Slow running

[HS1965]

Hi

I’m 53 years old never done exercise before

I have just finished week 6 run 3 and although I completed it and am very pleased with myself I am not a fast runner

Is this ok - running it at a slower pace And is anyone else like this

Thanks Tracy

Us

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It’s actually perfect for your development into distance running. Slow running builds the right muscle fibres and your fitness much quicker than fast running. Great job getting through the six weeks, you got this.

If you want to work on pace, first complete this and consolidate on what you have achieved and then vary the runs up and go longer once a week. Until then, just have fun doing what you’re doing, changing your life.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan explains the recommended pace healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which is one at which you can hold a clear ungasping conversation as you run.

That pace is different for each runner. The graduation requirement is that you complete three thirty minute runs. If you look at this recent poll healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... you will see that only 13% of graduates run a sub 30 minute 5k at graduation

We spend most of our time telling people to slow down. Congratulations, you are doing it already.

Enjoy your journey.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Yes HS, slow running is amazing! I’m a year older than you, graduated C25K in August and have totally embraced slow running. My 5k PB is 37.05 at Parkrun, but I’m content with anything under 40 minutes and perfectly fine if it sneaks over! 🐌🐌

My only 10k was 1hr 26! I’m heading there again and it might be a tad quicker, but really I love running for fun. I don’t get out of breath and I recover within seconds. It’s my favourite way of running. With a very few exceptions, I enjoy every moment of every run. ❤️🏃‍♀️

So grab a snail and enjoy yourself at your happy pace. 😀

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Slow running is fine. And it’s an important skill if you carry on tonrun longer distances after.

[MutleyShuffle Graduate]

Slow is good so well done HS! I went a bit too fast when I started C25K and got various niggles along the way - knees, ankle, shins - but if you go slow and steady hopefully you will avoid all that. Once you have graduated you can work on speed if you want to, but most people say their speed gradually increases as they add distance. Enjoy your gentle jogs! 😊

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

Slow is beautiful🐌! As a 66 year old new starter in May I don't really have a lot of choice anyway! I think the important thing for now is to run for the required time. Forget about speed or the distance you are covering. In time you will naturally speed up and cover greater distances as your legs heart and lungs become stronger and fitter. I have found long and therefore slowish runs the way to go; never going to be a sprinter now!! But there is so much lovely countryside out there to enjoy as you jog along. I found leg strengthening exercises on the non rundays helped. When you finish C25k mix it up a bit with some shorter runs, a 5k and then maybe a longer run each week, perhaps moving on to the magic 10k plan (sounds a long way but I am up to 9k so honestly, anyone can). All that is in the future; for now...think 🐌🐌🐌🐌 and be happy with what you are doing.

[Natzeh]

It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you run. What’s important is that you’re out there getting healthier and not injuring yourself.

Well done 👍🏼

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Natzeh]

Yep. 👍

[misswobble Graduate]

It’s best! Slow runs and rest days build running legs. You are far less likely to hurt yourself too When you run slower you can run further and so you get a bigger calories burn, wjich is handy if you want to lose some weight

I always describe slow running as “delicious”. As you get fitter the running becomes easier so long, slow runs are a real pleasure. Find some lovely routes and have fun

C25k first though but slow and steady is perfect 👌👍

[HS1965]

Thank you everyone for your comments, I cant actually believe I enjoy it

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to HS1965]

It’s wonderful, you’re guaranteed to get totally hooked - like all of us bonkers lot! 😅

[Hidden]

If that photo was taken on your run then you don't want to speed past a view like that. Enjoy the run. Enjoy the sights. That's all that matters.

[Katnap Graduate]

Only 1/3rd of the programme to go!

Stay slow and steady and the remaining runs will fly by. If that makes sense! 😸

🎅Xmas Katnap 🎅