For all you slow runners out there....

[rr76]

I've just read a few posts about people worrying that they are running too slowly. So I thought I'd share my experience - I've just run my first 5k race today. It was a beautiful day and I tried not to feel too intimidated by all the superfit people in their shiny running gear. I was persuaded (ie bullied) into entering with my experienced runner friend, who said she'd run with me, which she did. Now I'm slow, so for her running with me probably felt like one step up from jogging on the spot. The only people I didnt beat were the ones walking. I got lapped by people doing the 10k run. But I did it, in a grand total of 43 minutes, and the thing that I'm most proud of is that I didnt walk a step of the way. I never thought I'd run 5k, not before I graduated and, if I'm honest, not after I graduated either. But I did.

So it doesnt matter if youre fast or slow, 2k, 5k, 10k or more - what matters most is that you keep on running.

[JuliaM72 Graduate]

That's a great post and very true. Well done to you for completing the whole 5k without walking. It's a great achievement. Keep it up you'll get to under 30 before you know it

[rr76 Graduate in reply to JuliaM72]

I hope I'll get faster Julia - just feeling enthusiastic about getting out there again. Congratulations on your graduation!

[old_git Graduate]

Well said RR! Congratulations to you.

[rr76 Graduate in reply to old_git]

Thank you old git (great name by the way)! Onwards and upwards.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Very true. Whichever way you're running, it's a great thing. Congrats on your first race. Did you enjoy the racing atmosphere?

[rr76 Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Yes I did enjoy the racing atmosphere - it's nice to see how encouraging runners are of each other, whatever their abilities.

[Sharonb9999 Graduate]

Well done you from a fellow slow runner. I started C25K almost a year ago and I'm still plodding but I can now run further at steady pace without feeling like my lungs will explode at the end of it. I've realised speed & me don't go but being out there is still a great feeling

[Parky-Park Graduate]

Very well said! We should enjoy our running and feel a sense of pride however we do it!

[poppypug Graduate]

Hey Welcome back Doc ! I remember you from last year , good to hear from you again xxx

Fab post , I agree totally . I am slower than slow , but it's just a brilliant feeling getting out there and running for the love of it xxx

[rr76 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

It's good to be back Poppypug!

[smac88]

Well done! That's exactly the time I did for mine in January and am now about to go and take part in a 10 mile race. Also all the training has got my best 5k to 31 minutes and 10k to 1hr 3mins. Slow and steady is just as good as fast in my opinion

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great post rr and so true. Unless you're an elite athlete, time is immaterial because you know you're beating everyone who can't be bothered to get off the couch. Very well done

[rr76 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thats a great attitude to have AM. Feels so much better to be at the 5k end rather than the couch end of couch 2 5k!

[lou-34 Graduate]

Great post and well done for completing a 5k. I am also a really slow runner and I've signed up for a 5k in July. I don't care how long it takes to complete, like you I just want to run the full 5k. 😊

[Wonkyknee Graduate]

Feels fabulous doesn't it! Did a parkrun yesterday with 42 couch 2 5kers doing their v first 5k.some powered past me others were really slow but each and every one had a gorgeous smile finishing the line regardless of time,it's just the getting out there and doing it that is the accomplishment in itself....very well done again

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Very well said and well done. It's true. If you get the pace right, you could run on and on and on!!! Hope you enjoyed the race and the atmosphere. I'm doing a chocolate 5k next week!!!

[rr76 Graduate in reply to Toonlou24]

It was the hot chocolate 5k I did yesterday (at Eton Dorney)! Nothing tastes better than the hot chocolate when you finish.

[Hesky]

Well done... Press forward & you will speed up!

[rr76 Graduate in reply to Hesky]

I hope so! At the moment I'm one step up from pressing rewind!

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Great post. Well done on your race.

[rr76 Graduate in reply to GettingFitter]

Thank you - hopefully it will be the first of many!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Great post and great time. I plod with pride. I tried the lets go as fast as I can and realised even at my flat out I am still slow so I bit the bullet and said I want to run more than anything so why would I let my speed get in the way. Three weeks today I am doing my first HM and I have built up my distances slowly and my long runs are really long because of my speed. I hope to complete in 3 hr to 3hr 15. Happy running.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Are you following some plan?? I know that you are doing run/walk ( as I would for a HM )

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

I am doing the Asics normal HM plan but 2:1 intervals. After the HM I will work on longer run sections but I am so happy at 2:1. I have got up at the 17km on the plan and I can manage that, that takes me 2:37. By the way thank you for all the information you first put up on run walk as I was foundering until I "allowed" myself to run/walk.

[rr76 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Good luck with the HM Rfc and thank you for your lovely comments. I'm sure that your training will pay off and you'll storm home in 3 hours!

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Well done and great post.

[rr76 Graduate in reply to Dunder2004]

Thanks!

[nrg_girl Graduate]

Congrats! I graduated a year ago, planning first 5k race in June. I'm slow, but still running 3 time a week, which I consider the best victory. I love how I feel after a run, so not too bothered by how far I go. Good luck !

[rr76 Graduate in reply to nrg_girl]

Absolutely - getting out there 3 times a week is a great achievement. I always think the post run buzz is the best feeling too.

[AllieG Graduate]

Oh! How true. I've given up using MapmyRun, I have a Garmin I've never used (although I will in the future but not yet) and the only times I take notice of are Parkrun when I just love seeing a few seconds get knocked off here and there. But I love my seafront and park gambols with music or a talking book

[rr76 Graduate in reply to AllieG]

I know what you mean - sometimes my runs are just about time alone enjoying the tunes I would never admit to liking in public (i.e. my essential running playlist)!

[AllieG Graduate in reply to rr76]

Oh yes! The embarrassment of the runners secret playlist! Ha haaa. (There is NO 1Direction. Honest...)

[rr76 Graduate in reply to AllieG]

Its just coincidence that 1Direction songs are the perfect tempo to run to then?

[poppypug Graduate in reply to rr76]

Ha ha ! Ive got 3 of theirs on mine xxx