Want to run faster 😢

[GrannyO]

Well here I am with 4 more runs to graduation! It's unbelievable! Running for 28 minutes without stopping - yay 😊! Yes, from couch potato to runner in two months. BUT it's not enough! I set out on this programme because I wanted to get a bit fitter and build up more stamina. Running didn't really appeal, and I was worried about the negative effect on knees & hips. Read about C25K & thought I'd give it a go. Wow - it's transformative! W1 I'm thinking 60 seconds is hard how am I ever going to run for 30 minutes? By W4 I'm dreaming about my next run and impatient on rest days. I even keep running when MJ says it's time to stop. W7 I try to "pick up the pace" as MJ suggested. Oops! Nearly came unstuck with breathing ragged, leaden legs and heart popping at the end! Hmm... back to my slo-mo steady sustainable running 😡! So graduation is in sight, but I want to run faster, I want to run with style & grace, I want to run 5K in 30 minutes!! I want to do a park run (nearest is 90 minute drive plus ferry crossing!) Aargh! This is the transformative power of Running in general & Couch25k in particular! Are my aspirations possible? Who knows, but I'm going to give it my best shot! Newbies - you have been warned 😂!

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Well done. I took up C25k to give me something to d for 9 weeks as a change from my normal exercise regime. Months later I am still running, my daughters are running too and we have no plans to stop.

If you want to get faster - keep running. Run regularly, 3 times a week if you can manage it and you will get quicker.

I suggest post-graduation that you get into the routine of running 5k and measure your times rather than running for 30 minutes and measuring your distance. Start with a park run if you have one nearby.

[GrannyO Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks for this advice 😃- will do.

[Tasrunner Graduate]

I am hearing you. I just posted on this SLOW thing. I am w7r1 done and want to be faster...keep running and enjoy 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tasrunner]

Faster comes... later

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow down... yes I know you said you want to go faster..but slow down first.. The running muscles and the stamina and strength take a long time to build up..much longer than nine weeks!

The 5K will come... but you need to be running the 30 minutes injury free and comfortably..not with the .."leaden legs" etc etc etc

This is a great journey and it will get you to where you want to be... but slowly does it It is the way...

[GrannyO Graduate]

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I was overambitious in W7R2, but the last two runs have been fun & fine because they were slow & steady. Think the running faster will take a lot longer than the running further bit!

[runswithdogs Graduate]

You will get faster post graduation. The trick that helped me was running 5km twice a week, and throwing a fast 3km in once a week. Intervals, fartleks and the C25K+ podcasts - there's a whole world of possibilities if speed is your game. And it's FUN.

[GrannyO Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Thank you for this! Makes me feel that i will get faster and that my aspirations are maybe achievable

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to GrannyO]

Yep. You're just getting started 😀

[davelinks Graduate]

It will come, just keep running, try not to think about going faster for now, slow is good at the moment..

wow! That's a bit of travelling for Parkrun, where are you? But would be worth it, nice day out..😊

[GrannyO Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Nearest park run is Oban! Think my first target after graduation will be to run 5K very slowly 😂 and forget about time! Thanks for the advice.

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What a reply I love it!!! Well done 😃