay injury free.😎
Many thanks, the GNR was not so much of an challenge as I did it before and did fast walking most of the way - my aspiration was to finish it the same day I started it which I managed : ) so this time around I had in the back of my mind I could fast walk after my running diminished. I have signed up for the GNR Solo which is 40 runs by the GNR date so only have 12 more to do . I do appreciate your comment I will eventually be doing 5K without even thinking about it and also staying injury free - so important. Thanks again
I chose Jo too. "Some days gazelle like, other days legs like lead, no rhyme or reason". I'm learning it's about our own expectations and not to look too far forward unless you're already reasonably fit. On c25k if a run didn't work for me I'd go back to previous and do it over again.
You're doing great 👍 and in good hands with the folk on this forum (kept me going).
It really does get better and then better again. 😢😥😁😤😊😀😄 (emoticons limited on this old device 😆)
Thank you, I once read a poem about looking too far into the dark and missing the next step when in actual fact the next one is the one illuminated at the time. Sooo much encouragement for sure on here - much appreciated
Hi, I graduated in May and had the same question. I found that that running on a (flat) trail (not pavement) (in a forest, park etc) really adds to the fun and distracts me (from tiredness etc.) as I have to watch my steps. It does slow you down though- so you can't be too ambitious about your time. The other help for me comes from "audiofuel" podcasts which you can use for interval training or to support a consistent step count. I came across the company as they helped Laura with the Stepping Stones (C25K +) podcasts. There are on Spotify (no need to buy them from their website). The music is not at all my taste (electronic with heavy bass/beats) but they do carry you along as it's natural to run with the rhythm rather against is. Really recommended!
58soonGraduate10
Hasn’t happened for me yet, a month after graduating, but I keep believing! So let’s keep at it!
Arbey4860minGraduate
Well done for persevering and finishing your 5K. I know that feeling of tiredness but I find it's always possible to finish by changing my pace and focusing on breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. I hope this will help you. 👍
paulmeisterGraduate10
Try and find out which park bench marks the half way point and think of all the ones after it as a bench nearer your goal. when you finish, consider going one or two benches further, they add up quickly to going another half k and suddenly 5k doesn't seem such a fag.
I did the same trick with lamp posts and you might be surprised how many extra benches you can do when you think you can't.
Yep, like previous commentators have noted, your hair rocks! 
Thank you - love the park bench tip and yes I also did the lampposts when staring out - that or the cows as I run across a moor : )
Run46Graduate10
Lol, I'm not sure it ever gets easier...you just get fitter and more used to pushing through and not stopping. Problem is as that happens you get tempted into running further so then it feels harder again! The whole thing just seems to be addictive 😆
Well done on your 3rd 5K and awesome hair 😊
Thank you - have felt so encouraged at the range of replies very much appreciated ! Have lost over 3 stone so far and have about the same to still go so reckon when that happens albeit gradually the running will definitely get easier ( she said hopefully !!)
Congrats on 5k! I would say that yes it does get easier overall--though there will be days where you just aren't feeling a run and push yourself to go anyway. Those days, for me, are split into---"oh this is great, and I feel great, why did I delay this" and "I hate everything, running sucks, why am I doing this, I want to stop" depending on where my headspace is.
But overall--mileage gets easier once you start training for longer mileage. Like right now anything between 2-3 miles (up to 5k) are fairly easy for me and on the days where I don't really feel like running I tend to just get myself out there door to do 3-5k. But its easy because I'm training for a half marathon and yesterday my long day run was 13k. So by comparison 5k doesn't feel like much. And some of that is just a mental game. I tell myself--well I have to run for 30-35 minutes straight to get through this 5k but I ran for 1.5 hours straight one day this week and didn't die so stop being so dramatic and run. And you certainly don't need to get to 13k for it to feel better. Just adding a couple of K to your repertoire will help. So train for 7k. I also find varying my running distance so day 1 is 3k, day 2 is 7k, day 3 is 5k helps. So I don't have to do 5k each time. Some days I get less, some days I get more and it all evens itself out.
It also helps to run new routes and keep your mind engaged so it doesn't have time to think about park benches. On long run days I like to listen to a full broadway cast recording, a crime podcast where I'm busy trying to understand the case, recently I was listening to a retelling of the French Revolution, I use one of the zombie run challenges.
Thank you! Great advice !I love podcasts - latest one was Polonium and the Piano player- def recommend . I also listened to the Grenfell public enquiry with resident testimonies - very absorbing if not harrowing. Been trying new routes and Saturday was an extension of a shorter run but thinking further afield and maybe getting in car and driving to a park or similar.
CatwiseGraduate1060minGraduate
I am so glad you posted this because I feel the same way! It’s always hard for me and I graduated C25K in June! I didn’t get to 5K until several weeks later and even now my 5K is 39 minutes. I started the bridge to 10K hoping that in comparison it would make 5K seem easier. Like now I don’t really notice the first 1K that I run, my mind is on other stuff, the podcast or music I’m listening to or other life stuff, but remember when we couldn’t run 1K? Remember when 8 minutes was unthinkable!! Now it’s nothing...because I’ve moved so far beyond that. So my theory, and many of the responses to your post said the same thing, is that running farther than 5K will make 5K seem easy in comparison. I really want to run 5 miles (8K) regularly, at least 5 miles for my long run...so I’m pushing to 10K so that I can back off to 8K later.
Your photo made me incredibly happy. Continue with the journey - the reward is in the journey...
SpanishShuffleGraduate10
Hi, I'm 61 and been shuffling along for around 18 mths now. Graduated 5k for 60th and 10k for 61st birthdays.
Battled with negativity, gremlins, work and travelling.
I am not bothered too much about speed. I have been walking to work since early June, trying different routes, to include some hills. Running once, twice or in a good week, three times.
My speed (or not) is usually the same, with tracker, music, book on or without. Apart from one speedy morning recently - not sure why that was.
My distance/time vary depending on available time, how I slept and how I feel.
In the early days/weeks/months, especially after graduating 5k I did struggle mentally with it all. Question myself about why I was doing it. Did I want to do it, Should I go back to cycling? Is walking as good?
After my first 10k I had a set back, nothing physical or mental just a time/travel issue. After a few weeks of a run a week or less I built back up to 10k only to have the same happen again. And again.
Just done 9 x 10 hr days in a row at a physical job and had 2 days off. I did not set my alarm on the first night, thinking if I sleep in I need it - I did! I set my alarm for this morning and was up at 5.50 a.m., out the door at 6 and did a 2.5 mile circuit at my usual pace (did not know until I got back).
I really enjoyed being out there putting one foot in front of the other, and it was raining.
I can't say at what stage the benches stopped calling me or when I dropped the gremlins off. I don't remember when all the negative past life memories drifted away or when I stopped being a shuffler and became a runner because I was too busy looking forward to my next outing.
And that is something I never imagined would happen.
Just keep plugging away at it.
It's keeping going on the hard days that enable you to recognise and enjoy the good days 😉
What a fab post thank you !!! Am looking forward to tomorrow being a good day !!
BaddieThePirateGraduate10
I worked my way up to 10km to make 5km seem easier. It worked. Listening to a podcast or running with a buddy can make it more interesting too.
Thank you have yet to run with a buddy so might consider that 👍.
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