Graduated last week

[cathybeattie]

Encouraged by reading that I'm not alone in only managing just over 4K at week 9. I'm reckoning I'll need 40 mins to complete 5k which seems so...ooo slow. My two post graduate runs so far have been 35 mins ...first one 4.5 k and second one in the heat today 4.23. Will step up to 40 mins and hopefully 5k when I feel ready then hopefully my speed will increase eventually. Scared to do a park run yet in case I'm last 😀

[Jododds]

Hi Cathy,

I have done two runs so far and think you're a star for completing the whole course. WELL DONE! It's a great achievement.

I ran a park run last year. Do give it a try, it was brilliant and they couldn't have made it more fun. I was nearly last and got such a great round of applause for finishing. Only didn't go again as I managed to slip and break my arm cleaning my drive! Good luck with your running. Jo

[cathybeattie Graduate in reply to Jododds]

Thanks Jo for your words of encouragement. I maybe should try the park run to get the experience of running amongst others. Sorry to hear about your broken arm. So easily done isn't it?

Wishing you all the best with your running. It's a great sport.

Cathy

[Valcart Graduate in reply to cathybeattie]

I've only completed c25k in June and have run 5k which took just over 40 mins. Slow I know but I've never done running before this. I'm thrilled I can keep going for 40 mins. Over the last 3 weeks have managed 6k then 7k and now 8k. Still not faster but feel I'm developing stamina. Still to try a parkrun but maybe next week....

[cathybeattie Graduate in reply to Valcart]

That's great you're managing those distances. I'm hoping that my stamina will build up so I can keep increasing my time. The step up to 40 mins feels too much right now but maybe next week. I should also think about doing the park run soon. Was maybe going to go along to watch first to get a feel for it .

[Valcart Graduate in reply to cathybeattie]

I thought I might try the course out by myself a couple of days beforehand just to see how I do!

[Gabby08 Graduate]

Can you see your local parkrun results online? I checked to make sure I wasn't too far behind everyone else and was pleased to see plenty of times of 40+ and even 50+ minutes. I'd only run 5k a couple of times and it had taken me around 37mins but then did the Race for Life in under 33 on the same route as my local parkrun. There was something about the easier route and running with other people that made me faster - so I gave parkrun a go and was right in the middle of the pack. I reckon you'll be pleasantly surprised. Good luck!

[cathybeattie Graduate]

Hi, yes I've had a look and there are a few over 40 mins. I know I should go for it as I know I'll enjoy it. I think I'll pencil in the Saturday after next and that would give me quite a few more runs beforehand. Well done on your times. I know it's not all about the speed but there must be great satisfaction in seeing your times come down. My first target is a full 5 k and then trying to do it sub 40 mins. Thank you for your advice and encouragement. Cathy

[SueKen Graduate in reply to cathybeattie]

All I can say is Go For It. It's a really fun event (or at least all 3 I have run so far have been!). Even if you are last the tail walker will keep you company and you will have a time to work on improving.

[Gabby08 Graduate in reply to cathybeattie]

Thanks. I agree it's not all about speed but for me, it's about improving - I want to be fitter, stronger, faster, happier - and times and distances are one way I like to track those improvements. I find it motivating but I can also totally understand why some people just want to run freely.

It sounds like parkrun will be right up your street - go for it! 😀

[Hidden]

I finally did my first parkrun on Saturday nearly a year after finishing c25k as I was so nervous at being slow. I was 193rd out of 217 so nearly at the end and that was giving it my all and achieving a 36 .06. Personal best (though strava doesn't see it as 5k just 4.9). It was huge fun though and everyone was so friendly. There is a tail walker at the end so you would never be last! I was overtaken by people pushing double buggies but all speeds shapes sizes take part , lots of folks walk some of it, and I wish I had had the courage to go before! So go for it!