W5R3

[ionas52]

Feeling very proud I completed my first long run last night! Had to take a few days off due to unforeseen illness but looking forward to week 6. Shin splints are gone but fnding it much more difficult to be motivated to go out running when it's dark and cold.

I have one concern - I didn't get out of breath during the 20 minute run and am worried I am going too slow. Should I try starting to run faster?

[misswobble Graduate]

No! Slow and steady. You have mentioned shin splints. In that case SLOW is definitely the way to go

You have to get stronger before you get faster and that takes time. Do too much too soon and shin splints could stop you in your tracks. It can get very serious so don't go there. Take your time. No rush at all.

Have fun!

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate]

I don't really think there is such a thing as to slow as couch to 5k isn't about pace, having said that it is good to challenge yourself, I am no expert but if you aren't out of breath in a 20 minute run it sounds like you could up your pace a little and still complete it ok?

[ejvcruns Graduate]

I'm not out of breath on my runs -- I breathe deeply and feel that I'm exercising, but I don't want to stop or bend over or throw up or feel my head or lungs exploding. They say you should run at a pace where you can keep up a conversation. I'm not there yet, but I could probably say a few words from time to time...

[Hidden]

Don’t fret, you’re doing fab, slow and steady is always the mantra. If you push too hard, you may not do the time. Controlled running is the key. I think at this stage the coaches start encouraging you to take sprints or increase the pace a little later on, so use that as your guide for speeding up. But with shin splints having been an issue, you are so much better off taking a nice steady pace. And we promise your pace does pick up, as your fitness does.

[rolysmate Graduate]

slow and steady further down the line when your legs have strengthened even more and running is becoming easier is the time to think about pace

[ionas52]

Thank you everybody for your help! I will continue at the same pace right now as I do have to concentrate on my foot placement a lot to stop the shin splints. Maybe will think more about increasing pace once I have completed the programme.