Will I manage 5k in 30 mins??!

[RunSamRun]

I've just finished week 6, run 3 & I'm really amazed & proud that I've managed to run, non stop, for 25 mins. However, given the distance I covered I feel a bit despondent that I'll be able to cover 5k in 30 minutes. Week 7 is 3 x 25 min runs so I'm hoping the distance I cover will start to increase. Is this the experience of others at this stage? Thanks

[RunMitchRun]

Dont feel sad RunSamRun! You are doing an amazing job - focus on doing the runs, don't worry about the distances - that will come as you build your stamina and speed. Great job!

[Beccym Graduate]

The 5k is a bit of a lie for most of us after nine weeks. The main thing is to be able to run for 30 min without stopping. Pace comes with time and is something that you should not worry about. You may never do a 30 min 5k but did you think you would be able to run 30 minutes without stopping?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run.. 30 minutes is all you need.. distance is not an issue.

There are so many posts about this... the name C25K is an oxymoron.. it is catchy... and that is why it was chosen

This is taken from our post for Newbies;

"The NHS and One You C25k programme is a training plan for absolute beginners, or those who have not run for many years. Its aim is to get you running for 30 minutes non stop, which for some will be 5K, using a programme structured over nine weeks and working out, ideally, three times per week. Don’t worry, you are in control of your progress and many do not hit 5K in 30 minutes at graduation and many take longer than the nine weeks to complete, but they have transformed their lives and their future health prospects. You start with walking and slowly build up, so don’t be put off. The plan is duration based and never asks you to run any specific distance or pace…….you are in control."

Many, many of our most awesome runners on these forums, have never run 5K in 30 minutes... but they run Marathons, Triathlons and more... I have... when I graduated, but only because I though it was compulsory, I have never run 5K in 30 minutes since Graduation in 2015.

You are doing incredibly... keep it steady and keep it slow. relax and enjoy these longer runs and just let the distance evolve...

[damienair Graduate]

It’s all about running for 30 minutes 3 times a week. I was a C25K graduate for almost 2 years before I could consistently run a 30 min 5K. And even at that it was after interval training.

Enjoy running at your own pace. Enjoy running for 30 mins. Enjoy running 5K no matter how long it takes. Well done on your progress so far.

Damien

[Myzinnyboy Graduate]

I don’t think I ever will do it, not unless I can leave this excess baggage somewhere! I’ll be happy to reach 30 minutes without stopping!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you look at this poll of graduates you can see the sort of distances covered at graduation healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Only a very small proportion manage 5k in 30minutes by graduation.

Don't try to up your pace.........it will come in time.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

C25K should really be called Learn to run for 30 minutes, but they went with the sexier title! Some people (younger and generally fitter) can graduate with a 5k in 30, some more on their pace after consolidation. I’m a slow runner (Japanese slow jogging technique) and so it took me 45 minutes to run my first 5k, but it can take me closer to 50 minutes if inclines are involved! I added 5 mins to one run every week or two (after 6 weeks of consolidation) to get there. And Laura does a post c25k podcast that works on pace. So don’t worry! You can choose what to work on later.

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

Loved that “Learn to run for 30 minutes”. So true. C230 perhaps?

[Jazio Graduate]

I graduated at the start of May and in my consolidation runs do not do 5k in 30 mins.... some days I run for 30 mins (4 to 4.5K) and some days I run 5K.... my 5k takes between 35 and 38 mins depending on the route and weather ..... dont worry just go out and enjoy