Not progressing

[Lorainescottt]

I have worked really hard to try and progress running but still after 6 weeks have aching hips and legs I have only managed 5k in 42 minutes which is way over my target of 30 mins any advice welcome

[runningnearbeirut Graduate]

Is this 6 weeks of running after graduating from the C25K programme?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

If you are at week 6, why are you trying to run 5K ? As runningnearbeirut asks, have you completed the C25K programme and are these post graduate runs?

[Rignold]

You graduated 6 weeks ago and your goal is to get from 42 mins to 30 mins?

I would say two things: first focus on consolidating the distance/time first of all without worrying about speed. This will allow your joints and soft tissues to adapt and strengthen. If you skip this you may experience discomfort and injury (such as aching hips)

second: you do realise that you are aiming for an almost 50% increase in speed? That is a pretty considerable amount. It's not unattainable, by any means, but not going to happen overnight. Or in six weeks.

What strategy are you following at the moment? Intervals? are you dong strengthening exercises as well? Sounds like your hip flexors could do with some work.

[burrlu Graduate]

The aim of c25k is to run for 30 minutes. Not to run 5k in 30 minutes. Enjoy the running, enjoy how much your fitness has improved. Can you attend a local parkrun and measure your progress? Parkrun and joining a local running club and running with others are what improved my running but I still don't very often run 5k in 30 minutes. Time isn't what is important to me. I have made new friends, am much fitter and my mental health is much improved. Good luck!

[Redbillie21 Graduate]

Is your target 5k or 30 mins running? If you haven't graduated yet and are only on week 6 of the programme, why are you trying to do 5k? As everyone on here has already said, 5k isn't the goal, running for 30 mins is.

If you are 6 weeks post graduation, 30 mins running should still be your goal. The way I look at it, someone with long legs will get to 5k in a shorter time than someone with shorter legs; men will be able to run 5k quicker than women and someone who lives in a hilly area will take longer to run 5k.

Don't get hung up about distance 👍