How do I get faster πŸƒπŸƒπŸƒ: I have looked at... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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How do I get faster πŸƒπŸƒπŸƒ

HappyRunner profile image
HappyRunnerGraduate
β€’8 Replies

I have looked at various posts and tips on how to speed up. I read that increasing your running distance could help your 5k time so I have increased my distance to 10k. I also read that doing interval running could also help so I am doing the 5k+ speed one. However it doesn't seem to work. I am as slow as hell and I am not sure if this will just increase over time or if I should be doing something else. Any advise would be welcomed 😁😁

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HappyRunner profile image
HappyRunner
Graduate
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8 Replies
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misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Go easy! Progress slowly to avoid injury. You have to build up your body so it's strong enough to support your running. We are judged to be "beginner" runners for 18 months to 2 years. Like most things, practice makes perfect. Just stick with it. Do some slow running, which helps build leg strength, the c25+ podcasts, some quick short dashes, eg Lampost to lamp post etc, cross training by walking, swimming, cycling, home or gym based strengthening exercises are all good aids to improving your running ☺

Just take care as it's so easy to do too much and get hurt

HappyRunner profile image
HappyRunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply tomisswobble

Thank you misswobble (love the name!). I didn't realise that 18 months to 2 years you are still effectively a beginner and was expecting to be zooming around like a Ferrari in a couple of months. Will take your advice on board and take things a bit slower πŸ˜πŸ‘

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduateβ€’ in reply toHappyRunner

It's the leg strengthening that takes time. You can run every other day, and if you take care, can remain injury free while you perfect your skill. I run the Stepping Stones podcasts til I got them off pat, and I run most of my runs using the Sami Murphy Bridge to 10k podcasts ☺ You can become a a Park runner where you can practice upping your speed if you wish.

Keeping your running fresh by varying your routes is a good idea ☺ Most of all have fun ☺

HappyRunner profile image
HappyRunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply tomisswobble

Thank you for your wisdom. Your advice is really good πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ˜πŸ˜

Jmiss profile image
JmissGraduateβ€’ in reply toHappyRunner

What a relief to know I have up to another 18 months to call myself a beginner.. so my aim now is to be a runner before I reach 60.

HappyRunner profile image
HappyRunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply toJmiss

I know what you mean. It kind of took the pressure off a bit and re-emphasised the need to go slow and steady. Have just registered for parkrun. Scared and excited here's hoping I don't come last . Thanks misswobble 😘

boptillyoudrop49 profile image
boptillyoudrop49Graduate

Just give it a bit more time

HappyRunner profile image
HappyRunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply toboptillyoudrop49

Thank you. Will do. 😊

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