5k run: How much is the recommended time for 5k... - Couch to 5K

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Edithharrison profile image
14 Replies

How much is the recommended time for 5k after 10 weeks.

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Edithharrison profile image
Edithharrison
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14 Replies
Rob_and_his_westie profile image
Rob_and_his_westieGraduate

The simple answer is that there isn't one. We are all different. The programme is designed to get you to run 5k "in about 30 minutes". A few people make that on graduation, most of us, me included didn't. It's not particularly about going fast, it's about turning running into a habit and becoming something you enjoy. If it helps, it took me about 3 months of running three times a week to get from 36 minutes for my first ever 5k to a sub 30 minute time.

Nothing wrong with going faster, but it's not mandatory. Enjoy the scenery!

Caroline69 profile image
Caroline69Graduate

As already said, there isn't ;-) I graduated in October and my fastest 5k (flat) is 36 mins ish. I'm just enjoying the fact that I'm loving the exercise and getting out 2-3 x per week. I feel happier, fitter, trimmer and full of energy!

Happy running :-) :-)

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

There is no point comparing yourself to everybody else (yes, I know we all do it!), because we have all started from different places and will never all finish in the same time. The extension of that logic is to compare ourselves to the likes of Mo Farah, which, for most, would be hugely demotivating. Tracking your own progress is the most important thing and getting faster can be satisfying but is not the be all and end all of running. My 5k time has been pretty static for many months now, but I still hope to improve it, without any comparison to other runners.

So, in answer to your question, there is no recommended time and the only time of importance is your own PB.

Keep running, keep smiling.

The simple answer is as fast or slow as you are comfortable with. There are no time goals on C25K, and I firmly believe that you should run for fun and enjoyment...but that's just me.

Think of the winter in terms of the Asics ad; 'I am made of all the days you don't see me, not just the ones you do'. In other words, just watch in amazement when the Spring comes and you are the one whizzing past all the slow walkers and runners as they puff and pant whist you cruise by along that glorious sea cliiff path of down the busy street....

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

I totally agree with all the comments above, everyone is different and each time is correct for themselves. I would suggest before you look further into the question ask yourself why you are asking it. If it is because you think you are slow then don't look for the answer your time will be fantastic for you will gain nothing from finding out (trust me I know from personal experience). If it is because you think you are fast and think you really need to know how your doing against others in your age rage. Then maybe try a parkrun. (Even if your at the slower end park runs are an experience) Either way don't get fixated on speed and times compared to others only concentrate on your own.

Edithharrison profile image
Edithharrison

I do take all your comments in board. It has been ten weeks since I have stated. My first attempt was 60 mins. My second was 48. And my third was 41. I just though that by week 8-9 I would have been able to do it in 30 min. As I like to push myself. I do run on the treadmill though. I don't know if that makes any difference from running outside on the road.

My ankle can't support really hard surface like the pavement. It got really bad and swollen, which stops me from exercise. And when this happen I felt really low and depressed. Thanks for all the support and encouragement. Really appreciate it.

no-excuse profile image
no-excuseGraduate in reply to Edithharrison

In 10 weeks you have gone from 60 mins to 41 ! That says it all really doesn't it. You are doing great, keep it up x :-D

Edithharrison profile image
Edithharrison in reply to no-excuse

Thank you xx

AdamB profile image
AdamBGraduate

If you are running on a treadmill, isn't your time rather dictated by the speed you set the machine to roll at? As others have said, it's about what speed you want to run at. Everyone is different. I don't see anything wrong at all with a 41 minute 5K.

There's no reason why you couldn't do a park run with that sort of time. Choose one where the route is largely offroad - I suspect that you'll find that gentler on your ankle than a treadmill. Running in the company of others could do a lot for improving your time, if that's what really drives you. I don't what the snow is like where you are, but I might give this Saturday a miss. However, if you choose slightly milder weather (when the ground isn't frozen solid and the snow is inches deep), you may well be surprised at how well you do.

Edithharrison profile image
Edithharrison in reply to AdamB

Thanks Adam. I will give it a try on the road.. I don't think I will run with others runners. I might be left behind. On a good note I did my run in 39 mins early today. I am quite please with myself. But my aim is to do it in 30 top. Not a min more.

AdamB profile image
AdamBGraduate in reply to Edithharrison

Look at your local parkrun webpage and look at the times from the last event. Believe me, you are not going to be anywhere near last at 39 minutes. I suspect that the last runner will be coming in at somewhere round the 50 minute mark. Also remember that, with the company of other runners, you will probably run faster than you do alone. I knocked two and a half minutes off my solo, on road PB when I entered. I think you'll find the people there very inclusive. Yes there will be runners, but there will also be people running with dogs, pushchairs, baby carriers. There will be people there who are a great deal less fit than you who will be running part, walking part. 39 minutes would give you a very reasonable position.

Edithharrison profile image
Edithharrison in reply to AdamB

Thank you Adam. I never thought about that. Will certainly give it a go.

Thks

Chris41968 profile image
Chris41968

We've all been passed by faster runners, I always think"well there not going as far as I am" hahahhahahah

Edithharrison profile image
Edithharrison

Lol Chris. Well we will make to catch up with them at some point

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