Upping the pace but running more slowly?! - Couch to 5K

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Upping the pace but running more slowly?!

SunnyMummy profile image
SunnyMummyGraduate
9 Replies

Hello all, I seek your great collective knowledge. Since graduating from the c25k plan a few weeks ago I have been doing 30 min or 5k runs - the two coincided shortly afterwards which I was very happy about. It's been a struggle getting out to run sInce the summer holidays began but I've managed a couple of PBs nonetheless. However, I properly tried the Stepping Stones podcast today to help stabilize my pace. (I did have it running on my last run but didn't stick rigidly to the pace as I was battling a sea breeze at the time & also wanted to make sure I ran 5k again even if it killed me). I did feel like I was picking the pace up yet I seemed to be consistently slower! I kept checking my phone, as I had Strava running, & thought it must have paused or lost signal or something! But no, the 30 minutes coincided with the podcast. Today I was running in a partly wooded park, no traffic or strong breeze, or any major inclines, & meant to be faster, but only covered 4.7km instead of my now usual 5.

So how does that work? I do feel maybe I was taking smaller strides in order to get my feet to keep to the beat, but I don't take massively long ones normally so surely that can't be it? So how did I seemingly run at a faster pace to my legs but not in terms of distance?!

Thanks in advance for your input 😉

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SunnyMummy profile image
SunnyMummy
Graduate
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9 Replies
SC1472 profile image
SC1472Graduate

I did stepping stones and found exactly the same - it was probably my slowest run as I think I was doing the same as you by taking smaller steps. Interestingly my run on Thursday was through the fields and woodland path but todays run was on tarmac and today I covered a greater distance but only did about 30 more steps so was obviously taking longer strides. I would think that I was probably more cautious taking smaller steps to avoid tree stumps etc on Thursday.

SunnyMummy profile image
SunnyMummyGraduate in reply to SC1472

Hmm I did enjoy the first half more because I've realised I'm happier running in a wooded area than an exposed (in every sense) seafront! But yes the downside is watching out for tree roots & sudden holes so maybe I was just inadvertently running more cautiously, but keeping to the beat with smaller steps. Have you tried any of the other post-grad podcasts?

SC1472 profile image
SC1472Graduate in reply to SunnyMummy

I'm doing a bridge to 10k at the moment (or 60 minutes running in my case). I'm on week 2 at the moment which is three 15 minute sessions running with a one minute walking interval. I don't run as fast as you but I covered 3.85miles (just over 6k) in the 47 minutes I was running-walking today. I'm quite enjoying the new challenge.

SunnyMummy profile image
SunnyMummyGraduate in reply to SC1472

That sounds great! Which programme is it, or is it just called 'bridge to 10k'? I started looking at a couple of apps but didn't like the voices - I got too used to Sarah Millican I think! 😂

SC1472 profile image
SC1472Graduate in reply to SunnyMummy

I'm using a free podcast - Blue fin I think. The music leaves a bit to be desired as it's repetitive but it gives a countdown every five minutes and then 2 minutes and one minute to the end of the run. I tend to block out the music by letting my mind wander but I do like the countdown so that I don't have to look at my watch.

O505k profile image
O505kGraduate

Strange when I use Stepping Stones I run just under 6 mins per km. the 3rd km is usually the fastest. So 5km in 30 mins.

SunnyMummy profile image
SunnyMummyGraduate in reply to O505k

Interesting. I've been doing 5:45 - 6ish mins/km recently in order to do the 5k in 30 mins (or just under) but today I was way over my 6 mpk target! I felt quite comfortable for the first half - much better than my last two runs - but do wonder now how much was to do with the change of route.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Trail / running in woods may be slower because as you say you need to watch where you feet are landing etc. BUT- running in woods and on trails is great for building core strength, which will ultimately aid your pace and stamina wherever you run.

SunnyMummy profile image
SunnyMummyGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

Aha, I like your answer there! I do just feel more relaxed running in wooded areas I have found, very recently, but the fear of ankle-twisting is definitely there at times. Think I'll aim for a bit of a mixture. Thanks for your comment!

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