Does distance matter?

[One_spot]

I just finished W1R3 but I have no idea how far I am running (slow jogging).

Do I need to work that out so I can see if I am building to 5k distance?

[Aml31]

I don’t think it matters. If you have done the walk and the run you’re sticking to the programme that’s ok. I listen to my body and do what I can. My jog seems to cover no greater distance than my run. But I’m running .

[One_spot in reply to Aml31]

Thanks it's good to have the feedback

[Pinkpig20 Graduate]

I think the further along the programme you are you build a bit more pace. I have been told it’s more important to complete each time without stopping rather than worry about pace.

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Well done on getting wk 1 u der your belt - thats fab🤗

Everyone is different - some pore over stats on pace distance times etc and some just love to run😊

In the early weeks all I was bothered about was lasting out the run times. Lol

I do tend to take a bit more notice of my stats now - however I'm a slow runner and ok with it - my aim is just to run a whole 5k however long it takes😊

Most phones have some form of app that log distance - or you can download one - I use mapmyrun but there are loads of others.

Just don't get hung up on the figures and worry about how you compare to others as we are all different.

Stick with the plan - take it slow and steady and enjoy it - good luck x

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

No it doesn’t matter at all One_spot! The priority of the programme is to get you running 3 times a week for 30 minutes - about 10% of people achieve the full 5k in that time, the rest of us don’t. I’m one! 🙋‍♀️

I’m 2 weeks post-grad and can run 5k but in over 40 minutes! I’m working on bringing the time down! 😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it explains that the majority of C25K graduates do not hit 5k in 30 minutes at graduation, so don't worry about distance, just build duration and stamina.

[One_spot in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks Iannoda I'll read the link and great to have the positive feedback.

[ArthurJG Graduate]

It’s a matter of individual preference whether to measure distance or not but if you do, it’s just for interest, it’s not important for the programme.

The programme is based on the TIME you run and you graduate in week 9 when you can run 30 minutes. Speed and distance don’t come into it - yet. When you have completed the programme and have developed the capacity to run for 30 minutes on a regular basis, then you will be in a good position to work on longer distances or faster speeds (but not both at the same time!)

Most people here do get to 5k in due course but often only some weeks AFTER graduation and usually in a time rather more than 30 minutes. Everyone is an individual: I liked knowing how far I had run but if you think you’ll fret if you’re not doing the distances yet, then just don’t measure them - it’s the total running time that matters at this stage, not the speed and not the distance.

[sallenson Graduate]

No

It's all about building up duration. Everything else can wait...

[Olney Graduate]

Hi 😄 I got myself really down at around wk 7 because I was pushing too hard to increase my distance. I posted and received lots of encouraging replies telling me that distance and speed don’t matter. I relaxed and started to enjoy my running. Completing the runs in the programme build up your fitness and I think that is what we are all aiming for. I had never run before and can now do 5k, if you’d told me that when I started I wouldn’t have believed you. Follow the programme, there will be ups and down but be proud of achieving each week. Well done for taking on the challenge 👍🏻