Slightly perplexed....

[Pinguette]

For those who haven't read my posts before, I'm 57, several stones overweight still (tho lost 2st 2 so far), and am only 4ft 10 tall (so very diddy, chubby legs!). I've been doing the programme very slowly and intermittently due to injury since the beginning of October and just found myself facing Week 5, run 3, i.e. 20 minutes non-stop run. I decided to take someone's advice on the forum and slow my running down as much as possible to see if I could complete it. Well, the good news is that I smashed it as I actually ran for 31 minutes to finish the circuit and I felt fine doing it. But then I had the bright idea of fast-walking the same route to see how much quicker I was running it, and there was only about two minutes difference in the time So now I'm wondering if running that slow actually counts? The programme implies that by week 9, you should be doing a 5K in 30 minutes and I'd take twice that time at today's pace. I just can't decide if I feel proud I ran for 30 minutes, however slowly, or a bit depressed at just how incredibly slow I am......

[Hidden]

You should definitely feel proud !

The idea is just to get to running 30 minutes in the 9 weeks - don't worry about the distance for now, you can work on that after graduation if you want. There might not be much in the way of time difference between walking and running pace at the moment, but you are certainly using more energy by running and building up your muscle and joint strength more

[Qscout Graduate]

Feel proud ! you have ran for 30 minutes. Plus you have lost over 2 stone. Look at what your goal is. If it is to get off the couch and do some exercise, lose some weight then you are achieving that.

If it is to run at the olympics you have a little way to go but I am guessing that isnt on your list of goals.

Running that slow certainly counts. 31 minutes of any movement is way better than 31 minutes sitting still.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Yes! You should definitely feel proud! Very few people are running 5K in 30mins by the end of the programme! The true goal is to run for the magic 30 mins. Speed and strength will increase over time I promise. So, no more talk of depression, this is something you can celebrate! What I would say is be a little cautious at this stage of doing lots of extra time - there is a reason for the gradual increase in time, you don't want more injury! Good luck with the rest of the programme.👍

[AncientMum Graduate]

Definitely feel proud, feel very proud indeed

[Steve_L Graduate]

You SHOULD feel good about yourself. Get any concern about speed out of your head - that will come later. Virtually nobody is doing 5K in 30 minutes by week 9.

Double well done for running 50% longer that the plan calls for at this stage - it bodes very well for the future!

[poppypug Graduate]

Aw don't be perplexed or depressed Pingu, you are doing really well

I can only echo what the others have said , the people that can run 5k in 30 minutes upon Graduation are very , very few and far between.

You have ran for 30 minutes, that is a fantastic achievement in itself isn't it ? How many people do you know who can do that ?

Keep going , youre doing great , you really are and well done on the weight loss too !

Be very proud of yourself Missus and onwards, always ! xxx

[rmnsuk Graduate]

how many other people of 57 and several stones overweight do you know who can run for 30 minutes at any speed (except people on here)? Pat yourself on the back and continue to the next week. take a look at "parkrun" and go along one saturday to see if you'll like it, you don't have to run the first week of course.

[Coddfish Graduate]

I agree with what everyone else has said, that's a really good achievement. To be proud of.

There's no requirement to be able to run 5k in 30 minutes but couch to 30 minutes doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

The first time I ran 5k it took me over 43 minutes. After almost 11 months of running, my fastest 5k time is now 38 minutes and the fastest speed I can achieve over a short burst is about 9k per hour. So as a 58 year old with longer but still shortish legs (I am 5'4") and probably a slightly lower BMI (I remain a bit overweight). I am not anticipating doing 5k in 30 minutes any time soon, if ever. But I do expect to chip away at my best time and will probably get down to 35 minutes reasonably soon.

Age, gender, leg length and weight all play their part in determining how fast you will eventually be able to go - and whatever that is, it will eventually be faster than your fastest walking pace. For now, concentrate on duration and the health benefits that accrue from getting fitter. Stamina, resilience, strength, better sleeping, better mood. This is a great journey to be on, wherever it takes you.

[misswobble Graduate]

Walking and slow running is still a good calorie burner. It all counts towards your goal of slimming down and getting fit, neither of which happen overnight. You have to be in it for the long haul. Building up strength, fitness, stamina can be done gradually and your pace will pick up. It's still a worthwhile thing to be doing. What's the alternative?

☺

Celebrate your achievements!

[Pinguette Graduate]

Thanks everyone, you've made me feel a lot better. I guess I'll look on today's slow run as a base time so I can only get quicker!! On to week 6 with a smile on my face!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Yep definitely counts! The objective of the programme are to run for 30 minutes. Speed really does not matter - so give yourself a pat on the back. I would stick with the programme though and not overdo it too quickly.

Good luck!

[davelinks Graduate]

Well done! I like your enthusiasm, but, it doesn't mean you should be running to 5k in 30mins, only to run constantly for 30mins regardless of distance.

Be careful not to overdo it, as could cause injury..so best to stick rigidly to what Laura say's, the plans been designed by experts.. take care...😉

[Old_trout Graduate]

You should be BURSTING with pride!! Well done well done well done!