Distance question

[CT2017]

So having endured week 6 run 3 .,.what sort of distance should I be covering by now? I think I'm doing ok, but I'm not sure.

[sheps Graduate]

Distance doesn't matter. It's all about the time. Just follow what the programme says about the time, leave the distance until well after you graduate.

Well done on completing W6. Just three plan weeks to go. Enjoy your running and keep telling us about your achievements.

[houedic in reply to sheps]

Distance will come when your body is ready. Brilliant!

[Hidden]

It doesn't matter. You are running for 25 minutes; you are doing absolutely fine. Distance and speed can come post-graduation

[Cooper79 Graduate]

I know distance doesn't matter but I do still check it when I finish. I did w6r3 yesterday and did it on the pouring rain. I did 3.5k

[sheps Graduate in reply to Cooper79]

Yes, it is nice, and irresistable, to check if you have the technology. Just don't let it worry you.

[CT2017 Graduate in reply to Cooper79]

Aaah that's good I'm on track with you, I feel even better now.

[LeeU Graduate]

I know the program is called Couch to 5K but, all it guarantees you is that if you complete the program you will be able to run for 30 minutes.

Now, depending on the speed at which you can run at for 30 minutes may mean that you are hitting 3k, 4k or even 5k, the thing is, the program gives you the tools to continue running to achieve whatever goals you want, if that is 5k in 30 minutes and you are covering 4k then you need to work on your speed to be able to hit that target.

I understand that some people may feel a little cheated by this but ask yourself one question, before you started this, how far could you run and how long do you think it would take you to do 5k?

[CT2017 Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Hi Thank you, I know distance doesn't matter, and my health mental and physical has improved soooo much. But it helps measure progress, what can I achieve in my 25 minutes of shuffling around trying not to look like I need an ambulance any minute!

[LeeU Graduate in reply to CT2017]

For W5R3 I had a bed prepared in the local ICU, an ambulance on call and the undertaker on standby just in case.

I run on a treadmill and cover the time and distance display, I do look at the distance once I've done and mine has increased steadily with me hitting 4k on my last run.

[CT2017 Graduate in reply to LeeU]

That's so funny I nearly spat my coffee out! It's not only me then!

There's was a old lady going to the shops , when I was walking back today, I thought I might need to borrow her zimmer to get me back up the hill!

[LeeU Graduate in reply to CT2017]

No, it's not just you, keep in mind, everyone on the program, whether they've graduated or not, has done the same, they started from the same place and completed all the same runs. That's one of the reasons I like this forum so much.

[Cooper79 Graduate]

We're at the same stage so ill keep u posted on my progress

[icklegui Graduate]

to get to finishing week 6 is fab progress - and to feel your mental and physical health improve is brilliant

I don't think anyone at all can answer the question "how far should you be running by now" though. Everyone starts at different fitness, everyone's different heights and stride lengths, everyone's routes are different with inclines or totally flat or on the treadmill or in good weather or terrible. It also takes people different amounts of time to regulate pace to a sustainable one for each run.

... so I'm afraid I don't think you'll get your answer but I hope I've convinced you that maybe there isn't one!

Having said that, I started wondering how far *I* was running when it got to these weeks, so it's understandable to want to compare that to something. I had to talk myself out of that and now I just plan my route so I know where the hills are. I'll think about actual distance when I can do the 30 minutes. To run 25 minutes I can go faster, sustainably, than to run for 28 minutes so even comparing one week to the previous can be misleading!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi CT...it honestly does not matter about distance..what you ought to be concentrating on is being able to run for 30 mins...you can work on your distance/time etc after graduation...take your time & enjoy your journey 👍🏻

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You're doing great.

Don't compare, because that may make you insufferaby smug or inconsolably downhearted.