Week8

[jogging-hen]

Have now done run 2 in week 8 I'm covering about 3.5k in 28 minutes so don't think I'm going to get to 5k in 30minutes I'm wondering if I'm going to slowly.

[dottiemay Graduate]

NO! You're going at a pace that is comfortable for you. That's what is important. Some of us don't get to 5k in 30 minutes post graduation, never mind pre! I haven't yet done it, getting closer but still not there yet but so what? The idea of the programme is 5k OR 30 minutes, not 5k IN 30 minutes.

Being out, running safely and not getting injured is the only thing that matters. The time and distance doesn't.

Just keep doing what you're doing - you're doing it well!

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

I think the time to think about speeding up or going longer to get to 5k is after graduation. Maybe folk you are young and really fit at the start might be different but for me, totally new to running and not young, then getting through the programme at my own pace was the priority. It's about 3 weeks since I graduated and I am now at 32 minutes and covering about 4.5 k. I am pretty chuffed at that to be honest, but plan to keep working at speed and distance. My first goal is to get to 5 k in 35 minutes.

I think if I had started to try to speed up beyond my own pace during the programme I would have scunnered myself because it would have been too hard. I think you are doing great, just keep plugging away.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I agree. I am one week from graduation and I did 4k in 32.11 this week. I tried half way through the program keeping my speed. All that happened is that I could not complete the runs so I had to slow right down. I am working on getting to 5k. I quite like the idea I still have something to work towards. I like to have a carrot.

[annasee Graduate]

Agree with all of this. For us more mature runners it's more important not to get an injury by letting our new-found enthusiasm get the better of us. Build up your time gradually, the distance will increase naturally. Once you can happily run 5 k in whatever time it takes, maybe then start going a bit faster if you feel the need. I'm on about week 12 or 13 now, and can run for almost an hour, covering 7k. So very slow, but to be honest I don't care. I just want my knees to last out the distance!

[ADR2009 Graduate]

Completely agree - I can do 5k in about 35 mins and actually managed my first 10k today in 1 hour 12 My distance is increasing but definitely not going any quicker and to be honest, when I do try and speed up it feels really uncomfortable! Just go at the right pace for you and don't worry about time/distance x

[jogging-hen Graduate]

Thank you for all the replies it's helpful to know that I'm on the right track. I am loving being out in all weathers