achieving 5k

[carerof]

i am currently jogging 3.46km when i do the run/walks in week 9. Is it realistic to hope that i will get to 5k fairly soon, i have entered a fun-run of 5k for middle of May and would dearly love to be able to jog the whole way, any advise would be most welcome.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I would dearly love to be a Millionaire - but I'm not at the moment - so I have to make do with what I've got. I attempted to run non-stop for the full 5Ks this last weekend -- but hit the wall at around 4.6 K -- so I walked for about a minute -- then FLEW home for the remaining 300 metres. And achieved a PB . My finishing times for the 7 Parkruns that I have done have been coming down and down each run -- but I am yet to run one non-stop. Just do what you can do at this time -- and love yourself for it

[carerof Graduate]

many thanks for the reply, maybe it is time to stop beating myself up over not completing 5k and as you say, be happy with what i am achieving, after-all it is better than doing nothing and sitting on the couch!!!! lol

[helcl Graduate]

I probably was running the same as you when I graduated a few weeks ago. On Saturday I ran the full parkrun for the first time. It took me 35 min 25 seconds, but the sense of achievement was fantastic

[imnorunner Graduate]

I graduated last April, I'm 37, female and only a little overweight. It takes me 44 mins to do 5k...I'm not sure if I feel pleased I can run non stop for 44 mins or humiliated it takes me so long! Generally I'm pleased, I've found the pace that suits me and I think I will stop beating myself up about time. Maybe you just need to slow down a bit?

I'm sure you'll do fine in the fun run.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to imnorunner]

I can do 5K's in 35 minutes !!! -- But I CAN'T run for 44 minutes non-stop!!! You are way ahead of me!!!

[imnorunner Graduate]

We should (and I do) just celebrate the fact we do it! We are all faster than those people sat on their asses!!

[pudnpie]

I'm sure you will be fine. I did 3 miles for sports relief the other week. It was the first time I had done the distance and it just took me 40 minutes of running instead of 30. I wasn't sure if i could do it but i did with the help of the lovely marshals and spectators cheering me on. don't worry about the time. Take it easy and just plan to finish. Don't forget that it's a fun run so enjoy the experience and if you do have to walk a bit so what? There will be loads of people just walking anyway

[ajwyld Graduate]

I did my first full 5K last week, 6 weeks after graduating. It took me 47 minutes, but I did jog (albeit very slowly obviously) the whole way. So I think that as long as you take it gently you could well do your 5k by mid May. And as others have said, if you do need to walk a bit, no one will care. (I'm a 47 year old woman).

[carerof Graduate in reply to ajwyld]

i am 61 and this is the first time i have ever done jogging in my life and i love it, was just worried that i would be the slowest one on the run and be the object of fun!!!! lol All the lovely replies i have had have made me feel much less nervous. Thanks everyone.

[carole01 Graduate]

Of course you will do it, just need a little more time! May I suggest once you graduate still listen to week 9 and add on 5 mins for 3 runs 10 minutes for the next 3 runs and 15 minutes for following 3 runs. By this time 5k will have been achieved or almost. It seems easier and doable because the structure is still there with Laura's support then you are adding 5 mins weekly. Hope it helps and good luck

[carerof Graduate]

thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement and advise, will let you know how things go.

[carerof Graduate]

i have got a new phone and am now using mapmyrun, it is such fun i love it. Today i achieved 3.04 miles in 39mins, i have it there in black and white to reassure myself that i didn't dream it, feeling so inspired and more like i have a chance of completing the 5k run next month!!!!!!!!!!