Which is best build up speed or distance

[Hanzy]

I am into my 2and month following couch to 5k, I am doing around 6.72 k at a pace of 10.11 just wondering do I try and speed up to get my pace lower or move up to 10k and then try to speed up, I am 60 with copd and tendonitis in both calves, I feel I am very slow and juffle along. Which way is best

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

This is your run your choice. Speed isn't all. The very process of running longer distances will build up stamina and you may find speed naturally increasing when you do short runs. Have a look at ju Ju's magic plan to either 60min or 10k. Happy running 🤗

[Hanzy in reply to Grannyhugs]

Where will i find the magic plan I have read JuJus but couldnt see the plan just challenges am i in wrong place

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Hanzy]

Sorry for delay, bern away hill walking all day, fantastic. Heres the link healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

[a_in_gsr Graduate10]

Personally I found my speed naturally increased as I built up my mileage-especially on shorter runs! I'd second a 10k plan like JuJu's

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

If you do do the plan, take the longer runs very gently and push yourself a little bit on the short ones (maybe for just the last km of the short one). You should see your 5k time come down a bit as you build up your stamina one way, and train your legs to go round faster the other.

Re calf muscles - I found knee-length support socks helped me a lot, and won't run more than 5k without them now.

All the best!

[Hanzy in reply to UpTheStanley]

Thanks for the help