How do you set a pace?: I’m on week 5 and done... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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How do you set a pace?

Porke profile image
7 Replies

I’m on week 5 and done the first run of the week. I think I’m setting off to fast as I can’t get a solid run for any longer than 3 minutes from last week to this week as well. I feel like I’m letting myself down and I’m just looking for tips on how to set a steady pace and stick to it.

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Porke profile image
Porke
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7 Replies
Knittingrunner profile image
Knittingrunner

I think it’s about trying to find a pace that works for you maybe some music with a slower beat might help.

Porke profile image
Porke in reply to Knittingrunner

Thanks for that, any suggestions

steviej99 profile image
steviej99Graduate

Sounds like your going too fast. Focus on jogging not running, how slowly can you jog? That's how "slow" you should be starting. You can always up the pace of it's too easy. Remember you always feel strong at the start so the temptation to go fast is hard to resist. Keep it slow and steady and you'll kill it

tony_a profile image
tony_aGraduate

I was always hopeless at judging pace. There are almost certainly simpler and more cheaper ways but in the end I used a running watch that showed pace. I tracked some runs and worked out a pace that I could manage. Then kept checking my watch as I ran and slowed down if needed.

I’ve been running since January now and I am a much better judge of pace (it really is something you get better at) but I still check the watch from time to time.

Porke profile image
Porke in reply to tony_a

Thanks for that. I’ve got an Apple Watch so I’ll try and use that more when I’m running

John_W profile image
John_WGraduateAmbassador

Your pace should allow you to hold a conversational comfortably - so that your breathing isn't an issue and you're not really thinking about it.

In other words... S L O W D O W N :-)

Porke profile image
Porke

Took all the advice and done week 5 run 2 and I can say that it all worked out a lot better. Kept my pace down and kept going. Didn’t manage the whole 8 minutes but worked out better than the last time. Thanks for all the help guys. Getting there slowly but surely

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