Learning to not run 5k

[E27M14]

One thing I am finding hard after graduating is doing shorter runs. I have it in my head that I must run at least 5k every time. Today was hot (19 degrees C) and I was later home from work than I had planned.... but I want to do ParkRun on Saturday so that means I can’t run Friday evening, so if I didn’t go today then I won’t get two runs in before then..... Anyway, I was really good and did 4K then came home. I feel proud that I managed 4K to be honest, but also a little dissatisfied that I didn’t do 5 😂

I passed a lady in the park just as I was about to start running, and as she went passed I heard Jo Wiley tell her she could walk, and her little boy on a scooter asked “are we asking again now?” I passed her again later (we went in opposite directions around a very similar loop!) and she was still going strong. So if you are reading this, well done to the lady running around the North Swindon cycles tracks. You are doing a great job and I hope you are enjoying the journey as much as I am.

[Johnnylewis Graduate]

It's OK not to run 5k. I was in your position and took me a while to figure it out. The shorter runs (even doing them slowly) can do you more good than just going for 5k. Mix it up. Alot of people do 1 5k, 1 shorter run and a longer run, miby pushing towards their 10k goal. Go over to bridge to 10k. Have a look at Ju Ju plan and you will see alot of her runs or 5k or below.

The important thing is we go out and do it and enjoy it. Keep running and whatever you do is better than not doing anything at all.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I wonder if that lady you saw is running a week of C25K, whenever I am out a walk or running, if I see a runner walking then running I sort of assume they may be on done sort of training course rather than someone continuously running.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job... If I’m running parkrun I like to get my long run or tempo in Monday/Tuesday, then a short recovery run to keep the legs ready, but leave plenty in the tank for that parkrun. I’m following a 5k race plan and it’s quite amazing how seldom it gives me a 5k run... some weeks if I go to parkrun I’ll be running only some of it, then a nice walk to the finish.

[Dralimc Graduate]

Interesting.... it’s a quiet time of year for me at work, which is how I find time to browse the forum again.

I’ve just got back up to 5k, and have decided to do 5k, 4K and 2K as my 3 weekly runs. 2K today was literally all I could fit in but focused on speed and knocked a minute off my km. I find it takes the pressure off to mix it up....