Is it about speed?

[Gemz33]

Im w7 r2. Im not reaching 5k im barely reaching 3k. So is it that my running is to slow?

[Little-runner Graduate]

Please don't worry about speed...I've just graduated and I am not running 5k in 30 minutes. The aim of the programme is to get you running for 30 minutes 3x per week, and that itself is a fantastic achievement to be proud of.

I think I read somewhere that something in the region of 90% of graduates don't achieve 5k initially.

Speed will come naturally with time, for not it's all about getting miles under your belt. Just enjoy the experience and think about all the other benefits that you are getting from running!

And most of all...enjoy it! Good luck x

[Gemz33 in reply to Little-runner]

Thank you, i am proud that iv made it this far, when i first started i couldnt even run for 20 seconds.

I was just a bit concerned about the distance and if i should have been doing it faster, but your comment has put my mind at rest.

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Gemz33]

Happy to help! And yes it's a great achievement to be proud of. x

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It’s about fitness and running for 30 minutes is running for 30 minutes. If it elevates the heart rate just the same distance isn’t important. Speed comes later if you really want it you can chase it, if not it will gradually come as you get fitter and it becomes easier.

[mrrun Graduate]

This has got nothing to do with speed, and speed is also very relative. What speed do you want to achieve? Olympic? 12 min world record? Speed of a male 54yr old ex smoker? Speed of sound?

Once you’re able to run 30 mins three times per week at whatever time (forget about speed, speed means fast) your mission is complete and you can move on to greater things.

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to mrrun]

😂 speed of light would be great!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Forget speed! I graduated in April and still over a minute of 30 mins for a 5k!

[Zutter Graduate]

I'm in my final week and bailed halfway through a run this morning for the first time since W1. I have a feeling that the distance tracker app I installed is actually slightly demoralising, as I'm still only hitting just under 4k. Honestly, don't worry about it. When I go out for the rerun, I'm ditching the distance app and just gonna go at my own pace. It makes me feel amazing when I've completed a run, so to hell with the speed for now. I'm sure it'll come in time.

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

I only started tracking distance post grad and I found that it can change your sense of achievement if you let it! Completing every run is well worth celebrating!! The rest will come naturally! Well done and keep doing what you’re doing! It’s working! ❤️

[pegasus2512 Graduate]

I’m at the exact same point mine w7r2 is tonight and I’m only reaching 2.7km so I’m just concentrating on non stop running part and hoping it will build the speed and distance come with time. I was getting worried however I just want to be able to run non stop

[davelinks Graduate]

No you're not too slow, see the link below which is essential reading for new runners..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Speed/distance has zero relevance at the moment. What is relevant is that you’re running for the allotted time for each run to build up strength and stamina. As others have said, the distance will build up gradually once you’ve graduated and you’re consistently running for 30 minutes.

I did my W7R2 this morning and covered 2.85k in 25 minutes. 🐌 but I was proud! 🏃‍♀️👍🏻

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Nothing to do with speed at all..this is about running for thirty minutes, comfortably in nine weeks, ( or longer if need be).

Relax. run and just enjoy