Slow...slow....s l o w e r.

[pampaddy]

I know it's not about speed but really!? If I go any slower it WILL be a walk. Just checked my average speed and it's roughly 10 mins to do 1k. (told you I was slow)Which means I will never do 5k in 30mins. I've tried speeding up but that means I have to stop and walk. So...am I better just plodding along and covering the distance without stopping or trying to speed up and take more walking breaks? Any advice greatly appreciated x

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Did you finish the program? I see a graduate badge.

It doesn't matter. Which do you prefer? I don't mind run-walks personally, often they are quicker than my all-running times.

If you're a graduate, you could also keep a couple of your runs just as they are, and add one speed session in a week. Either the c25k+ podcasts, or fartleks (my favorite).

But if you're happy running as you are don't worry about it. It really doesn't matter how fast you go. It's more important to enjoy it, and keep the habit up. It's all about you. Running faster doesn't have to be a goal of yours.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

I agree with Runswithdogs. Take it at your own pace. You could experiment with run/walk or just accept that you are no Speedy Gonzales!

The important thing is that you are out there, keeping fit and running your own way.

[Lizzyb11066]

I've never run quicker than 10.30, so I'm with you. I do have a lot of weight to lose though, so maybe I'll get quicker as I get lighter? I don't think so, somehow.

[pampaddy Graduate in reply to Lizzyb11066]

Oh I know that feeling! I'm a good 2 stone over ideal weight and not lost an ounce through all this running but I have changed shape and feel fitter and more toned. I think plodding is the new running lol😊

[PippiRuns in reply to pampaddy]

I was 13 kg (around 2 stone) over my ideal weight when I graduated in May, and recently decided to start slimming down to my ideal weight because I want to run faster and be more comfortable when I run! Would have never thought that running could be part of my motivation to do anything... But I really think it will make a huge difference that I don't have to carry around all that excess weight. However, I haven't gotten any faster (or comfortable) yet (I've been dieting for 2½ weeks and lost 2½ kg). I still run 1k in 7.5-8.5 minutes.

I have no or very little experience, but the wiser ones on this forum say that intervals are the way to improve speed, so perhaps try the "speed" podcast once a week or find a different interval training regime.

But plodding isn't that bad is it? I enjoy it, really. I would just like to also fly once in a while...

[Hidden]

D'you know what? If I were you I'd leave your timing device at home and switch off the bit of your brain that is niggling about time. Who are you competing against? There will always be folks that run faster. I know I can't compete against people half my age and that's ok. I run for me, not for them. And in any case, I run more elegantly than they do !!

[Noaky12 Graduate]

I'll never ever do 5k in 30 mins (unless I get a lift!) Run at your own pace, enjoy your running & slowly but surely you'll notice an improvement in your speed.

But it depends on whats important to you. If you're not worried about pace in particular then just keep doing what you're doing. ☺

[sparky66 Graduate]

Hi pampaddy.. I also graduated with a ten min a k time.. that was just 3 weeks ago.. my graduation run was 5k which took 50minutes..I've since ran 3 times a week..do two 3ks and a 5k... I also want my pace to improve.. and just this week have seen an improvement of roughly a min on each k.. So in my case I think its just a matter of time and pushing a bit faster as your body allows.. don't know how long ago you graduated but hopefully it just comes naturally..

Good luck..

Ps I am just about to turn 50 so I'm just amazed to be managing atall really..lol.. fit for 50

[dddd4 Graduate]

Dont worry about speed. If any one asks you about your running you can say Oh I run for around half an hour a night. That makes it sound very impressive

If they ask how fast just say I don't know I'm more long distance than sprinter. Just think before this programme if anyone told you that they ran for 30 mins at a time you would have been very impressed!

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

I don't think it matters at all. Just keep running. My take on it is that our bodies are slowly but surely getting stronger and I'd give it a year after graduating to really grow your running legs and get a bit fitter. Only then would I really get serious about increasing my speed. Increase the duration of one of your runs gradually till you are running 5k maybe. That will give you a sense of progress and achievement.

[Lornia Graduate]

For me, I think speed will come gradually as I get more used to running. I have no idea how long it takes me to do 1k and I don't really care. Nine weeks ago I could not run the length of myself, now I run for 30 mins. That's good enough for me 😀 Just keep doing what you are doing and be proud of your achievement.

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

Everyone is right :-). Just keep running three times a week and speed and distance will just happen without even thinking about it.

It took me 2 years to reach the 30 min 5k (well 30 min 48 seconds..). I've recently discovered Parkrun and that helps - in fact it's only there that I've managed such super speed!

You're doing just fab, keep it up 😀 🏃 xx