I'm just about to start wk 5 tomorrow so I know now probably isn't the time to try to put speed into my run.
I'm so slow - it's more of a shuffle sometimes. I often wonder if a) my feet actually leave the ground and b) am I moving!!!
But at what point do I think about speed? When I've graduated? When I can run 5k? And how do I go about it?
Get to the point of running for 30 minutes none stop first and graduate then use the stepping stones c25k+ I'm using that and I'm upto 6.5k in 40 minutes now. Again it's with Laura and she teaches you to run to the beat it's a good program and gives you the structure still. Best of luck. 
J
Thanks.
I feel abit of a fraud really when I tell people I'm going running. It really is a shuffle!
I will concentrate on getting to the point where I can shuffle for 30 minutes then look at the the stepping stones one. Pleased it's still Laura. I love Laura.
Dont ever think of yourself as a fraud when telling folk you are running !!! You can run for 20 minutes which is fantastic and are probably doing a lot more than they are. Keep up the good work.
Keep with the programme and the pace will come once the stamina is in place.
Do you get out of breath when you walk? No? Well you must be running then. There's a world of difference between what we're doing and walking. Just keep jogging along, and if it gets too much, you're obviously going too fast so slow down - yes, slow down even more, just so that you keep going other than walking.
You are running. That said, you've only been running a matter of weeks. At some point post graduation you'll realise you are a bit faster and feel more comfortable in your running style. Don't be tempted to speed up now - take it steady. I shuffled the whole way through to graduation and I remain proud! You will too
I wouldn't worry about it, carry on building up the elapsed time, that is the most important thing. You have almost certainly made huge amounts of progress already, I remember some of your earlier posts.
When you have graduated you may want to focus some runs on improving speed, and others on increasing distance.
I have tried a couple of things since graduation for speed. I tried intervals using the W1 structure, running as fast as I could on the one minute running bits and slowing down or sometimes walking during the 90 second recovery bits. I found this much higher impact on my joints than my usual run. The second thing I tried was to Identify the maximum pace I get to during a steady 30 minute run, and then try to hold close to that pace for 20 minutes. The second approach seemed to work a little better. One of the regular runners commented that it is more about increasing cadence than increasing stride length.
In running terms you are classed as a beginner til you've been running 18 months. Be in no hurry to gain speed. It only comes with continued steady running. Your body can't suddenly get fit. You have to put the miles in over the weeks and months
When you have stronger body and more lung power you'll start to speed up. Trying to go fast before your body is sufficiently conditioned will probably result in an injury, as many of us have found to our cost, myself included
Enjoy your runs, choose new routes that take in lovely view if poss, as they make time pass much quicker
A wee story...
There is an old(ish) chap who runs by where we live. We don't know where he lives; we don't know who he is; we don't know anything about him, yet he is one of the most inspirational people I have ever come across. Why? Because he is out running (shuffling as you call it) in all weather. He is out for hours and covers untold miles...he is quiet, unassuming and in inspiration.
His running style is not exactly text-book, but he puts me to shame. I am a graduate, but he can go for far longer than me; he can got much further than I can. I may run faster fir a short distance...but he covers distances I can only dream of.
Why am I recounting this story? Simply to illustrate the fact that running fast isn't what it is all about. Keeping going is what is important. Maybe one day you will get faster, but one thing I do know, and that is any real runner will be impressed that you are out, regardless of how fast/far you go.
I consider you to be a fully-fledged runner, and I am very proud of you.
I love you Sallycycle. xxxx
No worries.
Take care and enjoy running ~ the chances are you WILL become obsessed and look for a run everywhere and anywhere.
One last thing....don't start watching YouTube etc. There are SOOOOO many running/adventure race/trail running/fell running/cycling videos (apparently!!), that you can spend hours (apparently!!) watching them and dreaming.
Happy running
Sally
I can't claim to run but I do jog. So I went online and checked the results of a 5k race. I then compared my time. Out of 800 'runners' I would have been about 600. I might be jogging rather than running but there's another 200 behind me.
The point is for your body to learn the running motion, it's completely different to the walking motion. Yes you are a runner, keep at it and enjoy it!
When do you focus on running speed?
How do you increase speed?
Help! I want to speed up
I must stop thinking about it and just do it!
How to speed up? 
