I've gotten to week 7 now (yay!), though it's taken me more than 7 weeks. But now I can only run about 2800m in the 25mins :/ When I try to go faster, I just end up really tired by the end, and cover more or less the same distance.
How far should I be running by now? How could I improve?
So the answer is that you should be running for 2800 mtrs ..... Re think your focus and just get through each run - 25 mins is a long time , so we'll done so far & good luck with the rest of the week.
As Laura always says, it's about completing the time, not the distance. The programme should be called couch to 30 mins. Focus on getting to the end of the programme and making that 30 mins target. Then you can try the follow on podcasts for speed and stamina.
Personally I've stuck at the same pace throughout the programme but when Laura says try picking up the pace in the last minute I then give it a bit of a push. I just lengthen my stride slightly and hey presto my pace increases. But I only do this at the end of the session, otherwise I would never make it through the time.
You've done an amazing job getting to week 7, don't blow it now by pushing yourself too hard to increase your pace. Focus on keeping going and soon you'll have graduated, perhaps then you can look at working on your pace, but gradually. You will have achieved so much in around 9 weeks, imagine what you could do in another 9! Keep up the good work.
I second Stubbyp on this: focus on completing the time, not the distance. When the question was asked here, it happened that quite a lot of newly graduates - including myself - were far from completing the 5k under 30'. Speed will come later (C25K+ podcasts are great for helping you on this goal). One thing/goal at a time is what's going to keep you motivated as opposed to pushing yourself too hard that would lead to possible failure and/or injury.
You did great so far. Really. Be proud of it! 
If it helps at all, I did the programme at about the same pace as you. I graduated too, still going slowly. It's not the distance that matters, it's whether you're sitting watching tv, or being active that counts.
You don't have to speed up unless your legs are ready for it. Enjoy going at the pace that suits you. And be proud!
I am doing w7r3 tonight - have found exactly same as you and I am doing about the same distance wise. For w7r2 I was determined to and go a bit faster at the start but ended up really plodding and had nothing in tank to pick up pace at the end - result actually went slightly slower than w7r1. Tonight I will following advice above!
Thanks everyone. So this is about managing the time rather than the distance, (good thing too, 5k is still quite daunting...). Just finished the 3rd run of week 7 today, did about 50m more than the first run, so not much, but it's progress I guess.
Now lets see what week 8 will bring. Never thought I'd get his far, I'm very proud of myself feeling all smug
How far are you running?
How much running fitness can you lose in 7 weeks?
Week 7 - Love, hate, love running!
How far I'm actually running?
Running 25 mins and nowhere near 5K!
