A tad confused...

[kitty_kat33]

Hi guys I know that I haven't posted on my progress for a while but I'm still he skulking in the background and yes still running (well if you can call it that!) I completed, though only just, week 7 run 3 yesterday and it was a killer. I don't run very fast (couldn't if I wanted to! lol) but have found that with my warm up and down walk I only cover approx 1.79 miles in 36 minutes, according to map my run, which is no where near 5k! Will I always be a slow coach? I know that I'm obviously fitter to be able to amble for 25 mins without stopping but I don't actually feel it, if that makes sense? For example I went on a bike ride last week and I thought I was going to actually die to the extent of pushing my bike up the hill. Sorry for the essay just trying to get my head around things and trying not to talk myself out of completing the C25K.

Nikki x

[ju-ju- Graduate]

There are no rules about speed...running is something for us as people, to make our own achievements and milestones. Its not about comparing or pushing ourselves so its not enjoyable anymore...its about you. From what you've said I think you are doing amazingly...you are so close and you MUST complete it....just look back to where you were at the beginning and how far you've come......

[Rignold]

The point is you can trog along for half an hour continuously, not how much distance you cover in that time. Being able to do 30 minutes of moderate exercise is where the health benefits are at. If you continue to do that consistently you will almost certainly get faster, if that is what you want, but it's in no way essential or important.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

The speed really doesn't matter at all. It's the consistent moderate activity that builds fitness. Running for 25 minutes would probably have been unthinkable just 7 weeks ago. Just keep plugging away and you will run further and faster. How many of your friends can do what you do now?

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Slow and steady that's my mantra. I am so slow that my walking pace is not much faster than my running one. I have walked for years but my legs have never looked as toned as they have since I started running. That just goes to show there are subtle benifits going on all the time. Take pride In The fact your running. ( I am not a great fan of the distinction between jogging and running. ) If you are running all the health benifits of running will come your way not matter your speed. Happy running.

[Amisnan Graduate]

There are lots of us 'bumblers' on here! We just go slow and steady but you know what? We are the ones who bothered to push ourselves through c25k even though it isn't easy. I am often humbled by the stories on here when people have had injury or sickness breaks, or are struggling with a particular week, yet they put their trainers back on and carry on. We are like a small, determined army! We get knocked down, we get back up again, we carry on...

What you are achieving is amazing. How about ditching the technology for a while? Just use the podcast to monitor your walk/run timings and enjoy the last few weeks. Then, when you have graduated (!), you can work towards 5k if you want to?

Big hugs from a fellow bumbler xxx

[ade66]

Couldn't agree more with Amisnan ditch the map my run and just use the programme. I used Map my run to try and figure out a route that is 5k and felt so dis-hearted when i realised how little distance ive been covering.

[Runon Graduate]

Well you beat me yesterday Kitty Kat - I was trying to go too fast and failed - so better to go at pace you can cope with and succeed. Once we've mastered the 30 mins continuous we can look at the speed. Initially we're just trying to improve our fitness - that's all that matters - 5K in 30 minutes is something to aim for but the big challenge is the 30 mins. I think there is a a small danger for those of us who have not yet made it to 30 mins to obsess about garmins, map my runs, PB's etc. - (as I recently started to do) - IMHO - forget these for now and concentrate on completing the course. Enjoy the birds singing and the wind in you hair - obviously I have no hair as I've shaved my head though in an attempt to gain those extra milliseconds.

[Anniemurph Graduate]

I agree with what everyone else has said - the speed doesn't matter as much as the fitness and the benefits of completing the programme. I'm slow and always will be, but I still get out there a couple of times a week and it makes me feel better, mentally and physically. Many of my friends have pushed on for 10ks and HMs - I have absolutely no ambition to do this (and couldn't if I wanted to!) but I'm fitter, I'm more toned, my blood pressure is lower, my heart rate is slower, my recovery rate is faster and all in all I feel so much better. You're doing really well if you're up to week 7 and you're over the hardest bit. Keep going and it will be easier. Then you can work on increasing your speed if you want to. All the best