How far?!?!

[Runningbunny]

Quick question... i seem to be running less distance than i should be. I am following the programme and walking/running but i never manage more than 2.4 in a session. Is this a major issue?! I assume if i just keep going at a steady pace, i will eventually get to the 5k distance. Is this right?

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Don't worry about distance now. This programme is meant to get you running for 30 mins, which is an average time for 5k. At this stage you need to build stamina and endurance. Trying to go too fast could cause you to tire too early, or worse sustain an injury. If you get to 5k great. If not, then no big deal, it is something to aim for later.

We are all built different. No one size fits all programme could get everyone to 5k in 9 weeks. 😀

[Runningbunny in reply to Whatsapp]

This is good news! Once my leg musvles start reaping the benefots of the exercoses i have been alternating then maybe i will get up to 5k! Not a goal for me at this time though!

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

What stage of the programme are you at? It's absolutely not a problem that you're not running anywhere near 5k - the objective of the programme (despite the slightly confusing name) is to get you running for 30 minutes. For some people that will mean running for 5k but I think that, for the majority, 30 minutes of running after only 9 weeks on the programme will not take you to 5k. I graduated about six weeks ago. It still takes me 40+ minutes to run 5k. Don't worry about it. To me, it feels that I'm not running any faster but I clearly am. I've been ill this week and ended up mostly running my Parkrun this morning but with a bit of walking and my time was 5 seconds over my PB - so clearly I am gradually increasing my speed. Focus on getting to the end of week 9 and then worry about improving beyond that!

[Runningbunny in reply to RebeccaSK]

I have just completed week 2 run 3 so not that far in. I am really enjoying it despite the effort but mostly just enjoying 30 mins to myself doing somethin for myself! No kids/hubby to pester me whilst i am out!!!

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Runningbunny]

You're doing GREAT then. Truly, do not worry about the distance at the moment. Once you're starting to run more than you walk you will start to see the distance increasing but the worst thing you can do at the moment is to focus on the distance. Forget it - focus on the programme - the distance will come in time.

[dottiemay Graduate]

There is no 'should' anywhere in the programme, especially regarding distance. All that you need to concentrate on is running the time for the week that you are on at a comfortable and sustainable pace FOR YOU.

You are the only person you need to be concerned about, and running non-stop for 30 minutes is your only goal for now. Once you've achieved that, well, then the world is your lobster!!

[Runningbunny in reply to dottiemay]

I look like a lobster... especially after running!!!!!!!

[CookieM Graduate]

I'm currently repeating week 5 and not getting past 2.5km. It doesn't both me - when I graduated I wasn't getting past 4k in 30 mins. The distance will come - this is all about time and building up stamina. Stick with the program and just see what happens!