Advice needed

[Alayneblue]

I am on week 8 of couch25k but although my speed is a very comfortable one for me to run distance I am nowhere near running 5k in 30 minutes. I'm not sure whether to continue at my pace and increase time running or increase speed. Any suggestions?

[Jayvid]

I posted something similar last week and got lots of lovely messages that its quite normal not to hit 30 minutes, which was very encouraging to know. 😁

[Hidden]

Morning Hun,

The name of the programme is quite misleading it’s aim is to get your running for 30 mins non stop not to actually run 5k in 30 mins. Only 10% if people who complete the programme can actually run 5k in 30 mins straight off. So don’t feel disappointed you’re doing fine speed and distance more often than not comes after you’ve completed all 9 weeks runs. X

[O505k Graduate]

Don't worry about your pace and distance. Concentrate on running 30 minutes non stop. Once you have completed the programme keep running 3 times a week for 30 minutes. When you are ready increase your time on one run to gradually get to 5K. The advice is to increase no more that 10% a week.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run... there is no need to reach 5K in 30 minutes... all you have to do is run the 30 minute runs...

Very, very, very few Graduates reach 5K in 30 minutes, and many of our most awesome friends on here have never done that.. but they do run Marathons

Speed and or distance may follow Graduation, if you wish it to... this is not a race..it is a fun programme to get you running well..

You are doing that..beautifully...you have reached Week 8 and found your own hap pace... that is just perfect

Well done!

[Longy51]

Just finished my second run. I can only aspire to your achievements!

[kickibro Graduate]

I am doing the plan for the 2nd time. I haven't run properly in a few months so I thought I'd redo it and start afresh. After 4 years of running consistently, I managed a Personal Best time of 29:37 so don't beat yourself up about not running 5k in 30 mins in just 8 weeks.

The goal is to be able to run 30 minutes without stopping. You've nearly completed the plan and so you are doing fabulously and getting fitter, which is surely the aim?

Enjoy the journey xxx

[Alayneblue in reply to kickibro]

It's so heartening to hear from folk like you. I am a slow runner but I do run and it's good to know that I'm not "below par" so to speak. Am thoroughly enjoying running and after replies I've had will just continue enjoying. Thanks for your comment.

[Alayneblue]

Thanks for all positive replies. Just what I needed. Wasn't sure how to proceed but got better idea now. Heartening to know I'm not the only one not doing 5k in 30 mins. One day, but for now enjoying the running.

[Widnesrunner]

I would suggest that distance is unimportant at this point. When you are running 30 mins consistently you will know how far you are going each time. When that becomes comfortable then you can work on your speed more.

[kickibro Graduate]

Once you've graduated, you will want a new challenge. You will become accustomed to having one! You can then set new goals. Have you joined parkrun yet? It's a weekly timed run, not a race, on a Saturday morning somewhere near you. You can, say, challenge yourself to overtake the lady in the green top, then the man in the blue, etc., until you finish. It's great!