Ok, so I ran Wk4 R1, and I ran every second that Laura told me to. I was well chuffed with myself.
Then my mate pointed out that I took the same time as we would walking the whole way. I think she's right, my 'running' is no faster than my brisk walk... does this matter? Am I taking it too easy?
You're doing fine. It's not about how fast you go, it's about the motion/mechanics of running and using those muscles that are not taxed when you walk.
No, it doesn't matter! The action is completely different and that is what matters!! There have been times on some of my runs when I know it will have been quicker to walk, but that would not build up the stamina you need to run. In months to come, you can worry about getting faster, for now, you are doing just what you should. You are right to be chuffed! You are doing brilliantly. Just keep doing what you are doing.
Yes it matters... it shows that *you* have got the point, that it is about learning to sustain a running motion and developing a fitness habit. Sure you can also learn to run faster when you've completed C25K (Laura even has a little suite of podcasts for that)... if you want to.
I'm on week 9 and I start my run still at a very slow jog which is like a walking pace. I've found that I need to start this way to get my body into the rhythm of running, and eventually I do speed up. You shouldn't expect to go straight from walking to a fast running rate. The whole process is about building up slowly. As everyone else says you're doing it right, running faster comes later, as your body adjusts.
Hi Rolyat,
there are always people who will sow seeds of doubt in your mind, i.e. you're too old, too fat, too slow, you look stupid etc. Just ignore them!
Loads of people have gone through the C25K and received this type of 'advice'. Sometimes it is a genuine concern, but some people just don't like to see others succeed and are afraid to do it themselves.
Stick with it, you really will feel the benefit and speed can come later - IF you want it too.
Good luck
I know that in the early days I was "Running" slower than I was walking. This confused me as I didn't think it was possible :). I then read a few posts on here and was happy I was doing the right thing for once :). As everyone has said it is about the motion of running not the speed. I got confused when I kept on hearing it is not about the "speed" it is about the "time". I thought this was the same thing and only today I realised the "time" people are referring to is the "time spent running" not the "time it takes you to run" :):):). Keep running at a speed you are comfortable with and that will see you through to graduation and beyond . Happy Running 
Same here. Today was my first time I extended my distance slightly and I am in week 6.
Slow is the way to go ! If you go really slow now, you will be building good foundations for the later and longer runs. You should be going slow enough to chat comfortably to your mate as you go along. Don't be tempted to speed up at all until you have finished C25K at least. Good Luck !
Thanks everyone for all the support, it's a big relief to know I'm doing it properly
W6R2. Does it count? 
W7 R3 done. Speed up but still not enjoying
Does it count?
Proof that running hills improves your speed...
Do you use something to track your speed or distance?
