Not sure really! 🤣

[Tracytrace]

Hi

I have been running 5K for about a month (I still can’t believe it’s me!!) but if I go 2 days or more without doing it I start to worry I’ll quit altogether , I still find it hard to do and want to gradually up my distance , it takes me about 38 mins is this ok??? I have no idea about how to go about it , just keep running lol , pains in legs and headache today and yesterday so getting worried I’m not running , going for Covid test this morning just to make sure 🙈🙈

[Roxdog Graduate10]

I do hope the test is negative. You're running 5k at the right pace for you and that's what matters. That's a pretty common time for a 5k and rather than speeding up, maybe you could try gradually increasing the time you run for, just a few extra minutes on one run a week maybe.

You could join the Bridge to 10k forum, which is full of lovely people. It doesn't mean you have to aim for 10k quickly, but it is a very good forum to keep you motivated.

You've got this far but it's common for doubts to creep in now and then,especially if you're not feeling 100%.

Take care of yourself, sounds like you're doing just great. Every run doesn't have to be a 5k.

[Runninggirl59 60minGraduate]

Sounds pretty good to me. I run 4k (or 30 mins ) 3 times a week and include a 5k every 2/3 weeks with a view to increasing my time. I think the most important thing is to enjoy it and that way you will keep it up. Good luck 😀

[Bladerunner2049 Graduate10]

Hi Tracytrace

Good luck with the test.

It takes a while to get into the ‘habit’ of running, but once its there then it’s easier to keep doing it. The fact you’re keeping running through the worst time (weather wise) of the year is a very good sign.

Even if you take some time off over Christmas you can still pick it up afterwards. All the TV adverts and the usual January fitness kick that the country goes through will help motivate you.

And 38 min is nowhere near slow. My first 5ks were routinely around 45 and they just got better as time moved on and my weight reduced (due to a better diet). That was November 2019, in October I ran a 26min 5k (as part of a 10k race).

Work on getting the habit and the speed will come 😀

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

You won’t feel too much different if you take a few days off in fact you will run on fresh legs, your time is fine, faster than my fastest so well done