30 mins but still shy of 3k

[bairnbroon]

I think I’m the slowest runner in the world. I ran for 35 minutes today and was still just short of 3k. I’ve signed up to do a 5k for Movember but know it’ll take around an hour. Does anyone, or did anyone, find themselves going at a comfortable snail’s pace? Will I get quicker as I run more often? I should have a couch to 3k app!! X

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

You sound like you are graduating around the same pace as I did. Don’t worry about it. There will be others that will be going the same pace at your event. We all think no one is slower but I have met many people who are the same pace as me at the back of the pack. Charity events have a lovely atmosphere to them as well so you will enjoy your event just do what you can and if you are not ready to run a full 5km by your event then walk a little at the end, you will still have fun and raise money for a good cause. The most important thing on The day is to enjoy it. As time goes on you will change pace but in your own time.

[Jayjay79 Graduate]

Well done on running for 35 minutes. I do belive that this program is designed to build stamina and the speed will come over time. I have notice my times have vastly improved over the last 3 weeks of the program. Good luck on your 5k who cares how long it takes just enjoy.

[ArthurJG Graduate]

You might get quicker as you run more often but your immediate concern seems to be covering 5k in November and that doesn't have a time limit, right? So concentrate on increasing your distance meantime. There's a ten percent rule for how much it's safe to increase your distance each week - your longest run and your total weekly distance should each increase by no more than ten percent of your weekly distance. Applied to your case that suggests that if you keep two runs per week at 3k, you can increase the third one by 0.9 k (maximum - can be less but not more). Even if you increased your long run by just half a kilometre you'd be at 5k in four weeks (and if not, as others have said, you can run most of it and walk the last bit if you need to, so no pressure). But if you are aiming to increase distance, forget about increasing speed for now. One thing at a time - you can switch to focussing on speed later if you want to.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job going to 35. Go have fun at that 5k, that’s what it’s all about. You should get quicker by extending a run in the first place, and doing short fast ones alongside that... but all that really matters is that you’re running.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

You’re doing totally fine. You’re running for 30 minutes plus, and that’s fabulous. Each run you do builds your strength and stamina and your running legs are developing all the time.

I’m personally never going to be fast, but I’ve lopped about 7 minutes off my 5k time since graduation, simply by running 3 times per week. You will cover more distance over time, but there’s no hurry.

As for your 5k, run what you can, walk the rest. No pressure.

Above all, you’re doing brilliantly, so be proud of yourself and have fun! 😀👍💪👏

[bairnbroon]

Thank you folks, your responses are really reassuring. I kept slowing down in the first couple of weeks until I was comfortable and never ramped it up and I think that’s what kept me going. I’m not stressing about the 5k now given your comments about it being fun, a good atmosphere, no time limit and the ten per cent rule which was new to me. 😁😁

[Languid_Lil Graduate]

Another snail responds... as everyone has said, you're doing brilliantly. Just keep going and build up your stamina and I'm sure you will increase your speed - I did! My first 5k took me 54 minutes if I recall correctly, and my fastest Parkrun just under 45 minutes, about 5 weeks later. I'm determined to get faster over time but there's no rush.

[Sonzi Graduate]

Everyone has different length legs!! Mine are short so I take longer.

Don’t worry about distance, just the time you can run for.

[Garden17]

I doing that in Brighton I not that quick but I don’t care as long as I take part

[hobsonr]

don't give up, it's not about speed at this moment but doing the distance. Speed will come later believe me. I now run 30 min 5k's on a lunch time 4 times a week. Keep going and good luck.