How long???

[Lesglover]

Completed Week 9 Run 3 a couple of weeks ago. Still only able to run 3.86k in 30mins. How long did it take everyone else to complete the 5k?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Many people haven't..ever...and don't ever do 5K...'cos it is about Stamina and not distance really.

Bit confusing eh? The title of the programme leads you into that mind set; but the important bit, is running for thirty mins in your ninth week.( Comfortably). Which you have done..hooray!

So don't worry..if you are going to continue running, as you are, there are lots of ways to increase speed and distance..if you wish to, slowly and easily..

C25K+ podcasts.. Strides, all sorts of different things.. lots of people will advise...I used the podcasts and now I mix match, do long runs, short runs..3, 5 or 7 or 8 K...however I feel.

I Graduated at Christmas doing 5K... because, l thought I had to!!! Duh! Now I run as far or as short a distance as I wish. Am just up to nearly 9 K.. as from Sunday!

[timbradley Graduate]

I'm on W8R1, but the other day I ran a 5k in 34 minutes. Originally I had dreams of running 5k in under 30 minutes, but realistically I'd be happy with anything under 33. I don't think we should get too hung up on times. The C25K is intended to us fit, and then I guess you can concentrate on either running further, or faster. The main thing is you're getting 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week. Keep it up!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Doesn't really matter as the others say. I've never yet managed 5k in 30 minutes but run 4.5 to 5.5k all the time - just takes me a bit longer. You will build stamina so gradually pick up speed and run for longer - just increase gently. Everyone does it at their own pace.

[90ldfinch Graduate]

As said, it doesn't matter. I can do 5k, but the time ranges from 34-41 mins depending on terrain, mood etc.

I only graduated this weekend, but my plan is to just keep "running" 5k's for a month or two, just to develop my fitness levels.

After that, I intend to gradually increase my distance. To get faster will either come naturally, or I'll maybe do some interval training.

I prefer to just get out and enjoy running, rather than trying to push myself towards injury.

[ladyharvills Graduate]

I graduated 9 weeks ago and do Parkrun every Saturday. I set a pb for 5K last week at 31.30 minutes.

[sarah469 Graduate in reply to ladyharvills]

Snap on the PB! Mine is 31.28, also at parkrun.

I graduated 10 months ago and I still haven't done 5K in 30 minutes! It was my first goal after graduating and I thought I would get there quite quickly if I'm honest. If I had stuck to 3x5K a week maybe I would have got there by now, but I am still running (twice a week, with a few bare spots here and there) and I am not there yet, but that's OK. I am however doing a 10K in July!